It would be fantastic if everything we owned lasted forever. Unfortunately, many household items like appliances, surfaces—flooring, wall claddings, countertops—and fixtures have a surprisingly shorter lifespans than you might guess. Typically they range from between 5 and 30 years. So what lasts only 5 years? And what can last 30? Let’s break it down with this simple guide to the lifespan of appliances and other home building materials.
Here’s what’s in this article about the lifespan of appliances and building materials.
The rate of wear affects the lifespan of appliances and materials.
We applaud any appliance or furniture that surpasses its life expectancy. More value for us! Especially if those appliances or building products are working efficiently and sustainably, as well. If you keep maintaining them, they could serve you well for way longer than the average life expectancy.
However, many household products have a fairly predictable rate of wear and tear. After they serve their allotted time, they can become too slow, unreliable, expensive to fix, or just plain unsafe to continue using. Knowing when to replace items can save you a lot of money and hassle in the long run. Below are 15 different household items and fixtures and a timeline as to when to expect to replace them. Here are the lifespan of appliances and other home essentials.
Every 5 years
Computers
Due to the fast progression of technology and the speed at which components deteriorate, you can usually expect to get 3 to 8 years out of most laptops and PCs. The 5-year mark is typically when the hard drive starts to show its age. If you regularly do recommended updates, shut down the computer regularly, and keep the computer secure, you can get more than average from your investment.
However, if the computer fan is sooooo loud, everything takes forever to load, and you are no longer able to update the computer, it’s time to start shopping for a replacement. Just be sure to back everything on the cloud or an external hard drive each week, so you don’t lose everything if there’s a sudden issue and your computer won’t function.
Pots and pans
While cast iron pans can last for decades or a lifetime, many nonstick pans and ceramic pans only last 5 years at max. Once a Teflon-coated pan starts getting scratched, you need to replace it. It’s not healthy to consume Teflon, as the coating could be coming off and ending up in your food.
If pans are missing handles, are rusted, warped, or are just not working the way they used to, it’s time to start shopping for a new set. Just like many kinds of home goods, cheaper pots and pans will need to be replaced more often.
Kettles
Hard water can be a doozy on tea kettles. After 4 or 5 years, most kettles are so scaled up and corroded that they should be replaced. If you haven’t peeked inside your kettle, take a flashlight and see what’s inside yours. You might try this guide to cleaning it, or be inspired to order a fun new kettle right away.
Every 10 years
Microwave
For most small families, you can expect to get a decade of use out of your average microwave oven. If you have a large family who uses the microwave like a workhorse, it might only last 5. High-end versions will give you more years.
When it comes to the lifespan of appliances, repairing and maintaining the microwave can help extend the life of it. Also, checking that air can circulate around it will help. Plus, cook anything with metal and don’t turn it on without anything inside. Don’t clean with harsh chemicals and use a surge protector, too. Replace it if you notice burning smells or experience circuit breaker trips.
Washing machine
When maintained and used correctly, washing machines typically last 10 to 13 years. It’s essential to not use too much detergent, which is why we don’t use Pods at our house. We use Blueland detergent tabs that can be broken into pieces to match the size of the load. Plus, we aren’t paying for the transport of water in the detergent. A little tiny bit more sustainable.
Other ways to extend the washing machine lifespan: check your pockets before loading, remove wet clothes when the cycle is done, and don’t overload the washer. For a front-loader, it should only be about half full.
Frequent leaks, odd noises, bad smells or faults with the drum can be a sign you may need a new appliance.
Mattress
Years of sleeping on a mattress can wear out the springs or foam, making it uncomfortable and potentially a cause of aches and pains. Most mattresses last about 7 to 10 years. But yours could last longer.
It depends on a few things like the materials, so high-density poly foam and latex can last longer than low-density. If you regularly maintain—clean, flip, rotate, and use protection covers–than it has a chance to last longer than average. Also, the weight of the sleepers can speed up its demise.
Creaking noises or a lumpy texture are a sign your mattress is at the end of its life.
Every 15 years
Refrigerator
Standard refrigerators are expected to last anywhere between 10 and 20 years. The Department of Energy says fridges last about 12 years. Of course, it also depends on the model and quality of the fridge, in addition to how you maintain it.
