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How Long Will It Last? (Estimated Life Expectancy Charts For Home Systems)

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The following charts details the predicted life expectancy of appliances, products, materials, systems and components.

These life expectancies have been determined through research and testing based on regular recommended maintenance and conditions of normal wear and tear, and not extreme weather or other conditions, neglect, over-use or abuse.  Therefore, they should be used as guidelines only, and not relied upon as guarantees or warranties.

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Appliances

Appliance life expectancy depends to a great extent on the use it receives. Furthermore, consumers often replace appliances long before they become worn out due to changes in styling, technology and consumer preferences.
APPLIANCES       
YEARS
Air Conditioner (window)
5 to 7
Compactor (trash)
6
Dehumidifier
 8
Dishwasher
 9
Disposal (food waste)
 12
Dryer Vent  (plastic)
5
Dryer Vent  (steel)
20
Dryer (clothes)
13
Exhaust Fans
10
Freezer
 10 to 20
Gas Oven
10 to 18
Hand Dryer
10 to 12
Humidifier (portable)
 8
Microwave Oven
9
Range/Oven Hood
14
Electric Range
13 to 15
Gas Range
15 to 17
Refrigerator
9 to 13
Swamp Cooler
5 to 15
Washing Machine
5 to 15
Whole-House Vacuum System
 20

HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning)

Thermostats may last 35 years but they are usually replaced before they fail due to technological improvements.
HVAC
YEARS
Air Conditioner (central)
7 to 15
Air Exchanger
15
Attic Fan
15 to 25
Boiler
40
Burner
 10+
Ceiling Fan
5 to 10
Chimney Cap (concrete)
100+
Chimney Cap (metal)
 10 to 20
Chimney Cap (mortar)
15
Chimney Flue Tile
40 to 120
Condenser
 8 to 20
Dampers
 20+
Dehumidifier
8
Diffusers, Grilles and Registers
 25
Ducting
 60 to 100
Electric Radiant Heater
40
Evaporative Cooler
15 to 25
Furnace
 15 to 25
Gas Fireplace
15 to 25
Heat Exchanger
10 to 15
Heat Pump
 10 to 15
Heat-Recovery Ventilator
 20
Hot-Water and Steam-Radiant Boiler
 40
Humidifier
12
Induction and Fan-Coil Units
 10 to 15
Thermostats
 35
Ventilator 7

Plumbing, Fixtures & Faucets

The quality of plumbing fixtures varies dramatically.  The mineral content of water can shorten the life expectancy of water heaters and clog showerheads.  Also, some finishes may require special maintenance with approved cleaning agents per the manufacturers in order to last their expected service life.
PLUMBING, FIXTURES & FAUCETS
YEARS
ABS and PVC Waste Pipe
50 to 80
Accessible/ADA Handles
100+
Acrylic Kitchen Sink
50
Cast-Iron Bathtub
100
Cast-Iron Waste Pipe (above ground)
60
Cast-Iron Waste Pipe (below ground)
50 to 60
Concrete Waste Pipe
100+
Copper Water Lines
70
Enameled Steel Kitchen Sink
5 to 10+
Faucets and Spray Hose
15 to 20
Fiberglass Bathtub and Shower
20
Gas Lines (black steel)
75
Gas Lines (flex)
30
Hose Bibs
 20 to 30
Instant (on-demand) Water Heater
10
PEX 40
Plastic Water Lines
75
Saunas/Steam Room
15 to 20
Sewer Grinder Pump
10
Shower Enclosure/Module
50
Shower Doors
20
Showerheads
100+ (if not clogged by minerals or other deposits)
Soapstone Kitchen Sink
100+
Sump Pump
7
Toilet Tank Components
5
Toilets, Bidets and Urinals
100+
Vent Fan (ceiling)
5 to 10
Vessel Sink (stone, glass, porcelain, copper)
5 to 20+
Water Heater (conventional)
6 to 12
Water Line (copper)
50
Water Line (plastic)
50
Water Softener
20
Well Pump
15
Whirlpool Tub
20 to 50

Roofing

The life of a roof depends on local weather conditions, building and design, material quality, and adequate maintenance.  Hot climates drastically reduce asphalt shingle life.  Roofs in areas that experience severe weather, such as hail, tornadoes and/or hurricanes, may also experience a shorter-than-normal lifespan overall, or may incur isolated damage that requires repair in order to ensure the service life of the surrounding roofing materials.
ROOFING
YEARS
Aluminum Coating
3 to 7
Asphalt (architectural)
30
Asphalt Shingles (3-tab)
20
BUR (built-up roofing)
30
Clay/Concrete
 100+
Coal and Tar
30
Copper
70+
EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) Rubber
15 to 25
Fiber Cement
 25
Green (vegetation-covered)
 5 to 40
Metal
40 to 80
Modified Bitumen
20
Simulated Slate
10 to 35
Slate
60 to 150
TPO
7 to 20
Wood
 25

 

Sidings, Flashing & Accessories

 

Exterior siding materials typically last a lifetime.  Some exterior components may require protection through appropriate paints or sealants, as well as regular maintenance.  Also, while well-maintained and undamaged flashing can last a long time, it is their connections that tend to fail, so seasonal inspection and maintenance are strongly recommended.

SIDINGS, FLASHING & ACCESSORIES
YEARS
Aluminum Gutters, Downspouts, Soffit and Fascia
 20 to 40+
Aluminum Siding
25 to 40+
Asbestos Shingle
100
Brick
100+
Cementitious
100+
Copper Downspouts
100
Copper Gutters
50+
Engineered Wood
100+
Fiber Cement
100+
Galvanized Steel Gutters/Downspouts
20
Manufactured Stone
100+
Stone
100+
Stucco/EIFS
50+
Trim
25
Vinyl Gutters and Downspouts 25+
Vinyl Siding
60
Wood/Exterior Shutters 20

Windows

Aluminum windows are expected to last between 15 and 20 years, while wooden windows should last nearly 30 years.
WINDOWS
YEARS
Aluminum/Aluminum-Clad
15 to 20
Double-Pane
8 to 20
Skylights
10 to 20
Vinyl/Fiberglass Windows 20 to 40
Window Glazing
10+
Wood
30+

 

Note: Life expectancy varies with usage, weather, installation, maintenance, and quality of materials.  This list should be used only as a general guideline and not as a guarantee or warranty regarding the performance or life expectancy of any appliance, product, system or component.