How long should my furnace (roof, appliances…) last?

Mechanicals1 Buyers often ask how long a furnace, roof, water heater, appliances, etc usually lasts… it's a big help in factoring in upcoming costs when considering making an offer on a home. While actual longevity depends on many factors, including initial quality, maintenance, type of use, quality of installation and climate conditions, it is useful to know some national averages.

A new study by the National Association of Home Builders estimates the life expectancy of 100 household applances and building materials.  Below is a summary of some of the products reviewed…click here to see the full report.

100 YEARS OR MORE

  • Brick siding: Lifetime of the home
  • Solid wood floors: Lifetime of the home
  • Cellulose insulation: 100+ years

50 – 100 YEARS

  • Slate, copper, clay & concrete roofs: 50+ years
  • Kitchen cabinets: Up to 50 years
  • Vinyl floors: 50 years

30 – 50 YEARS

  • Thermostats: 35 years
  • Wooden windows: 30 years
  • Wood shake roofs: 30 years
  • Wooden doors: 30 years to lifetime

10 – 20 YEARS

  • Decks: 20 years (up to 30 years in dry, northern climates)
  • Aluminum/steel gutters: 20 years
  • Built-in audio system: 20 years
  • Asphalt shingle roofs: 20 years
  • Furnaces: 15-25 years
  • Gas boilers: 21 years
  • Asphalt driveway: 15-20 years
  • Aluminum/vinyl clad windows: 15-20 years
  • Central air conditioners: 15 years
  • Interior and exterior paints: 15+ years
  • Faucets, kitchen sinks: 15 years
  • Ranges: 13 years (electric) – 15 years (gas)
  • Range hoods: 14 years
  • Refrigerators: 13 years
  • Dryers: 13 years
  • Garbage disposals: 12 years
  • Garage door openers: 10-15 years
  • Window air conditioning units: 10 years
  • Water heaters: 10-11 years
  • Washers: 10 years

5 – 10 YEARS

  • Carpet: 8-10 years
  • Dishwashers: 9 years
  • Microwave ovens: 9 years
  • Humidifiers: 8 years
  • Security systems: 5-10 years
  • Smoke detectors: 5-10 years

Sharlene Hensrud, RE/MAX Results – EmailWebsite

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I love what I do! Highly insightful, analytical and creative, there is nothing I love more than helping you find the right solution for your real estate transition. My mission is to serve my clients with honesty and integrity, exceeding their expectations in service and support… and to help others by donating a portion of every transaction to Habitat for Humanity.

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