How Long Should It Last? Life Expectancy of Home Components

By Homesmsp @HomesMSP

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

Sharlene Hensrud, RE/MAX Results - Email - Website