That dishwasher of yours… how long will it last? What about that AC unit in the house you’re about to buy? Can you count on it running strong for another five years?
We’re certainly no fortune tellers here, but a glance at the average life expectancies of home systems and appliances can give you a good idea of what to assume. These home systems and appliances can have a big impact on your budget as a homeowner, so it’s great to think about these averages when considering the costs of homeownership. We hope this helps you build a realistic budget for home maintenance.
Oh, and we’re guessing you already know this, but we’ll throw it out there anyways. Life is ultra unpredictable (yes, we’re getting all philosophical on you). That means you may very well encounter home systems and appliances that completely defy these norms. Your deviant dishwasher may throw in the towel at 6 years; or it may beat the odds and keep on keepin’ on for a good 15. The moral — take it all with a grain of salt.
And, a big thanks to our friends at Advantage Inspection Service; they were kind enough to share this information with us and to encourage us to pass it along to you too.
Average Lifespans of Home Systems, Appliances and Components
Home Systems / Appliances Average Life Expectancy
Gas stove | Max 15 years |
Clothes dryers | 10-12 years |
Clothes washers | 6-8 years |
Refrigerators | 6-8 years |
Dishwashers | 8-10 years |
Microwave ovens | 8-10 years |
Heating and air conditioning systems | Max 10-15 years |
Smoke detectors | 10 years |
Carbon monoxide detectors | 5 years |
Garage door openers | 10-15 years |
Other Home Components Average Life Expectancy
Metal and concrete tile roofs | 50+ years |
Asphalt shingle roofs | 15-25 years |
Wood shake roofs | 15-20 years |
Natural wood, marble, slate ceramic and granite floorings | 30+ years |
Vinyl floors | 15-20 years |
Carpet | 8-10 years |
Asphalt and cement driveways | 25-50 years |
Chimneys and fireplaces | Lifetime |
Brick veneers | Lifetime |
Brick/block walls | Lifetime |
Estimates based on research from the National Association of Home Builders.
16211 N Scottsdale Rd Suite A6A-478
Scottsdale, AZ 85254