woman wondering if it is better to repair or replace her appliancewoman wondering if it is better to repair or replace her appliance

Spring cleaning is a familiar part of life in Quebec. As winter fades, homes get aired out, storage gets sorted, and long-overdue cleaning finally happens—including the appliances. Still, no amount of scrubbing will bring a worn-out fridge back to life or stop a washer that’s shaking the whole house.

Use this moment to take a step back and check your appliances. Catch small issues before they become real problems, and decide whether it’s worth fixing or smarter to move on.

This expert guide takes a closer look at the average lifespan of household appliances, the warning signs of wear, and how to dispose of them responsibly. It also includes practical tips for proper maintenance and helpful advice to guide your next purchase.

 

Is it Better to Repair or Replace My Appliance?

Trouble with a home appliance? Before you repair or replace, consider years of use, the warranty, and the number of service calls. Here are a few common scenarios to guide your decision:

  • Still covered by a warranty? The manufacturer may cover the repair or fix it for less than the cost of replacing the unit.

  • Repair costs are too high? If fixing it costs more than 50% of a new appliance's price, replacement is usually the smarter option. Newer models perform better and use less energy—helping lower utility bills and reduce environmental impact.

  • Frequent repairs or past its expected lifespan? Buying a new model is likely the more reliable choice.

Tip: 

Check the maintenance guide or use the serial number on the manufacturer’s website to see when your appliance was made.

Evaluate Your Appliance's Performance

The durability of an appliance under normal conditions is influenced by quality and regular care. This chart helps you assess performance by listing wear indicators, average lifespan,* and maintenance tips.


Note: Always read the manufacturer’s instructions for safe and proper maintenance of your appliance.

Kitchen Appliances

Appliances

Signs of Wear

Average Lifespan*

Maintenance

Refrigerators

  • Ice Buildup

  • Excessive Heat Behind Unit or Dry Door Seals

  • Poor Food Conservation

  • Water Leaks

  • Abnormal Noises 

  • Outdated Energy-Inefficient Model  

  • Faulty Compressor

10 to 15 Years

  • Clean and defrost the freezer 2 times a year.

  • Dust the motor and coils 2-3 times a year.

  • Clean the interior 1 time per month with a mixture of warm water and white vinegar.
Frost Freezers

  • Water Accumulation at Bottom of Compartment

  • Noisy Compressor with No Cooling and Excessive Heat Output

  • Excessive Energy Usage

  • Significant Frost Buildup

  • Food Thawing

  • Frequent Malfunctions

 16 Years

  • Empty and clean every 6 months with a mixture of water and vinegar.

  • Clean condenser coils (behind or at the base) every 6 months using a vacuum or soft brush.

  • Maintain a temperature between -18 and -15 °C (0 to 5 °F).

  • Defrost when frost reaches ¼ inch (0.6 cm) thick.
Frost-Free Freezers

  • Frost Buildup

  • Damaged Door Seal (Doesn’t Close Tightly)

  • Unstable Temperature

  • Abnormal Noises

 16 Years

  • Empty and clean the interior 1 or 2 times a year with a mixture of warm water and white vinegar.

  • Verify that the door closes tightly and the seals prevent air leaks.

  • Vacuum or brush the back of the condenser to ensure proper heat dissipation.

  • Avoid placing hot or warm food inside, as it creates condensation.

  • For ice buildup, clean with a warm, non-abrasive cloth.
Dishwashers

  • Residue on Dishes

  • Rust Inside

  • Persistent Odours

  • Standing Water

  • Water Leaks

  • Abnormal Noises

  • Water No Longer Heats

  • Damaged Doors or Seals

  9 to 12 Years  

  • Regularly clean the door seal with a damp cloth and vinegar. 

  • Each month, clean the filter with soapy water and scrub with a soft brush to remove residue.

  • Every 3 months, clean the spray arms. Use a toothpick to clear any nozzle blockages caused by limescale buildup.

Ranges and Oven


 

  • Oven Temperature Not Consistent

  • Elements Heating Unevenly

  • Broken Glass-Ceramic Cooktop (Risk of Liquid Seeping Into Electronic Components)

  • Uneven Cooking or Excessive Cooking Time

 16 to 18 Years
  • Regularly clean the elements, drip trays, and door seals
Microwaves

  • Low Ventilation

  • Incorrect Heating Rate

  • Abnormal Noises

  • Door Not Closing Properly or Damaged Seals, with Risk of Radiation Leakage Requiring Urgent Replacement

 7 to 9 Years

  • Clean the interior and wash the turntable regularly.

  • Avoid grease splattering, as it can burn onto the interior.

  • Never operate when empty.
Range Hoods

  • Inadequate Ventilation of Odours and Grease

  • Abnormal Noises

  • Motor or Lighting Malfunction

 10 to 14 Years

  • Clean the grease filters in the dishwasher every month.

  • Replace the filters according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

 

Laundry Appliances

Appliances

Signs of Wear

Normal Lifespan*

Maintenance
Washers

  • Abnormal Noises

  • Ineffective Washing

  • Drum No Longer Spins

  • Water Not Draining

  • Recurring Leaks

  • Frequent Malfunctions

12 to 14 Years
  • Regularly clean the detergent dispenser, drum, door, and rubber gasket. Use a vinegar solution or a washing machine cleaner. 

