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 – Email – Website
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