The truth is, modern home appliances rarely last as long as the manufacturers claim. Washing machines, for example, are usually good for only about five to six years, while refrigerators might only last seven to nine years. There are a few reasons why they break down so quickly. Designs are getting more and more complicated, electronics are becoming more fragile, the government is making changes to the rules, and manufacturers are programming devices to fail after the warranty expires so they can sell new ones. If you want to get the most out of your appliances, there are a few things you can do. First, keep your appliances clean (like your fridge’s condenser coils, which take the pressure off the compressor). Second, stick to the recommended operating limits (don’t overdo it with your washing machine and blender). And third, make sure you’ve got the right conditions for them to work well, like good ventilation, dry storage, and enough power.
When prices go through the roof, we expect the quality of the things we buy to go up as well. But, unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. Everything from clothes to furniture seems like a poor imitation of what was on the market ten years ago.
It feels like today’s products are made to break, and durability is a thing of the past. It seems like large home appliances are often the main victims of this trend, even though their prices are going up.
Why have microwaves, stoves and washing machines—products that are meant to last—become so much worse in quality? Apparently, there are specific reasons behind the constant breakdowns of modern appliances, as SlashGear explains.
The folks over at Bens Appliances and Junk – a YouTube channel that’s all about fixing appliances – say there are a few reasons why modern devices keep breaking down.
- Complexity: They’ve become more complex, with more parts and mechanisms that can suddenly fail.
- Sacrificing longevity: Companies design appliances to make it less likely that they’ll fail during the warranty period, but this often means they don’t last as long. The idea is to keep making a profit by lowering warranty repair costs and selling more new models.
- Regulations: The government’s rules about how stuff is made can have a big impact on the materials used.
- Fragile electronics: And relying on unreliable electromechanical parts (and often unnecessary smart features) doesn’t help either.
And, of course, people just keep buying it, so manufacturers don’t feel the need to change anything. Some of these factors might go, but most will probably stay. So, what can consumers do to make their appliances last longer, even though it’s tough?
How to Make Your Electronics Last Longer
Repair experts have found that modern appliances don’t last as long as they should. Even though manufacturers say washing machines and fridges should last 10 to 12 years, they usually only last about 5 to 6 years and 7 to 9 years, respectively. If you want to get closer to the upper limit or even go over it, there are a few rules you should follow.
1. Keeping things clean on the regular
It’s not just about being hygienic, it’s also the secret to a long life. For example, cleaning the refrigerator’s coils (condenser) is a great way to keep things running smoothly. These coils are responsible for refrigerant circulation and heat dissipation. Keeping them clean reduces the internal load on the compressor, improves performance, and lowers energy consumption.
2. Just to flag up
This is an obvious but important point. Don’t overload the washing machine, keep the fridge and freezer doors closed, and don’t fill the blender to the brim. The harder the appliance has to work, the more strain there is on its internal components, which accelerates breakdowns.
3. Things to bear in mind when using appliances
Ideally, appliances should be used in areas where there is plenty of air circulation and plugged into sockets with enough power. If you’re storing appliances, make sure they’re kept in a dry and cool place.
And obviously, if you pick the most reliable brands of home appliances, you won’t have to replace them as often. It’s always a real bummer when one of your pricey gadgets decides to just stop working all of a sudden. That’s why it’s important to look after your appliances and do what you can to stop them from breaking down in the first place.