Ever wondered “How old is my appliance?” Maybe your refrigerator is making strange noises, or your washer isn’t spinning quite like it used to. Knowing your appliance’s exact age can help you decide whether to repair or replace it — and it’s easier to find out than you might think.
The secret lies in your appliance’s serial number. Whether you own a GE refrigerator or a Whirlpool washing machine, decoding that number can reveal the manufacturing date and help you better understand your appliance’s lifespan.
Why Knowing the Age of Your Appliance Matters
Before diving into how to find out how old your appliance is, it’s worth knowing why this information matters.
Here’s why it’s useful:
- Repairs vs. Replacement: If your appliance is near the end of its average lifespan, replacement might be more cost-effective than repair.
- Warranty Coverage: Most warranties are based on manufacturing dates.
- Energy Efficiency: Older appliances often use more power, increasing your electricity bills.
- Resale or Home Appraisal: Buyers and appraisers often check appliance ages before setting value.
So, knowing when your appliance was made can save you money, help you plan upgrades, and even extend its life with proper maintenance.
Step 1: Locate the Model and Serial Number
To find out how old your appliance is by serial number, start by locating its serial and model numbers. These are typically printed on a small metal plate or sticker somewhere on the appliance.
Here’s where you’ll usually find it:
- Refrigerators: Inside the door, behind the crisper drawer, or on the side wall.
- Washing Machines: Under the lid, behind the door, or on the back panel.
- Dryers: Inside the door frame or on the top edge.
- Dishwashers: Inside the door or near the kickplate.
- Ovens and Ranges: On the frame behind the oven door or storage drawer.
Once you’ve found it, write down both the model number and serial number — you’ll need them to decode your appliance’s age.
Step 2: Decode the Serial Number
Each manufacturer uses a unique coding system, which makes it possible to determine the production date from the serial number. Let’s break down how to do this for some of the most common brands.
How Old Is My Appliance by Serial Number (GE)
GE Appliances uses a two-letter code at the start of the serial number.
- The first letter indicates the month, and
- The second letter indicates the year of manufacture.
Example:
Serial Number: DF123456
- “D” = April
- “F” = 2017
So, this GE appliance was made in April 2017.
You can find a full decoding chart on GE’s official website, or use an online GE appliance age finder for quick results.
How Old Is My Appliance by Serial Number (Whirlpool)
Whirlpool encodes the manufacturing date within its serial number as well — usually in the second and fourth characters.
Example:
Serial Number: C8234567
- The second character (8) = Year (2018)
- The fourth character (2) = Week (2nd week of the year)
This Whirlpool appliance was made in January 2018.
Whirlpool, KitchenAid, and Maytag (all owned by Whirlpool Corporation) follow a similar format.
Other Common Brands
| Brand | Serial Number Format | Example | Production Year Example |
| LG | First three digits show year/month | 508KWXYZ | May 2018 |
| Samsung | First two letters = year/month | DJ12345678 | 2019 |
| Frigidaire | First number = year; second = week | 81345678 | 2018, Week 13 |
| Maytag | 1 letter + 6 digits | G123456 | 2015 |
Each brand has its quirks, but the pattern is generally consistent once you know what to look for.
Step 3: Use an Online Appliance Age Finder
If decoding sounds complicated, you can make life easier by using an online appliance age finder. These tools let you enter your appliance’s brand and serial number, and they automatically calculate the manufacture date for you.
Popular tools include:
- Appliance411 Date Code Lookup
- Manufacturer-specific lookup pages (e.g., GE, Whirlpool, LG, Samsung)
This method is fast, accurate, and works for almost every major brand.
Step 4: Estimate Lifespan and Maintenance
Once you know how old your appliance is, compare it to the average lifespan of similar products:
| Appliance Type | Average Lifespan |
| Refrigerator | 10–15 years |
| Dishwasher | 7–10 years |
| Washing Machine | 8–12 years |
| Dryer | 10–13 years |
| Oven/Range | 13–15 years |
| Microwave | 7–9 years |
If your appliance is nearing the end of its expected lifespan, consider whether repair or replacement is the smarter move.
Quick Tips to Extend Appliance Lifespan
- Clean filters, coils, and vents regularly.
- Avoid overloading washers and dryers.
- Use surge protectors for electronic appliances.
- Schedule annual maintenance checks for large appliances.
- Keep your owner’s manual — it often includes maintenance schedules.
Even older appliances can last longer when properly maintained.
FAQs About Appliance Age
1. How can I tell how old my appliance is?
Find the serial number on the appliance, then use it to decode the manufacturing date manually or through an online appliance age finder.
2. Can I tell my appliance’s age without the serial number?
It’s difficult but not impossible. Check receipts, owner’s manuals, or manufacturer databases if you’ve registered your product.
3. How old is my appliance by serial number GE?
Look at the first two letters of your GE serial number — the first is the month, the second is the year.
4. How old is my appliance by serial number Whirlpool?
For Whirlpool appliances, the second and fourth characters of the serial number reveal the year and week of production.
5. Are older appliances less efficient?
Yes. Older models often consume more energy and water. Upgrading can lower utility costs and improve performance.
Conclusion
So, the next time you catch yourself wondering, “How old is my appliance?” — you’ll know exactly what to do. Locate the serial number, decode it (or use an online appliance age finder), and you’ll uncover not only the manufacturing date but valuable insight into your appliance’s lifespan and efficiency.
