Often, rental home appliances are a major expense in rental property management, and it can put a strain on your budget when it is time to replace worn-out appliances. As a rental property owner, you want an affordable way of repairing and maintaining your appliances, to ensure a positive return on investment. For this reason, you should be aware of the lifespan of each home appliance. Here’s how long you can expect four common kitchen appliances to last for:
The Oven/Stove
You might wish to factor in the differences between electric and gas when fitting out your properties. Gas stoves can sometimes be slightly tougher and might last a bit longer than electric stoves. An electric stove will deteriorate quicker because it uses a more complicated heating mechanism. However, an electric stove reduces the risk of a gas leak in the home as well as kitchen fires. Generally speaking, a gas stove will last for fifteen years on average, while an electric stove will last for around thirteen years.
The Dishwasher
Many households in America are fitted with dishwashers as standard. They are also one of the most demanded kitchen appliances by a long way. When properly cared for, dishwashers can last for a decade.
The Microwave
This kitchen appliance was more of a novelty until the late eighties. These days though, microwaves are regarded as an essential feature of all American kitchens. Standard microwaves last for seven to nine years on average, although in most cases, they do not need replacing until they are about ten years old.
The Fridge
For the majority of people, a fridge is the most important kitchen appliance. It is built to last for a decade, with a shelf life of seven to fourteen years on average, but some fridges can last longer if they are regularly maintained.
Suffice to say, an appliance’s lifespan depends on upkeep and use. An appliance that is rarely used will last longer, along with appliances that are looked after properly. Therefore, if your rental home is occupied by a single tenant, or if you inspect and fix your appliances frequently, you will get a longer lifespan than if your property is occupied by a large family or if you neglect routine repairs.
Another factor that can influence when to replace rental home appliances is sale periods and discount prices. Sears, Home Depot, and other appliance stores hold sales during the year, so check their adverts and buy when you notice a bargain. Always find out whether removal and delivery are included because this can impact the price of new appliances significantly.
At Specialized Property Management Atlanta, we make inspecting your rental property, and making repairs easy! We will regularly make sure all appliances are functioning properly, as well as keep in touch with your tenants regarding the functionality. We will help you know when to replace versus when only a repair is necessary, and our partner discounts can help you save big. For more help with your rental property management, contact us online or call us at 404-596-8429
