Because a homeowner spends a significant part of their life paying off their house, they expect the asset to deliver a great return on investment—appreciating over time and giving them the opportunity to sell it for a sizable profit later in life.
With that said, a home’s appliances and systems aren’t expected to outlive the home itself. Over time, they will break down and may need to be replaced—often putting additional stress on the homeowner’s budget.
With proper care and routine maintenance, however, here’s how long you can expect each of your home’s major systems and appliances to last!
HVAC
Although a full HVAC system lasts 15–20 years on average, individual units may have longer lifespans than others. A furnace or boiler typically lasts up to 30 years, while a heat pump or air conditioning unit may only last 10–15 years.
In any case, HVAC is one of the largest, most important, and most expensive systems in your home, so you should ensure that it is well-maintained and serviced regularly. A full HVAC system may cost anywhere from $3,000 to upwards of $30,000 to replace, depending on the size of the home and other factors.
Roof
Roofing plays a vital role in not only insulating your home but also protecting you and your family from the elements, debris, and other objects. In most cases, you can expect a roof to last up to 15 years or longer.
Unfortunately, a roof isn’t as easily maintained as other systems and appliances. Once your roof is beyond repair, you will need to pay the full cost of a roof replacement—roughly $5,000 – $10,000 or more.
Siding
Whether constructed from wood, vinyl, or another material, most types of siding are rated to last roughly 20–40 years on average. Brick, specifically, is especially strong and may last even longer.
While life expectancies may be similar, siding replacement costs vary greatly from one material to the next. Wood siding often starts at just $2 per square foot, while other materials may cost upward of $50 per square foot.
Windows
Windows allow natural light to enter your home, but they also play an important role in insulation. By preventing airflow and moisture from entering your home, they can help you conserve energy costs, as well as prevent mold and mildew from developing.
Over time, however, a window’s seal will begin to deteriorate. As long as there is no water damage, you may be able to have your windows resealed—a fix that costs $40 – $120 per window on average. Otherwise, you can expect your windows to last for about 15–20 years, with a replacement cost of approximately $200–$2,000 per window.
Deck
The life expectancy of a wood deck varies from property to property, as there are a handful of factors at play.
First, consider the weather in your area. If you live in a particularly cold or snowy climate, water may seep into the cracks in your deck, freeze, and expand—causing the wood to weaken and fracture over time. Maintenance is another important factor, and sealing the wood annually will go a long way towards helping your deck survive harsh conditions.
At minimum, your wood deck should last for 10 years or more. Well-maintained decks in favorable climates may last for 30 years or longer. The average deck costs approximately $11,000 to replace.
Refrigerator
Refrigerators are among the most expensive home appliances, often costing up to $10,000 or more. The average unit lasts for roughly 10–15 years, but its life will ultimately depend on the model and the level at which you maintain it.
Keep the door closed as often as possible to avoid putting extra pressure on the unit. You should also inspect and clean the back of the unit regularly to ensure that dust, dirt, and debris doesn’t build up.
Oven
Most electric ovens last for a minimum of 10 years, and many gas ovens last even longer. To extend your oven’s life, be sure to clean it frequently and inspect the oven door’s seals for damage. Like windows, ovens are sealed in order to trap heat and work more efficiently.
If you notice damage, promptly call your technician to schedule maintenance and repairs. The average oven repair costs $220, while a new unit often costs upwards of $1,000.
Washer/Dryer
Most washers and dryers can last for 10 years or more. To ensure that your units reach their respective due dates, avoid overloading them and make a habit of cleaning them regularly.
Fortunately, these units are far from the most expensive systems in your home and replacement options start at just a few hundred dollars.