If the refrigerator, washer, dryer, dishwasher or range came with the house, you probably have little idea how hard they've been used or how well they were cared for. Some may run for years. Others may quit within months of your moving in.

Look for model and serial numbers on each appliance and search the manufacturer's site to estimate its age and find the manual. Basic care, like cleaning refrigerator coils, clearing the dryer vent and checking the hoses on the washer, can help them last longer and run more safely. Keep receipts and records in one folder so you have them when a repair comes up.

Because appliance repairs can arrive in clusters, some homeowners consider a home warranty that includes appliance coverage. Others prefer to set aside their own replacement fund. Either can make sense depending on your budget and the age of what you own. If you look at a plan, check which appliances are included, how service calls work and what the coverage caps are.