How long do appliances last? An Ottawa guide

One of the most common questions Ottawa homeowners ask when an appliance breaks down is: “Is it worth fixing, or should I just replace it?” The answer depends heavily on how old your appliance is and on the average lifespan of that type of appliance. This guide covers the lifespan of every major household appliance, the factors that affect longevity, and how to know when repair makes more sense than replacement.

The estimates below are based on industry data from the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM), Consumer Reports, and our own experience repairing appliances across Ottawa and Gatineau since 1995.

Refrigerator lifespan: 10–18 years

A well-maintained refrigerator should last 10–18 years. Basic top-freezer models tend to last the longest (often 15–18 years) because they have fewer complex components. French-door and side-by-side models with ice makers and water dispensers have more failure points but still average 12–15 years with proper maintenance. Premium brands like Sub-Zero and Miele are engineered for 20+ years of service.

In Ottawa, the most common mid-life fridge repairs we see are defrost system failures (usually around years 5–8), compressor replacements (years 8–12) and door gasket replacements throughout the life of the unit. A fridge under 10 years old is almost always worth repairing unless the compressor has failed on an inexpensive model. Our repair or replace fridge guide goes into more detail.

Freezer lifespan: 12–20 years

Chest freezers and upright freezers are among the most durable appliances in your home. A chest freezer can last 15–20 years because it has a very simple mechanical system; upright freezers typically last 12–17 years. Common issues include defrost thermostat failure, evaporator fan motor failure and temperature control problems. Freezers are almost always worth repairing unless the compressor has completely failed.

Washing machine lifespan: 10–14 years

Washing machines typically last 10–14 years, with top-load agitator models at the longer end and high-efficiency front-load machines at the shorter end. Front-loaders are more complex and have more failure points: door gaskets, bearings and direct-drive motors are common repair items.

In Ottawa, we see more washing machine repairs in households with young children and large families, because the machines run multiple loads daily and wear faster. Components that commonly fail are drain pumps, bearings, door gaskets, control boards and water inlet valves. A washing machine under 8 years old is generally worth repairing for most issues; see repair or replace your washer.

Dryer lifespan: 12–18 years

Dryers are among the most durable household appliances. A gas or electric dryer can last 12–18 years with regular lint trap cleaning and annual vent cleaning, and it has fewer water-related components than a washer, which reduces corrosion failures.

The most common dryer repairs we perform in Ottawa are thermal fuse replacement (usually caused by a clogged vent, a maintenance issue rather than a machine failure), heating element replacement on electric dryers, drum roller and belt replacements, and idler pulley replacements. A dryer under 10 years old is almost always worth repairing unless the motor or drum has completely failed on an inexpensive model; see repair or replace your dryer.

Dishwasher lifespan: 9–13 years

Dishwashers have a shorter average lifespan than most appliances, typically 9–13 years, because they are exposed to hot water, detergent, steam and mechanical stress every day. Premium brands like Bosch and Miele are engineered for the longer end of this range, while entry-level models may struggle past 8–10 years. Common repairs include drain pump, door gasket, spray arm, inlet valve and control board replacement. If your dishwasher is over 10 years old and needs a control board, replacement may be more economical.

Electric stove and range lifespan: 13–18 years

Electric stoves and ranges are among the longest-lasting kitchen appliances. Without moving parts or water exposure, a well-maintained electric range can last 13–18 years or more. The most common repairs we perform on electric stoves in Ottawa are burner element replacement, oven bake element replacement, surface element switch replacement and control board failure. These are usually cost-effective repairs because the parts are inexpensive relative to replacement.

Gas range lifespan: 15–20 years

Gas ranges and stoves tend to last even longer than electric models; 15–20 years is common. They have fewer electronic components, and gas burners are more durable than electric elements. Common gas range repairs include igniter replacement, gas valve issues, oven temperature sensor replacement and control board failure. In Ontario, our TSSA-certified technicians handle gas appliance repairs; on the Gatineau side, gas service is confirmed when you book. If you ever smell gas near a range, leave the home and call Enbridge Gas (Gazifère in Gatineau) or 911 from outside. See gas appliance repair in Ottawa and repair or replace your oven or range.

Microwave oven lifespan: 9–13 years

Countertop microwaves last 9–13 years on average. Over-the-range (OTR) microwaves tend to last slightly less because they work harder as both a microwave and a ventilation fan. Common repairs include door switch, capacitor and diode, control board and magnetron replacement. Over-the-range microwaves are often worth repairing because replacement can involve cabinet modification, and the installation cost alone can exceed the repair cost.

The most commonly cited guideline for repair vs replacement decisions is the 50% rule: if the repair cost exceeds 50% of the cost of a new equivalent appliance, replacement becomes more economical. Here’s how to apply it in Ottawa.

A basic new washing machine in Ottawa costs $600–$800. If your washer repair quote is $350 (58% of replacement cost) but your washer is only 5 years old, you still have 5–9 years of remaining life, so repair is likely still the better financial decision. If your washer is 12 years old and facing the same $350 repair, you’re putting that money into a machine that may only have 2–3 years left, and replacement may be smarter.

Our technicians give honest assessments and will tell you directly if they believe replacement is the better choice. For typical repair prices, see our appliance repair cost guide for Ottawa, and for a deeper walk-through, our complete repair vs replace guide.

Water quality plays a role. Hard water, which is more common on private wells than on city water, leaves mineral buildup in dishwashers, washing machines and water dispensers over time. We recommend regular descaling for dishwashers (a citric acid cycle monthly) and a water softener where hard water is especially pronounced.

Temperature swings matter too. The extreme cold of an Ottawa winter can affect appliances in garages, basements or near exterior walls, so keeping refrigerators and freezers in temperature-controlled spaces extends their life significantly.

Usage frequency is another major factor: a household of six will wear out a washing machine about twice as fast as a household of two.

The single best investment you can make in your appliances is preventive maintenance:

• Refrigerator: vacuum the condenser coils at least twice a year and check the door gaskets annually for cracks or tears.
• Washer: leave the door open after each cycle to prevent mould, clean the drum monthly with a hot cycle and white vinegar, and never overload the machine.
• Dryer: clean the lint filter after every load and have the vent professionally cleaned once a year. A clogged vent is the number one cause of early dryer failure and a fire hazard.
• Dishwasher: clean the filter monthly, use rinse aid consistently, and run a cleaning tablet through an empty cycle monthly.
• Stove and oven: avoid frequent self-cleaning cycles (the extreme heat can damage electronics and control boards) and wipe spills promptly to prevent element and burner damage.

For more, see our appliance maintenance tips for Ottawa.

The best way to know whether your specific appliance is worth repairing is to have a technician diagnose it in person. B&M Canada Appliances charges $89 + tax for a residential diagnostic across Ottawa and Gatineau, and that fee is applied toward the approved repair if you go ahead; gas appliances are $129 + tax. The technician diagnoses the problem, identifies all parts needed and gives you a written repair quote.

If the repair isn’t cost-effective given the age and condition of your appliance, we’ll tell you honestly; we’d rather earn your trust than a repair fee for an appliance that will fail again soon. We serve all Ottawa neighbourhoods and Gatineau, with same-day visits when the schedule allows. Not sure it can wait? Read 5 signs your appliance needs immediate repair.