Consumer expectations for major appliances are remarkably consistent, according to Simon Slater, associate director of survey research at CR. Manufacturers of more than 20 brands say their appliances should last about 10 years. Heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems require proper and regular maintenance to operate efficiently, but even at best, most of the components in such systems only last 15 to 25 years. Ovens last an average of 15 to 20 years, heat pumps 16 years and air conditioning units between 10 and 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 generally 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 shower screens 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 tank require some maintenance.
Hot tubs will work properly for 20 to 50 years, depending on use. Garage door openers are expected to last 10 to 15 years and lightweight inserts for 20 years. Both interior and exterior spots can last 15 years or more, however, homeowners tend to paint more frequently. Tennis courts can last a lifetime if coated; most coatings last 12 to 15 years. The concrete shell of a pool is expected to last more than 25 years, but plaster and interior tiles have a life expectancy of about 10 to 25 years.
A gas stove has the longest life expectancy of most major kitchen appliances, at about 15 years. Electric stoves are not far behind, with an expected lifespan of 13 years, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). The extractor hood, which is normally installed above the stove to trap grease particles and kitchen odors, lasts about 14 years. The oven and hob, whether separate units or a single unit, are the strongest appliance in the kitchen and often last 10 years or more. It is often the body or the electrical control unit that breaks down before the cooking units. Or the style becomes outdated, which causes a desire to buy a new appliance.
From storing and cooking food to shredding waste and cleaning dishes, your kitchen appliances work hard at every step of preparing and cleaning food. While these devices are used daily, many last more than 10 years. The average dishwasher lasts about nine years, but it can last 10 to 13 years with proper maintenance. In this case, “proper maintenance” means operating the dishwasher regularly and cleaning the components properly. When dishwashers break down, it's often due to a worn seal or gasket, causing more internal problems.
Regular operation helps keep these rubberized parts in good condition. Dishwashers, in particular, have little relationship between price and durability. Sometimes, the more electronic components and components you add, the more things can be messed up. If you're looking for the most durable dishwasher, look for those with high-quality parts that resist rust and wear on pump components and pipes, where operation is more important than style. Microwaves will last between nine and 10 years in most kitchens. While a microwave is quite a complex appliance, there's not much you can do to make it last longer than keep it clean and be kind to the door.
The Complete Home Warranty team also recommends some other precautionary measures, such as covering the food to prevent the sauce from getting dirty and making sure to keep the outside as well. Furnaces also have a lifespan that depends largely on their type; in this example, the fuel source. In particular, a gas oven will normally operate at full capacity for about three years longer than an electric oven (and it won't consume as much energy either). As in oven stoves, this happens because gas is usually a more effective and efficient heating fuel that does not consist of so many fragile parts. Whatever the reason may be, we've broken down several major categories of appliances to provide a better view of how long you can expect your appliances to last. Home warranties can cover the repair or replacement of an appliance regardless of its age as long as it's covered by your plan and meets the requirements contained in the home warranty contract.
