Refrigerator (13-17 years)

Types: Top Freezer, Bottom Freezer, Side-by-Side, French Door, Counter-Depth

Key Features: Capacity (18-28 cu ft), Energy Star rating, Ice maker type, Adjustable shelving

Maintenance

• Clean condenser coils every 6-12 months (underneath or behind unit) — dusty coils waste energy
• Replace water filter every 6 months
• Check and clean door gaskets — dirty gaskets don't seal properly
• Set temperature: fridge 35-38°F, freezer 0°F
• Leave 1" clearance around the unit for airflow

Common Repairs

• Not cooling: Clean condenser coils, check condenser fan, verify thermostat setting. If compressor won't start — call pro.
• Ice buildup in freezer: Defrost issue — check defrost heater, thermostat, or timer. May need professional.
• Water leaking: Clogged defrost drain (flush with hot water) or cracked water line to ice maker.
• Loud noises: Condenser fan hitting something, evaporator fan motor failing, or compressor issue.

Repair vs Replace: Replace if: compressor fails (repair costs $400-800), refrigerator is 12+ years old, repair cost exceeds 50% of new unit price.

Dishwasher (9-12 years)

Types: Built-In, Portable, Drawer

Key Features: Noise level (look for <45 dB), Third rack, Soil sensor, Stainless steel tub (vs plastic)

Maintenance

• Clean the filter monthly (bottom of the tub — most people don't know this exists)
• Run a cleaning cycle with dishwasher cleaner or vinegar monthly
• Check and clean spray arm holes (toothpick works well)
• Inspect door gasket for mold/debris
• Use rinse aid for spot-free drying

Common Repairs

• Not draining: Clean the filter, check the drain hose for kinks, clean the garbage disposal knockout plug if new install.
• Not cleaning well: Clean filter and spray arms, use hotter water (120°F at the tap), don't pre-rinse (detergent needs food to work on).
• Leaking: Check door gasket, door latch alignment, and spray arm for cracks. Too much detergent causes excess suds and leaks.

Repair vs Replace: Replace if: pump or motor fails on a unit over 7 years old. Dishwashers are relatively inexpensive ($400-800) compared to repair costs.

Washing Machine (10-14 years)

Types: Top Load Agitator, Top Load Impeller, Front Load

Key Features: Capacity (4.5-5.5 cu ft), Speed (RPM for spin cycle), Steam option, Vibration reduction

Maintenance

• Run a cleaning cycle monthly with washer cleaner or bleach
• Leave the door open after each use (especially front loaders) to prevent mold
• Clean the rubber gasket on front loaders — mold grows there
• Check and clean the drain pump filter (front loaders: small door at bottom front)
• Inspect water supply hoses annually — replace rubber hoses with braided stainless steel
• Level the machine (adjust feet) to reduce vibration

Common Repairs

• Won't drain: Check drain pump filter for coins/debris, inspect drain hose for clogs.
• Excessive vibration: Level the machine, check that shipping bolts were removed (new front loaders), redistribute load.
• Mold/smell: Run hot bleach cycle, clean gasket, leave door open between uses.

Repair vs Replace: Replace if: transmission fails, drum bearing is shot (grinding noise), or control board fails on unit over 8 years old.

Dryer (10-13 years)

Types: Electric, Gas, Heat Pump, Ventless Condenser

Key Features: Capacity (match to washer), Moisture sensor (saves energy), Steam refresh, Reversible door

Maintenance

• Clean the lint trap EVERY load — lint buildup is a fire hazard
• Clean the dryer vent duct annually (or more if it's long/has bends). Dryer fires cause 2,900 home fires per year.
• Wash the lint screen with soap and water monthly (dryer sheets leave residue that blocks airflow)
• Check the exterior vent flap — should open when dryer is running, close when off
• Vacuum behind and under the dryer annually

Common Repairs

• Not heating: Electric: check heating element, thermal fuse, thermostat. Gas: check igniter, gas valve solenoid, flame sensor.
• Takes too long to dry: CLEAN THE VENT. This is the #1 cause. Also check lint screen, vent length (max 25 ft equivalent).
• Squeaking/thumping: Worn drum rollers, worn belt, or worn glides. Parts are cheap, labor is the cost.

Repair vs Replace: Dryers are mechanically simple. Most repairs are worthwhile unless the motor fails on an old unit. Gas dryers last longer than electric.

Oven/Range (13-15 years)

Types: Gas Range, Electric Coil, Electric Smooth-Top, Induction, Double Oven, Wall Oven

Key Features: BTU output (gas), Convection, Self-cleaning, Number of burners, Induction vs radiant

Maintenance

• Clean spills promptly to prevent baking on
• Self-clean cycle: use sparingly (2-3x/year) — extreme heat can damage electronics and door locks
• Gas burners: remove caps and clean ports with a pin if flame is uneven
• Check oven temperature with an oven thermometer — many ovens are off by 25°F+
• Replace oven light bulb with appliance-rated bulb only

Common Repairs

• Oven won't heat: Electric: test bake/broil element with multimeter, check thermal fuse. Gas: check igniter (most common), gas valve.
• Uneven heating: Calibrate oven temperature, use convection mode, rotate pans. May need new temperature sensor.
• Gas smell when off: TURN OFF GAS VALVE. Open windows. Leave the house. Call gas company. Do not use light switches or phone inside.

Repair vs Replace: Gas ranges are worth repairing (igniters, burners are cheap). Electric smooth-tops: if the glass cracks, replacement may be cheaper than repair.

Microwave (7-10 years)

Types: Countertop, Over-the-Range (OTR), Built-In, Drawer

Key Features: Wattage (1000-1200W ideal), Sensor cooking, Inverter technology, Ventilation (OTR)

Maintenance

• Clean interior weekly — steam a bowl of water with lemon for 3 minutes, then wipe
• Clean the grease filter monthly (OTR models) — soak in hot soapy water or dishwasher
• Don't run empty — damages the magnetron
• Check door seal for food buildup

Common Repairs

• Not heating: Magnetron failure, high-voltage diode, or capacitor. WARNING: Capacitors hold lethal charge even when unplugged. Call a professional.
• Turntable not spinning: Motor or coupler. Usually a cheap, easy repair.
• Sparking inside: Damaged waveguide cover, metal in the microwave, or arcing from old food residue on walls.

Repair vs Replace: Countertop microwaves are cheap enough to replace. OTR models: repair if under 5 years old, replace if older.

Gas Furnace

80-98% AFUE

Oil Furnace

80-90% AFUE

Electric Furnace

100% (but expensive)

Gas Boiler

80-95% AFUE

Oil Boiler

80-90% AFUE