For those buying a home, whether you’re first-time homebuyers or not, it is very important not to overlook the long term cost of owning a home. These details can be costly, especially if you have not familiarized yourself with all of the things that need to be replaced in the future. Below is a rough guide of how many years each appliance or home system will last**.
Roofs
Asphalt lasts 15-20 years, selvage or asphalt roll 12-20 years, wood shake and shingle 15-20 years, fiberglass 15-20 years, asbestos shingle 30-50 years and slate surprisingly lasts 40-75 years.
Plumbing
Gas hot water heaters last 8-12 years, electric hot water heaters 10-15 years, private disposal systems such as septic tanks last 15-25 years and galvanized water pipes last 30-50 years.
Heating and Air Conditioning
Warm air furnaces last 8-12 years, heat pumps 8-12 years, air conditioning compressors 8-15 years, gas chillers 8-15 years and hot water boilers 30-50 years.
Gutters and Downspouts
Galvanized gutters and downspouts last 15-20 years, while copper gutters and downspouts will last a lifetime, provided that the home is well-maintained.
Appliances
Dishwashers can last 5-12 years, disposals 5-12 years, washers and dryers 8-12 years, water heaters 8-12 years, refrigerators 15-20 years and finally, stoves can last 15-20 years.
**This post is provided for informational purposes. I’ve personally seen appliances last longer than the time ranges listed above, but that is mere anecdotal evidence. Please consult with your home maintenance expert or a professional home inspector.
