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Writer's pictureTeam BlueBid

Buyer Be Aware: Costs of Replacing Older Appliances


As a homebuyer, there are many factors that inform finding your dream home. Every buyer has a list of items that are important to them such as location, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, size of the yard, overall layout of the home, an amazing kitchen and many more. Finding a home that has all of the items on the list is a challenge, Therefore, it is not surprising many buyers don’t spend a lot of time thinking about the age of a potential home’s appliances, especially if they are in working order. Knowing and planning for when you need to replace appliances can save you money and reduce stress. It also may inform how much you want to offer for a home. Use this list as a guide for when key items will need to be replaced.


Bluebid Tip: Make sure to ask the owner about the major appliances in a prospective home, including the year installed and any upkeep or maintenance they have made.


Average Shelf life Of Major Appliances:


5 Years

  • Carbon and smoke detectors

10 Years

  • Dishwasher

  • Freezer

  • Garbage disposal

  • Washing machine

  • Water heater (gas or electric)

  • Security system

  • Wall unit air conditioner

  • Microwave

15 Years

  • Central air conditioning

  • Dryer

  • Electric boiler

  • Electric furnace

  • Range/ oven hood

  • Range (gas or electric)

  • Refrigerator

20 years

  • Gas boiler

  • Gas or oil furnace

  • Tankless water heater

30 years

  • Thermostat


Appliances can last longer with proper care or limited use. As a buyer, it is always better to know costs that might be on the horizon, so you can plan and be prepared.




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