Should I replace my 20 year old oven?

Yes, you should strongly consider replacing your 20 year old oven, as it is well beyond its average lifespan of 10 to 15 years and is likely inefficient, unsafe, and costly to repair. A 20 year old oven uses significantly more energy than new Energy Star or efficient models, costing 50 to 100 dollars more per year in electricity or gas, plus it lacks modern safety features like automatic shutoff, cool-touch doors, and precise temperature control. At 20 years, parts like control board, door hinges, gaskets, igniters, and heating elements are likely worn and may cost 200 to 500 dollars each to replace, exceeding 50 percent of new oven cost which is 600 to 1,500 dollars for Whirlpool or GE. Also, older ovens may have inaccurate temperature calibration that is off by 25 to 50 degrees, causing uneven baking and food safety issues. New ovens offer convection that cooks 25 percent faster, self-clean that is safer, smart features, and better insulation. Safety concerns include gas leaks from old gas valves and electrical hazards from degraded wiring. If your 20 year old oven still heats but you plan to stay in home more than 2 years, replacement is worthwhile for efficiency and safety. If it has major failure like control board or cracked enamel, replace immediately. Consider rebates for energy-efficient models and recycling old oven at retailer.