How long should it last? Life expectancy of home components

Old boilerSellers 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

Sharlene Hensrud, RE/MAX Results – EmailWebsite

Written By

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.

Subscribe to Our Newsletter for Market Updates & Mid-Century Modern Listings

Our weekly HomesMSP Update includes current local market information and a curated list of mid-century modern properties for sale, plus posts from an inspector, a lender, a stager, info about neighborhoods, life in the Twin Cities… even recipes!

Hidden

Blog Categories

Archives

Sharon and John Hensrud

About Us

The HomesMSP Team is committed to meeting you where you are and listening… really listening to understand you so we can use our extensive knowledge of the market and local neighborhoods to give you personalized service.