Sellers should know that 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 study by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) estimates the life expectancy of home components. Below is a summary of some of the items reviewed there and from Kiplinger… click here to see the full NAHB report.
APPLIANCES
- Gas ranges: 15 years
- Range hoods: 14 years
- Electric ranges: 13 years
- Dryers: 13 years
- Refrigerators: 13 years
- Garbage disposals: 12 years
- Top loading washing machines: 12 years
- Front loading washing machines: 11 years
- Freezers: 11 years
- Exhaust fans: 10 years
- Dishwashers: 9 years
- Microwave ovens: 9 years
- Humidifiers: 8 years
- Dehumidifiers: 8 years
MECHANICALS
- Furnaces: 15-25 years
- Gas boilers: 21 years
- Heat pumps: 16 years
- Thermostats: 35 years
- Central air conditioners: 10-15 years
- Window/wall air conditioner units: 10 years
- Water heaters: 10-11 years
- Tankless water heaters: 20+ years
- Electric service panel: 20-25 years
- Security systems: 5-10 years
- Smoke detectors: 5-10 years
INTERIOR/FLOORS
- Sold wood floors: lifetime of the home
- Vinyl floors: 50 years
- Carpet: 8-10 years
- Paint: 15+ years
- Faucets: 15 years
- Built-in audio system: 20 years
- Kitchen cabinets: up to 50 years
- Medicine cabinets: 20+ years
WINDOWS/DOORS
- Wooden windows: 30 years
- Vinyl windows: 20-40 years
- Aluminum windows: 15-20 years
- Aluminum/steel gutters: 20 years
- Garage door openers: 10-15 years
- Wooden doors: 30 years to lifetime
- Vinyl doors: 20-20 years
- Shower doors: 20 years
ROOF
- Slate, copper, clay & concrete roofs: 50+ years
- Wood shake roofs: 30 years
- Fiber cement shingle roofs: 25 years
- Asphalt shingle roofs: 20 years
- Copper gutters: 50+ years
- Aluminum gutters: 30 years
EXTERIOR
- Brick siding: lifetime of the home
- Asphalt driveways: 15-20 years
- Decks: 20 years
- Deck stain/sealer: 3 years
- Exterior paint: 6-10 years
- Exterior wood shutters: 20 years
