How Long Should Appliances Last?

Replacing a home’s windows, appliances, or roofing can be pricey. So knowing approximately how long before the refrigerator is likely to stop working or the roof might spring a leak can have value to buyers and home owners.

If you are thinking about buying a home, you may want to factor in replacement costs for aging components when you make an offer. If you already own a home, this information can be helpful when trying to decide whether to replace a component before a move.

A recent study by the National Association of Home Builders provides some insight that can help you estimate the average useful life of more than 100 household appliances and building materials.

Of course, the actual longevity of any household material depends on maintenance, use, quality of installation, and climate conditions. So, these averages are only a general guide.

100 Years or More
Brick siding: Lifetime of the home
All wooden floors: Lifetime of the home
Cellulose insulation material: 100-plus years

50-100 Years
Slate, copper, and clay and concrete roofs: 50+ years
Copper gutters: 50+ years
Kitchen cabinets: Up to 50 years
Modified acrylic kitchen sinks: 50 years
Vinyl floors: 50 years

30-50 Years
Thermostats: 35 years
Wooden windows: 30 years
Wood shake roofs: 30 years
French interior doors: 30–50 years

10-20 Years
Built-in audio system: 20 years
Aluminum windows: 15–20 years
Asphalt shingle roofs: 20 years
Faucets, kitchen sinks: 15 years
Gas ranges: 15 years
Cultured marble countertops: 20 years
Dryers and refrigerators: 13 years
Air conditioning units: 10–15 years
Lighting controls: 10+ years
Interior and exterior paints: 15+ years
Electric or gas water heaters: 10 years
Air conditioners: 10–15 years
Furnaces: 15–20 years

5-10 Years
Security systems: 5–10 years
Heat and smoke detectors: 5–10 years
Dishwashers: 9 years
Microwave ovens: 9 years
Carpet: 8–10 years