Built to Last or Destined for Disrepair?

Are our modern appliances built to withstand the test of time, or are they designed with an expiration date in mind? In a world where our washing machines text us when the laundry is done and our refrigerators double as personal assistants, the question of longevity looms large. Let's delve into the heart of the matter, exploring the intricate web of factors that shape the lifespan of today's appliances. From the surge in consumer complaints to the evolution of manufacturing processes, we'll unravel the complexities surrounding this pressing issue. So, fasten your seatbelts as we embark on a journey to uncover the truth behind the lifespan of our most beloved household gadgets.

So what are the facts? Let's take a look at the different sides of the issue.

The Rise in Consumer Complaints

According to Yelp, users requested 58% more quotes from thousands of repair businesses in January 2023 than in January 2022. While the data doesn't tell what went wrong, it does show a sharp increase in the number of times users were unable to solve the problem themselves. 

Our appliances can do more than ever. Your washing machine can text you when a load is done. Your HVAC system can tell you when to reduce your temperatures to save money or even do it itself. Your refrigerator can remind you of your schedule. But if you peel back the stainless steel and plastic exterior of your modern appliances, you'll see that they're packed full of sensors and switches that weren't there ten years ago, let alone 20. True, these make sure that the the appliance is only using the energy, water, or fuel that it needs, but more parts equals more complexity equals more points of failure. 

While manufacturers used to rely on straightforward on/off mechanical switches, they've transitioned in the last decade. Now our appliances use more advanced electrical and computerized parts such as a touch screen that displays half a dozen different modes for your oven. Our machines are more likely to be made with plastic and aluminum these days rather than steel. High-efficiency motors and compressors are also subject to this since they are tasked with drawing less energy and so they can be lighter.

Instead of everything being built in one factory, individual components are now outsourced to the least expensive bidder. Components and finished products are being shaved down as much as possible to make them lighter and cut down on shipping costs. Appliances are made more and more often out of plastic than steel, which means the gaps between pieces are smaller than ever. When you cut down the amount of space between pieces and cut down on the stability of those pieces, you're looking at a much larger number of components that can break during daily use.

When a $60 pump can lead to a $35,000 replacement of your entire kitchen, how are you supposed to handle that? Let alone trust the manufacturer?

Evolution of Appliance Design and Manufacturing

It used to be that an appliance would be built from beginning to end in one factory. You knew where everything was coming from and where everything was going. Manufacturers used to mostly rely on on/off mechanical switches, and mechanical motor driven timers. Many things were made out of steel and would last for decades. 

Things were built differently. And that's not just a metaphorical saying. Mid-century appliances lasted decades because pieces were made with solid belts, solid switches or levers, were driven by only a motor and a compressor.

They were substantially more bulky, in both size and weight, than they are today. They were also energy hogs. They were more expensive than even in comparison to today. Additionally, they were more expensive for your utility bills. An old washing machine would use 50 gallons for a load of laundry, whereas today, you would use 15. A dishwasher would use 10 gallons of water in comparison to as little as three today. And electrical usage was much the same. 

New appliances, on the other hand, have been redesigned from the ground up in many ways. Now, designs take into account shipping weight, manufacturer costs, and how much can be done with electronic switches rather than motors. The appliances are also built with the latest technology to lower your utility bills by using the most efficient motors. 

It's difficult to estimate the reliability of individual models because brands will use multiple factories and suppliers for a single product line. It gets even worse when you understand that individual components are often sourced from multiple suppliers over the time of a single model's production. 

Conflicting Perspectives: Industry vs. Repair Technicians

According to the National Association of Home Builders and a study that they conducted in 2007, the average lifespan of your home appliances is less than or equal to 15 years on average. A dishwasher is approximately nine years old. A washer and dryer is approximately ten years old. And a refrigerator is approximately 13. * 

American households, according to Euromonitor International, spent 43% more in 2023 than in 2013, rising from an inflation-adjusted average of $340 to $558. Even though prices declined by 12%, according to the labor department, within that time frame. One reason for the discrepancy, according to all parties, is a higher rate of replacement. So, the short version of this is that although prices for appliances have gone down, more households needed to replace their appliances as of 2023 than in 2013.

The Association for Home Appliance Manufacturers says that while the industry has enhanced the safety, energy efficiency, capacity, and performance of appliances, they claim that the average lifespan has not substantially shifted over the last two decades. **

However according to repairmen and technicians on the ground, most will give less than 4 years on average for any given appliance. They point out that it is the push towards computerization, and an increase in components that have to fit together just so alongside flimsier materials that cause a shorter lifespan. They point out that even the higher end items aren't as durable as they once were. 

Impact on Consumer Behavior and Market Trends

Does this mean that new appliances are designed to fail? 

Modern appliances do have a shorter lifespan. Instead of lasting 50+ years, you're now getting around ten if you treat your appliances well. That is partly due to our demands as consumers. We want the latest tech at the lowest prices, preferably yesterday. Unfortunately, something has to give in that equation, and from a manufacturer's standpoint, that's most often the quality and, thus, the lifespan of the machines.

So if you were to ask us if manufacturers are designing for obsolescence or are they just trying to keep up with the market, we would have to say it's a little bit of both.  

A tip some repair technicians are offering their clients is "More features might be more glamorous, but fewers is usually better." In fact, this is why our owner always suggest the less "glamorours" but most reliable options to our own clients. It's also why we offer not just repair services but also maintenance checks as well, to ensure that your appliances have as long a life as possible. 

As we conclude our exploration into the lifespan of modern appliances, one thing becomes abundantly clear: the landscape of household gadgets is evolving at a rapid pace. From the surge in consumer complaints to the contrasting perspectives on industry practices, we've peeled back the layers to reveal a nuanced picture of the challenges facing today's appliances.

But amidst the complexity lies an opportunity for proactive action. At Appliance Rescue Service, we're not just here to fix things when they break – we're your partners in appliance longevity. By prioritizing regular maintenance checks and opting for reliable, durable options, you can extend the lifespan of your appliances and minimize the need for costly repairs.

So, whether it's a malfunctioning dishwasher or a faulty refrigerator, remember that Appliance Rescue Service is here to help. Let's work together to ensure that your appliances not only meet but exceed their expected lifespan, saving you time, money, and unnecessary stress in the long run.

Contact us today to schedule a maintenance check and experience the peace of mind that comes with knowing your appliances are in good hands. Your trusted partner in appliance care – Appliance Rescue Service.

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*We have reached out to the National Association of Home Builders to see when they next intend conduct the study in hopes of being able to bring more updated information to this argument in the future. 

** We, as appliance repair technicians, have to disagree with that, though, as many other data points show. Additionally, we have to question how they define substantially and who exactly paid for this research. Is the 43%, as referenced by the Euromonitor International, not substantial?