How long does a refrigerator last?

This post is the latest in the series “How long do appliances last?” They’re written in a style I learned in journalism, called “By The Numbers,” which was often just another way to say “I need to take up space and do something visual.” Voila.

12
The number of years in the average refrigerator’s lifespan, according to data published by Appliance Magazine in 2010. The life span reflects how long the first owner of a refrigerator used it, which doesn’t necessarily mean that it broke down.

14.75
Amount cubic feet of fresh food storage space in the average refrigerator, based on all active models in 2009.

6.76
Cubit feet of average amount of freezer space, based on all active models in 2009. Guess that means the average refrigerator unit is just under 22 cu. ft.

$1,180
Average price of Energy Star refrigerators in 2009.

$1,150
Average price of a standard refrigerator in 2009 (not much difference, eh?).

2.8
Amount of years it takes for the lower operations costs of an Energy Star refrigerator to make up, or “pay back,” for the initial sticker price difference.

$71
Net savings (energy savings minus initial higher cost) of an Energy Star refrigerator over its expected lifetime of 12 years.