We all know that appliances are a major purchase for any homeowner. Knowing how long they tend to last is essential when budgeting expenses. We asked manufacturers of more than 20 brands, and most say that their appliances should last about 10 years. HVAC systems require proper and regular maintenance to operate efficiently, but even at best, most components of these systems only last 15-25 years.
Ovens last on average 15 to 20 years, heat pumps 16 years and air conditioning units 10 to 15 years. Tankless water heaters last more than 20 years, while an electric or gas water heater has a life expectancy of about 10 years. Thermostats are usually replaced before the end of their 35-year lifespan due to technological improvements. Kitchen sinks made of modified acrylic will last 50 years, while kitchen faucets will work properly for about 15 years.
The average life of bathroom shower cabins is 50 years. Shower heads last a lifetime, while shower doors will last about 20 years. Bathroom cabinets and toilets have an unlimited lifespan, but the components inside the toilet cistern require some maintenance. Hot tubs will work properly for 20 to 50 years, depending on usage.
Garage door openers are expected to last 10 to 15 years and light inserts for 20 years. Both indoor and outdoor spots can last 15 years or more, however, homeowners usually paint more often. Tennis courts can last a lifetime if coated; most coatings last 12 to 15. The concrete deck of a swimming pool is expected to last more than 25 years, but the interior plaster and tiles have a life expectancy of about 10 to 25 years. The dishwasher, washing machine and fridge are such an integral part of your daily life that it would be almost impossible to live without them, even for a day. But are you doing your part to ensure that your most reliable appliances last as long as possible before they need to be updated? Appliances last longer when consumer follows product manufacturer's suggested use and care, says appliance specialist Anthony Starck, owner of Showcase Kitchens based in Long Island. You can expect a typical new refrigerator to last about seven years. The hob, stove and oven extractor hoods are fairly simple appliances that can be expected to last 14 years or more with regular maintenance.
The average dishwasher lasts about nine years, but you can do it 10-13 years with proper maintenance. In this case, “proper maintenance” means running the dishwasher regularly and cleaning the components properly. When dishwashers break, it is often due to a worn seal or gasket, causing more internal problems. Regular operation helps keep these rubber parts happier. Dishwashers, in particular, have little ratio between price and durability. Sometimes, the more electronic components and components you add, the more things can break down. For the most durable dishwasher, look for those with high-quality parts that resist rust and wear on pump components and piping, where performance matters more than style.
Microwaves will last 9-10 years for most cookers. While a microwave is a fairly complex appliance, there's not much you can do to make it last longer than keeping it clean and being kind to the door. The Full Home Warranty team also recommends some other precautionary measures, such as covering food to prevent messy sauce explosions and making sure you keep the outside clean as well. Furnaces also have a service life that depends largely on their type; in this example, the fuel source.
In particular, a gas oven will normally operate at full capacity, about three years or more than an electric oven (and it will not use as much energy either). As with kiln stoves, this happens because gas is usually a more effective and efficient heating fuel that does not consist of as many fragile parts. A dryer should last 10 to 13 years. To extend the life of the dryer, clean the lint filter after each use and ensure that the outside ventilation is also clean.
A dishwasher should last from 10 to 13 years. To extend the life of the dishwasher, run it regularly. This helps prevent seals, gaskets and hoses from dry rotting and prevents mold and mildew from forming. This appliance life expectancy chart will help you determine if an appliance can be stored or if it may run out of time.
Todd DePole, owner of Todd's Appliance Repair in New York, says a top-loading washing machine could easily last two decades. Whatever the reason, we've broken down several major categories of appliances to give you a better view of how long you can expect your appliances to last. With the rising costs of mainstream appliances and increased attention to the environment, it makes sense to maintain and preserve your main appliances for as long as possible. Understanding how long appliances should last helps you maintain them for their proper lifespan without unnecessary repairs to machines that legitimately need to be replaced.
