Research conducted at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) found that the lifespan of most large household appliances has remained fairly steady since the 1950s, apart from washing machines and ovens.
The average lifetime of a washing machine has decreased from 19.2 years to 10.6 years, a 45% decrease. Ovens have also seen a drop from 23.6 years to 14.3 years, a 39% decline.
The decrease in the lifespan of washing machines can be attributed to increased usage, as people are doing laundry more frequently. On the other hand, ovens are often replaced during kitchen renovations, even if they are still functional.
Efforts to increase the lifespan of appliances should consider usage patterns and people's preferences, not just longevity.