What is the average lifespan of a washing machine?

The average lifespan of a standard top load washer is 14 years. Front load washers contain extra features that lead to increased repair costs. These increased costs encourage many owners to buy a new washer sooner, decreasing the average life expectancy of the front load washer to 11 years.

Besides the cost of repairs, the life expectancy of a washer is impacted by the price of a new washer versus the energy savings realized from making the purchase. While energy savings may result from purchasing a new washer, this savings may take many years to accumulate, making repairing an old washer a cheaper alternative.