So you’ve just forked over a fistful of cash for new appliances in your home. You even splurged on the stainless steel upgrade. Congrats! And now for the bad news. Your new appliances will eventually die.
Known in the home inspection business as “estimated design life cycles” these statistics help inspectors let buyers know of potential upcoming problems. For example, if your boiler is 45 years old, it is living on borrowed time, my friend.
So, if you’re in the market for a new house or if you’re living with some aged mechanicals, the following list might help you plan for the future.
System Element Estimated Life Cycle
Roofing Asphalt Shingles 18-22 years
Wood Shingles 15-25 years
Clay Tiles 25+ years
Metal Roofing Indefinite
Heating Boiler 25-40 years
Forced Air-Gas/Oil 15-35 years
Forced Air-Electric 15-25 years
Electric Baseboard 15-25 years
Cooling A/C Compressor 10-15 years
Window A/C Unit 10-15 years
Plumbing Water Heater-Electric 12-18 years
Water Heater-Gas/Oil 10-15 years
Sump Pump 5-8 years
Appliances Dishwasher 5-10 years
Garbage Disposal 5-10 years
Cook Top (Gas/Electric) 15-20 years
Range/Oven 15-20 years
Refrigerator 5-25 years
Cook Top Vent 8-12 years
Clothes Washer & Dryer 8-12 years
Life cycle statistics courtesy of Walsh’s Professional Home Inspections, Inc., which is based in the Twin City area.
“Broken Stove” courtesy of Apathetic Heart @ Flickr.
