What is it about home electricals?
One minute you’re cleaning, cooking and living in a cloud of domestic content; the next, one appliance goes down, then another, and another. Suddenly, you’ve got a full-blown home tech mutiny on your hands.
In hindsight, you might have seen these breakdowns coming - if only you’d known what to keep an eye out for. Erratic behaviour, indifference to gentle prodding and coaxing, the lights dying before your very eyes.
In many ways, an appliance on the edge is like a relationship on the rocks, often rounding off with reprehensible ghosting or messy combustion.
It’s not just tech either. Homewares such as the sofa or mattresses can reach the end of their lifespan ahead of their time (this is why it’s important to keep the warranty or guarantee in a safe place), especially if they get a lot of use.
So, how can you tell if it’s time to search for a replacement? We’ve pinpointed the appliances most likely to die and detailed the warning signs, and how to dispose of your old machine or furniture responsibly.
Fridge
- Average lifespan: around 10 years, though some models might last 15
- Disposal options: Contact your council for a special recycling collection of large items. Some offer this service for free, while others, like Southwark, will charge a flat fee (£35) to collect a set number of items. If you live in a block, it's worth asking neighbours if they need to get rid of similar items and split the fee amongst you. Currys also offers a recycling scheme, even for items that weren’t purchased from the retailer. In some cases, the shop will give you a Currys voucher as thanks too.
Fridge on the fritz? It’s always a cause for alarm when the kitchen’s most important appliance starts losing its mojo. If it’s not cooling things effectively (easy signs are milk that has turned sour before the expiration date, soft butter and mouldy bread), making odd noises or has started sweating - that is, condensation on the outside - that could be signs that it’s no longer working effectively. Dirty condenser coils and a malfunctioning thermostat are also two top causes of fridge breakdowns.
According to Checkatrade, repairs typically cost £100 to buy and fix a new thermostat or up to £400 to sort out the compressor. If your fridge is new, this fee might be worth the expense (don't forget to factor in call-out fees too) but if you've been looking at replacing your appliance anyway, this may just be the nudge you need.
Microwave
- Average lifespan: 7 - 10 years
- Disposal options: council or Currys recycling programme. Recycle Your Electricals also suggests charities and local enterprises who may collect your old item and try to repair it before selling it on or giving it to the needy.
Early versions were used to revive cryogenically frozen hamsters, but if your microwave has served its last supper, it’s time to think about getting a new model. The major clues are: no longer heating up, blown fuses and issues with the door switch. Many problems can be repaired for around £100, but when decent models are priced in the same ballpark, you may want to buy new and give your old one to a charity or social enterprise to repair or recycle.
Air Fryer
- Average lifespan: around 4 - 5 years
- Disposal options: dispose of this e-waste as you would with the appliances listed above. Alternatively, you can find your nearest London WEEE (waste electronic and electrical equipment) recycling and reuse centres here
As a nation, we have fallen headfirst for the air fryer. These energy-efficient kitchen appliances are famed for whipping up dinner in a flash and come in all sizes from budget to family, dual basket and top-of-the-range.
It’s a dark day when you have to say goodbye to your workhorse machine: perhaps it’s not cooking as well as it once did, or the grease build-up is causing it to smoke or burn ingredients. Cleaning the removable parts can only do so much, especially if grime has built up behind the fan convection unit (removing this often voids any accompanying warranty). Cleaning too enthusiastically risks wearing off the air fryer’s non-stick finish, also spelling the end of its days.
Washing Machine
- Average lifespan: Currys gives the average unit 12 years before issues arise.
- Disposal options: as a white good, the best way to get rid of a washing machine is through your local council. If you don’t want to pay for pick up, you can drive it to a recycling centre for drop-off instead.
It is startling to think that washing machines were invented in the mid-1800s, but even more so to contemplate life without one altogether. The essential appliance lives in practically every home in the country, keeping us looking, feeling and most critically, smelling socially acceptable.
Washing machines break down all the time; one of the biggest reasons is overloading. There should be some space in the drum so the clothes can slosh around and the detergent can reach the dirt and grime. Excessive laundry detergent is also a big no-no, as are loose items like keys and coins and leaving clothes inside, where the warm, moist conditions can develop into mould.
Prolong the life of your machine by running periodical maintenance washes and cleaning the insides of an empty machine with soapy water. If you've done all you can and your machine is still very much D.O.A., it's time to bite the bullet and search for a new model. Luckily, our washing machine and tumble dryer deals page showcases the best offers for the month.
Mattress
Average lifespan: the National Bed Federation offers a guideline of 8 years but it varies across mattresses.
Disposal options: If it's still in good nick, you could sell or donate the bed to charity. The best option is having it recycled; Google your local centres and check if they offer collection if you don't have the space or means to drive it yourself. Big-name charities that will collect include the British Heart Foundation, Red Cross, and the Salvation Army.
Sagging, unsupportive, digging into your back: if your mattress has developed troublesome features, it’s time to get rid - even if you’re not at the eight-year mark.
Mattresses endure a lot of pressure, especially when you consider we spend approximately a third of our lives in bed. A bad mattress means bad sleep, which can be catastrophic for physical and mental health if you’re subjected to it night after night. Before you do, check your warranty or guarantee: if the issue is something that your mattress’s brand covers they may replace it for free.
Luckily there are plenty of sales to pick up a brand new bed. The only issue is choosing the right one for your needs. Are you in need of superior support to protect your back health, or do you like the idea of snoozing on a marshmallowy rectangle made from memory foam every night?
Are you a side sleeper or someone looking for value for money? If you share with a partner and can’t agree on bed firmness, there are split-tension beds to ensure sweet dreams.
Find everything you need in our extensive mattress shopping guides.
