Life Expectancy of Appliances, Components and Systems

Buyers are very interested in the life expectancy of the appliances, components and systems in your house. The age, design and condition of kitchen appliances are particularly crucial factors when considering whether or not to make an offer, and often becomes the subject of negotiations. When selling an existing house, it’s smart to be prepared with specifics, including the date purchased, vendor and the amount paid, as well details of how it’s been maintained, as applicable. Provide the owner’s manual, when possible. When you order the pre-listing home inspection, be aware that the inspector will determine only if the item is working today for its intended purpose, and most likely will not predict its life expectancy.  

To help you decide if you should replace a working appliance or system, consider its age, condition and cosmetic appeal. The National Association of Home Builders has prepared a list of the average life expectancy of key items, based on a survey of manufacturers, trade associations and product researchers. Consider it a starting point for determining if you should replace certain things before you list and improve the marketability of your house. Many components are expected to last for the life of the house, including toilets, wood floors, all types of insulation, as well as fiberglass and steel and wood exterior doors. Overall quality, proper installation and regular maintenance are determining factors in the life expectancy of many components. Climate and exposure to the elements are additional factors that affect many exterior items.

       ITEM                                                                       NUMBER OF YEARS

Roof
Fiberglass                                                                                  15-20
Metal                                                                                           20-50+
Asphalt, wood or composition shingles and shakes       15-20
Slate and Tile                                                                            50+

Heating and Cooling System
Furnace                                                                                      15-20
Heat pump                                                                                  5-20
Central air conditioning                                                       10-15
Electric or gas hot water heater                                           8-10
Tankless hot water heater                                                    20-25
Ventilating roof-mounted fans                                            15-20

Plumbing and Electrical
Septic disposal system                                                             15-25
Fiberglass bathtub and shower                                            10-15
Electrical panel                                                                         25
Cast iron tub                                                                              50+
Standard toilet mechanism                                                    5-6            

Windows
Aluminum and vinyl                                                             15-20
Wood                                                                                             30+
                   
Wood Decks (if maintained)                                              5-20

Flooring
Vinyl                                                                                            20-30
Carpet-average quality                                                           8-10      

               
Appliances
Refrigerator                                                                                13
Electric Range                                                                            13
Gas Range                                                                                    15
Dishwasher                                                                                    9
Washer                                                                                          10
Dryer-electric or gas                                                                 13
Garage door opener                                                                   10-15

Smart Selling Tip:
Buyers are very interested in the life expectancy of the appliances, components and systems in your house. Be prepared with information about key items, but understand that sometimes cosmetic appeal overrides condition in the mind of buyers.

                                                                 ©2011 Sandy LeRoy and Mary Stephens