Consumer expectations for major appliances are remarkably consistent, according to Simon Slater, associate director of survey research at CR. Most manufacturers 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. The dishwasher, washing machine and fridge are such an integral part of your daily life that it would be nearly 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? Appliance specialist Anthony Starck, owner of Showcase Kitchens based on Long Island, says that appliances last longer when consumers follow the manufacturer's suggested use and care instructions for the product. Many people routinely neglect the more detailed aspects of the maintenance process and this results in a shorter lifespan of appliances. Do you want to know how long you can expect your appliances to work for you as long as you take good care of them? Read on to learn the average lifespan of 15 top appliances that will help you be prepared before they run out.
And for more ways to help keep your home in tip-top condition, check out these 30 useful supplies you don't have in your home but should. You're likely to use an average dryer for about 13 years according to the NAHB. And buying a more expensive product doesn't always mean you'll get more out of it. What is my general rule with customers when it comes to dryers? I tell them to buy the cheapest dryer they can get. “A dryer is a dryer, it's a dryer” DePole says. The other things, the bells, the whistles, are things that are going to break too soon.
And for more home investments to stay away from, check out these 25 home improvements that really devalue your home. Fortunately, replacing your water heater isn't a task you should perform too often. According to Crisafulli Bros., water heaters should be replaced every 8-12 years depending on usage and maintenance. The company also suggests replacing the water heater regardless of how old it is if the water has a strange tint, if it emits loud gurgles, if there is accumulated water around the unit or if there is no hot water. And to learn more about the pipes that keep water flowing in your home check out these 21 ways you're damaging your home according to your plumber. Refrigerators usually cost a penny but fortunately you probably won't have to worry about buying a new one anytime soon. According to the appliance authorities at AJ Madison in Brooklyn New York, the average lifespan of a refrigerator is 10-20 years.
That amount varies by type but the average freezer or side-to-side refrigerator lasts approximately 13 years while a single-door unit can last up to 20 years. And if you're looking to replace your kitchen appliances read the best places to save on kitchen appliances. Your freezer should serve you well for more than a decade according to NAHB professionals just be sure to clean the condenser coils regularly if the manual requires it. And for more cleaning and maintenance tips check out these 27 Ways To Clean Your House Like A Professional Housekeeper. It may be one of your least expensive appliances but that doesn't mean your microwave necessarily has a short lifespan. The NAHB states that most microwaves will continue to work for the better part of a decade. And to learn more about using the kitchen properly avoid the 17 things you do in the kitchen that aren't safe. Through a reliability survey Consumer Reports found that most vacuums last an average of eight years however you can extend their life by cleaning your filters frequently and replacing your belts when necessary. And for more tips on how to keep your vacuum running for a decade avoid these 17 ways you're vacuuming everything wrong. While most experts point out that thermostats don't technically have an established lifespan the NAHB states that they can generally be used safely for up to 35 years.
This means that you will most likely spend a lifetime without having to replace one although improvements in technology such as the advent of smart thermostats may make you want to change them sooner. You should be prepared to replace your basement boiler before it breaks so you don't lose heat but it won't be until a decade or two after you buy it according to Weil-Mclain an Indiana-based heating system manufacturer residential boilers typically need to be replaced every 12 years. And for more useful information on how long kitchen appliances should last read this expert's guide!.