Top 5 Home Appliances That Often Break

Home Appliances That Often Break: How to Extend Their Lifespan

We’ve all been there—just when you think you’re in control of your household, something crucial stops working. It could be your refrigerator groaning under the pressure of keeping everything cold, or your dishwasher suddenly refusing to clean the dishes. Home appliances are a vital part of daily life, but they’re not invincible. Despite the hefty price tags we pay, appliances often break down faster than we’d like to admit.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the most common home appliances that often break down and share some personal tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years to extend their life. Because let’s face it—nothing’s more frustrating than dealing with a broken refrigerator or washer when you need them the most!

The Appliances Most Likely to Break: What You Need to Know

Whether you’ve been living in your home for years or just moved in, it’s essential to know which appliances require the most care. From refrigerators to garbage disposals, here’s a rundown of the machines that break down the most often and how you can stay ahead of the repair bills.

1. Refrigerators: The Heart of the Kitchen

I remember it like it was yesterday—summer 2020, the heatwave had hit full force, and my refrigerator decided to give up. If you’ve ever had your fridge break down, you know how stressful it is to watch all your food go to waste. Refrigerators, especially older models, tend to last around 10 years before the compressor—its heart—starts to fail.

How to Extend Its Life:

• Keep it clean: Regularly clean the condenser coils on the back or bottom of your fridge to prevent overheating.
• Avoid overloading it: I know the temptation is real, especially after a big grocery run, but stuffing your fridge to the brim puts extra strain on the compressor.

According to a study by the National Association of Home Builders, refrigerators are one of the top appliances to break, with an average repair cost of over $300.

2. Washing Machines: Your Laundry Lifesaver

If you’ve got kids or a busy household, your washing machine probably works harder than any other appliance. And with heavy use comes a higher risk of breakdowns. Whether it’s overloading the machine or water build-up, there are plenty of ways we unintentionally shorten the lifespan of our washers.

Pro tip: To prevent early wear and tear, always follow the manufacturer’s load recommendations. Trust me—I learned the hard way after shoving one too many towels in and causing my machine to make a strange clunking noise. (Spoiler: It wasn’t good.)

3. Dishwashers: An Everyday Essential

There was a time when I used to wash all the dishes by hand. Then I got a dishwasher, and life changed forever. But, like any appliance, dishwashers are prone to dry rot, especially if they’re left unused for long periods. Dry rot affects the seals, gaskets, and hoses, making your dishwasher less efficient over time.

How to Prevent Dry Rot:

• Run your dishwasher regularly, even if it’s not full.
• Clean it out every couple of months using a dishwasher cleaner—trust me, this little trick makes a world of difference.

According to a 2023 consumer report, dishwashers tend to break after 9-12 years, with the most common failure being leaks and drainage problems.

4. Dryers: Don’t Forget to Clean the Lint Trap!

Dryers are another appliance that take a beating. Between overloading the machine and forgetting to clean the lint trap, it’s no wonder they tend to break down after several years of heavy use. I still remember the time I had to call a repairman because my dryer stopped heating. His first question? “Have you cleaned the vent recently?” Turns out, I hadn’t—and that was the problem.

To keep your dryer running smoothly:

• Clean the lint screen after every load.
• Check the vent for lint build-up at least once a year.

5. Garbage Disposals: Handle with Care

Garbage disposals can be a game-changer in the kitchen, but they’re often misused, which leads to breakdowns. My first garbage disposal broke within months because—surprise, surprise—I tried to grind up chicken bones. (Hint: Don’t do that!)

What to Avoid:

• Don’t throw hard materials like bones, fruit pits, or fibrous vegetables into the disposal.
• Run cold water for at least 20 seconds before and after using the disposal to flush everything down smoothly.

The Solution: How to Protect Your Appliances

So, what do you do when your appliance is on the brink of breaking down? One option is to invest in a home warranty. Companies like Complete Care Home Warranty offer coverage plans for all major home appliances, so if something goes wrong, you’re not stuck with the full repair bill.

Fun Fact: According to data from Statista, 63% of U.S. households have experienced at least one major appliance breakdown in the past year, with an average repair cost of $280. With a home warranty, you could save hundreds (if not thousands) in repair and replacement costs.

What You Can Do Next

To sum it all up, home appliances have a limited lifespan, but with the right care, you can stretch them out for a few more years. By keeping up with regular maintenance, cleaning, and not overloading your machines, you’ll avoid the frustration (and the cost) of frequent repairs.

Want to avoid costly repairs? Check out my Amazon affiliate link here to shop for top-rated appliance maintenance products. Trust me, a little prevention goes a long way!