Shoutout to the library archive where I found out most 90s fridge compressors were built to run for 30 years, not the 10-15 we see now

I was digging through some old manufacturer spec sheets from 1993 at the downtown branch and saw the planned service life was triple what we actually get, which makes me think the 'they don't make 'em like they used to' line is more about planned obsolescence than quality, so has anyone else found old specs that surprised them?

2 comments

2 Comments

laura_ross2mo ago

Found the same thing with a 1980s oven manual last year. It listed a 40 year expected lifespan, which seems crazy now. Makes you wonder what changed besides the bottom line.

mia_park2mo ago

Honestly that tracks with everything. My grandma's old washer ran for 25 years and the new one died in five.