How Long Should Commercial Laundry Equipment Last in High-Volume Settings?

The average lifespan of washer and dryer units in high-volume, multi-unit residential properties, dormitories, rehab centers, and other similar institutions can vary depending on several factors. Durability, frequency of use, and maintenance quality all affect how many years property managers can expect from their commercial laundry room equipment.

Commercial machines can typically last about 10 to 15 years for demanding settings with lots of foot traffic, while some dryers can keep running for up to two decades when treated right. Selecting the right machine for your property’s unique needs, investing in a reputable brand, and keeping up with regularly scheduled maintenance are essential to ensure your laundry operations run as smoothly as possible with minimal disruption.

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Table of contents

Does the Type of Property Impact the Lifespan of a Commercial Laundry Machine?
Do Some Commercial Laundry Brands Last Longer Than Others in High-Volume Settings?
What Are the Warning Signs Your Laundry Machines Are Near the End of Their Life?
What our customers are saying
Is It Easy to Replace Aging Laundry Equipment Through a Leasing Program?
Key Takeaways on Lifespans of Washers and Dryers
Resources

Does the Type of Property Impact the Lifespan of a Commercial Laundry Machine?

The average life expectancy of commercial washers and dryers can vary dramatically depending on a variety of unique factors that differ from property to property, including:

• Intended Property Usage. Is the property a long-term lease where the same residents will use these laundry facilities for years? Or, is it a short-term rental situation with a high-turnover rate and many new users operating the machines for the first time? Is this a medical or rehab setting that may require lots of sanitation cycles running at high temperatures? Or, is it more of a residential environment where the equipment will spend most of its life running average loads of laundry? These details are crucial in determining how long a machine may last.
• Population Size. The number of users will significantly affect the average lifespan of washer and dryer units. That’s because this key metric directly relates to the amount of wear and tear that can be expected. A townhome-style property with three or four units and one shared laundry space will see its machines last longer than a massive complex with hundreds of residents.
• Laundry Room Parameters. What are the details of your space? Is it large enough that you’ve been able to fit a significant number of machines inside? Do you have more than one laundry room on the property? More machines and facilities spread the workload across more units, helping to distribute that wear and tear more evenly and extending lifespans.

Since every property has different specifications that directly affect the lifespan of its laundry equipment, selecting the right machine for your needs is crucial in determining how many years you can expect from these essential appliances.

Do Some Commercial Laundry Brands Last Longer Than Others in High-Volume Settings?

Brand reputation can play a pivotal role in determining the lifespan of a washer or dryer in a high-volume setting, as certain manufacturers are specifically designed for those needs.

• Speed Queen. Renowned for exceptional durability and often seen in extremely high-traffic settings, this industry-leader reports machines that can last up to 25 years when properly maintained.
• Maytag. In commercial or multi-residential environments, Maytag can perform reliably for up to 15 years. These machines benefit from a strong service network, solid engineering, and easy-to-find parts that make repairs a breeze and longevity more common.
• Whirlpool. This is a favored option for its dependable performance and accessibility of parts, typically lasting between 10 and 15 years. Whirlpool relies on simple designs that make parts and repair professionals available nationwide.
• Miele. This higher-end brand provides premium quality appliances and advanced technology that offers improved efficiency, which can extend the lifespan of washer and dryer units from its lines.

For up-to-date features (like smart card payments or maintenance alerts), opting for top-tier brands and modern models will future-proof your facility and often extend revenue and asset lifespan.

What Are the Warning Signs Your Laundry Machines Are Near the End of Their Life?

While there’s no way to pinpoint an exact functional end-date for a particular machine, there are some warning signs to watch out for that signal its lifespan is drawing to a close, such as:

• Persistent Strange Noises. Washers and dryers are not supposed to squeak and squeal at a high pitch or thunk and shudder dramatically like they’re filled with rocks. These sounds may point to internal wear and tear or imbalanced drums.
• Recurring Leaks. If there’s regularly a puddle of water in front of your machine after washing, even after checking the hoses, this could signal deteriorating or defective seals.
• Longer Cycles & Incomplete Drying. If motors are failing, bearings are getting too worn, or heating elements are aging, getting clothes clean and dry could take longer than usual. Consistently damp loads are a crucial warning sign to look out for!
• A Suspicious Utility Bill Increase. When machines near the end of their life, they tend to consume more electricity and water, sending operational costs skyrocketing.
• Regular Breakdowns. Even a younger machine can have a one-off breakdown. However, units that regularly require repair are a sign that replacement is on the horizon.
• Difficulties Sourcing Parts. As technology improves, old machines become obsolete, and manufacturers begin to discontinue the production of those parts that are less often used. This means that older machines might have parts that are difficult to find, which can result in more extended periods of downtime while waiting for shipments to arrive.

By watching for these key warning signs, property managers can be better prepared for the end of their equipment’s lifespan and have backup plans before it dies.

What our customers are saying

Is It Easy to Replace Aging Laundry Equipment Through a Leasing Program?

Leasing commercial laundry equipment offers significant advantages, especially for high-traffic settings like multi-housing complexes, dorms, and more.

• Lower Upfront Costs. When you lease a washer or dryer, you forgo the upfront purchase cost in exchange for an affordable monthly fee that fits your budget.
• Included Maintenance Plans. Many of these plans come with regularly scheduled maintenance included in their packages. This means your repair bill is already calculated into your monthly budget, making surprise service bills a non-issue.
• Easy Upgrades. Studies show that appliances roll out new features approximately every three to five years. With many lifespans of washer and dryer units lasting up to two decades, a new purchase could leave your laundry room feeling obsolete in no time. However, leasing makes for easier upgrades at a higher frequency.
• Flexibility. With a new lease, agents can often tailor your contract to your specific needs, allowing you to scale your business at a pace that’s right for you.

Many leasing companies now offer next-generation features like internet-connected machines that provide real-time alerts to the service company, further minimizing downtime and improving resident satisfaction–which can instantly improve property value!

Key Takeaways on Lifespans of Washers and Dryers

• Property managers can often expect a lifespan between 10 and 20 years for most commercial-grade washers and dryers. However, heavy-use environments tend towards 10 to 15 years for washers and up to 20 years for dryers, depending on usage.
• The type of property significantly impacts appliance longevity. For example, high-turnover or unsupervised properties require more frequent replacement.
• Brands like Speed Queen, Maytag, Whirlpool, and Miele stand out for exceeding average lifespans due to their durability, robust engineering, and excellent support networks for quick and reliable service.
• Signs of looming failure include persistent strange noises, leaks, increased utility costs, longer cycles, damp clothes, or frequent breakdowns.
• Leasing programs make it easier to replace old machines, offering lower up-front costs, predictable payment schedules, included maintenance, and the option to upgrade more often to keep up with quickly changing times.
• The lifespan of washer and dryer units can be extended significantly through routine maintenance.

Are you considering upgrading your facility’s laundry equipment to maximize the lifespan of your washer and dryer assets? Commercial Laundries offers flexible lease programs, state-of-the-art installations, and expert maintenance to keep your operations running smoothly. Call us today at 305-889-7966 to discover the right solution for your property!

Resources

• Fortune Herald – The Top 10 Commercial Washer and Dryer Brands in 2024