Dryers

  • Clothes Still Damp After a Complete Cycle

  • Abnormal Noises

  • Overheating or Burning Smell

 14 to 18 Years

  • After each use, empty and clean the filter.

  • Each month, ensure the exterior vent is free of blockages, particularly during the winter. 

  • Every 6 months, remove lint buildup from the duct using a vacuum.

  • Every 3 years, have the ducts professionally cleaned and cleared of obstructions.

 

Tip: Discover 2-in-1 Washer-Dryer Combos

For small spaces or busy schedules, 2-in-1 washer-dryer appliances allow you to wash and dry your clothes in the same drum, simplifying your laundry routine. Certain models use up to 50% less energy during the drying cycle than standard dryers. 

For more information, read our “2-in-1 Washer-Dryer Guide”.

Air Conditioners and Purifiers

Don’t put off checking your air conditioner and purifier until allergy season or the first heatwave in June. Watch for these key points:

Appliances

Signs of Wear

Normal Lifespan*

Maintenance
Air Conditioners

  • Ineffective Cooling

  • Warm Air, Delayed Cooling, or Inconsistent Temperature

  • Abnormal Odours or Noises

  • Persistent Humidity

  • High Electricity Costs

 10 to 15 Years
  • Turn off the power. Vacuum the filters, clean the coils, and inspect the drain to prevent mould growth.

Air Purifiers

  • Poor Indoor Air Quality

  • Persistent Odours

  • Reduced Airflow

  • Abnormal Noises

  • Filter Discolouration

  • Indicator Light On
 5 to 10 Years

  • Replace the filters every 6 to 12 months.

  • Clean or replace the pre-filters every 3 to 18 months.

 

* Sources consulted for standard appliance durability: Natural Resources Canada, Mr. Appliance, Enercare, Air Dog USA. 

How to Properly Dispose of Appliances

An appliance may still work or contain reusable components. When it is beyond repair, it must be safely and properly discarded. 

Here are the proper ways to dispose of an appliance or air conditioning unit:

  • Reuse whenever possible. If your appliance is still working, donate it to a local charity or Centraide. You can also sell it on an online selling platform to fund your next purchase.

  • Bring it to your municipal ecocentre. Most municipalities in Quebec accept appliances free of charge for the extraction of metals and proper handling of hazardous materials, in accordance with current regulations.

  • Take advantage of “One-for-One” programs. When you purchase a new appliance, the retailer is required to take back your old one for recycling. At Meubles RD, you can access a recycling program in partnership with Recyc-Québec.
logo électro responsable programlogo électro responsable program

Expert Tips for Choosing the Right Appliance

Considering replacing your current appliance? Here’s how to find the one that best suits your needs:

At Meubles RD, we choose dependable appliances to provide the best value and long-lasting performance. Below are some brands recommended by our team.

  • GE, LG, LG Studio, and Frigidaire are brands known for their reliability.

  • GE (General Electric) is a well-established brand that offers dependable value. Their appliances are spacious, durable, and easy to repair.  

  • LG (and LG Studio) is recognized for its focus on technology and innovation. LG is an excellent option if you enjoy smart features and contemporary design. These high-performing and interconnected appliances bring a touch of luxury to your home. 

  • Frigidaire, owned by Electrolux, has a long-standing reputation for dependable appliances. Known for practical features and streamlined design, it’s a smart pick for reliability and efficiency. 

  • Midea offers strong value at an affordable price. It’s a great option for budget-conscious shoppers or for fitting into smaller spaces such as apartments, condos, or compact laundry rooms.

New models are not only more efficient, but also more energy-saving. ENERGY STAR® certified appliances use less electricity and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG).

Manufacturers typically offer a one-year warranty on appliances. Retailers may also provide protection plans for added peace of mind. Ask about the options available at Meubles RD.

Our buying guides are filled with practical tips, from choosing the right refrigerator or washer-dryer set to avoiding common mistakes when purchasing a new appliance. 

 

Time to Upgrade Your Home Appliances!

Whether you need a full cooking or laundry set, Meubles RD has durable, high-performance home appliances at the best prices. Delivery is available throughout Quebec, along with simple disposal of your old appliances.

FAQ

  • What is the best time of year to buy appliances?

    The best deals in Quebec happen during Black Friday and Boxing Day sales. Meubles RD also runs special promotions in the spring and moving season to help you update your home. In September and October, new arrivals mean clearance prices on previous models.

  • What is the 50 50 rule for appliances?

    It’s a simple guideline to help you decide if a repair is worth it. If the cost exceeds half the price of a new model, it’s usually best to replace it.

  • What is the normal lifespan of an appliance?

    A well-maintained, high-quality appliance typically lasts 10 to 15 years under normal use. Operating years depend on the type of appliance: refrigerators (10-15 years), frost-free or standard freezers (16 years), dishwashers (9-12 years), ranges and ovens (16-18 years), microwaves (7-9 years), range hoods (10-14 years), washers (12-14 years), dryers (14-18 years), air conditioners (10-15 years), and air purifiers (5-10 years).