If the outside of the fridge is hot, that’s not a good sign. Your motor might be struggling and running constantly. Also, if your fridge is getting hot making loud noises or food is expiring early, it could be a sign you need a new fridge.
Dishwasher
Dishes not coming out clean? Got rust on your dishwasher? Leaks? Not draining properly? These are signs that your dishwasher is dying. Most dishwashers rarely last more than 15 years. If your household is packed with peeps–a real strain of the lifespan of appliances–then you may only get 6 years or so from a dishwasher’s service life.
It’s important to clean the dishwasher—yes clean it. Run a hot cycle with just white vinegar every season, and clean out the filters. Check hoses every 2 or 3 years, and don’t overload it with dishes piled with leftover goo. You’ll get more lifespan of appliances with just a bit of diligence.
Carpets
The lifespan of a carpet can depend on how high quality it is, how much traffic it receives and how well maintained it is. Pets also play a huge role in the lifespan of a carpet or rug.
Some carpets look awful after only 5 years of use, and even the most intense cleaning won’t make it better. By 15 years in busy households, even the most high quality carpets will likely looking stained and threadbare.
If there’s damage, it smells, stained, or if your family has allergies to dust and pet dander, look into a new carpet or rug. Choosing a rug that can be tossed in a washing machine can be pretty handy.
Every 20 years
Boiler
You should hire a boiler installation company to replace your boiler if you’ve had it for 20 years. Some boilers fail after 10 to 15 years, but most well-maintained boilers can last up to two decades before they start to become faulty and inefficient.
Frequent pressure issues, leaks, strange smells, and inconsistent water temperatures can indicate its time to say goodbye. Slow heating and high energy bills are all more reasons to get a new boiler.
AC unit
Like boilers, AC units can last up to 20 years, providing they get regular servicing. Poorly maintained air conditioning units may last less than 10 years. If your AC unit is making a loud noise, isn’t cooling properly, or is using a lot of energy, it’s likely time to replace it. And if you haven’t had it inspected by a pro, they may be able to get a little more life out of it.
If you need to replace an AC unit in a small space, where you have a window or wall unit, consider a mini split heat pump. They can cool and heat a space, and some even look modern and fit with a stylish home.
Oven
On average, electric ovens last 13 to 16 years, while gas ovens can last a little longer. It depends very much on the quality of the oven as to how much life you’ll get out of it. Also, with the lifespan of appliances, if you use the oven everyday and multiple times each day, the life will be a little less.
After 20 years, almost all ovens will have heating issues and will be at the end.
Every 30 years
Laminate
Low-end laminate floors last 10 to 25 years on average, while high-end laminate floors can last up to 30 years. Extensive scratches or water damage are a sign you need new flooring. Also, gaps, stains, creaking, cupping, and bubbling are signs that the laminate is not longer working well or it may not be attached as it once was.
If your floor isn’t working for you, start shopping for a new laminate option. For an even longer-lasting flooring option, consider hardwood or tile. If you want something super easy to install, consider luxury vinyl plank.
Roof
The life expectancy of a roof can vary greatly depending on the material. Metal and real slate roofs can last a lifetime. Asphalt shingles, the most common type of roofing, typically last up to 30 years. It’s important to have a pro check the health of your roof at least every decade, as it’s tough to see emerging problems from the sidewalk. If you live in a location where you get severe weather like hurricanes or tornados, it’s even more important to keep tabs on the health of your roof.
Missing shingles and frequent leaks are a sign it’s time for a roof replacement.
Windows
As with roofs, the lifespan of windows varies depending on what the frames are made out of. Fiberglass window frames have a life expectancy of 50 years. However, most other window materials like wood, aluminum, and PVC will start to experience leaks and drafts after about 30 years. Replacing a window can cost from $100 to $750 or more depending on the style and size of window, so it’s essential to maintain what you have.
If the frames are warped, or if there are gaps or cracks that are beyond weatherstripping or caulk, then it’s likely time to start shopping for new windows.
Do you have a super old appliance that just keeps on giving?
Tell us about your workhorse in the comments below. We’d love to know the brand who makes it.
Book your consult with Mark and Theresa today!
