Keeping The Appliances Working for 20+ Years Is Like Winning the Homeowner Jackpot

Splurging on a shiny, new appliance for your home can be exciting.However, nothing last forever. In fact, modern appliances usually come with shorter lifespans than their older counterparts—and these days, they cost a lot more.The Chicago Fed studied the impact of President Trump's tariffs imposed last year and found many housing-related industries among the most exposed to cost increases from March to December 2025. Retailers report price increases, and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) estimates that about 10% of of building materials used in residential construction are imported.Electrical appliances, equipment, and components saw almost a 3% increase in input costs.That’s why keeping an older appliance, such as a fridge, washer dryer, dishwasher, or HVAC system running is a massive financial victory. “Homeowners often assume an old appliance and a high repair bill mean it’s time for a replacement. What they often forget is that if you've had an appliance for 10+ years with no major repairs up to this point, a repair is the way to go as it’s built with high quality parts and will most likely last another 10 years,” says Sean Murphy, owner of Duncan Home Services i...