When you purchase items for your home you hope they last a long time. But you are never sure how long. The following table shows the expected life of numerous items. A few things to consider:
- Expected lives will vary. Check with your salesperson and also review warranty information.
- Inexpensive items or items that are not sized or installed properly will have a shorter than average life.
- You need to take care of the items. Regular maintenance and usage will extend the life; not maintaining and inappropriate use with shorten it.
- Keep good records of when you purchased items, so you don’t have to guess how old they are.
- As they approach the end of their useful life, consider replacing them before they break down or require expensive and inconvenient repairs
|
Item |
Expected Life |
|
HVAC |
|
|
Central air |
15-18 years |
|
Room air conditioners |
10 years |
|
Ceiling fans |
15 years |
|
Electric boilers |
13 years |
|
Gas boilers |
21 years |
|
Dehumidifiers and humidifiers |
8 years |
|
Electric furnaces |
20 years |
|
Gas furnaces |
18 years |
|
Oil furnaces |
18 years |
|
Thermostats |
20 years |
|
Electric radiant heaters |
30 years |
|
|
|
|
Appliances |
|
|
Compactors |
6 years |
|
Dishwashers |
9 years |
|
Dryers (electric and gas) |
13 years |
|
Freezers |
11 years |
|
Garbage disposers |
12 years |
|
Microwave ovens |
9 years |
|
Electric ranges |
13 years |
|
Gas ranges |
15 years |
|
Refrigerators |
13 years |
|
Washing machines |
10 years |
|
Water heaters (electric) |
13 years |
|
Water heaters (gas) |
15 years |
|
Water heaters (tankless) |
20 years |
|
|
|
|
Faucets and Fixtures |
|
|
Kitchen sinks (acrylic) |
50 years |
|
Kitchen faucets |
15 years |
|
Shower enclosures |
30 years |
|
Showerheads |
15 years |
|
Shower doors |
20 years |
|
Toilets |
25 years |
|
Whirlpool tubs |
20 years |