How long do appliances last?
Typical service life of home appliances and systems from InterNACHI's chart, and a quick check of how your own compare.
- Refrigerator11 years old · typical 9–13
In the typical range: about 2 years to its top. Start setting money aside.
- Water heater (tank)14 years old · typical 6–12
2 years past the typical 6–12. It may keep going with care, but plan and budget for a replacement.
- Furnace18 years old · typical 15–25
In the typical range: about 7 years to its top. Start setting money aside.
- Dishwasher5 years old · typical 9
About 4 years to the top of the typical range.
Typical life expectancy
| Appliance or part | Years | 010203040 |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen | ||
| Refrigerator | 9–13 | |
| Freezer | 10–20 | |
| Dishwasher | 9 | |
| Electric range | 13–15 | |
| Gas range | 15–17 | |
| Gas oven | 10–18 | |
| Microwave oven | 9 | |
| Range or oven hood | 14 | |
| Food waste disposal | 12 | |
| Trash compactor | 6 | |
| Laundry | ||
| Washing machine | 5–15 | |
| Clothes dryer | 13 | |
| Dryer vent (plastic) | 5 | |
| Dryer vent (steel) | 20 | |
| Heating and cooling | ||
| Furnace | 15–25 | |
| Boiler (hot-water or steam) | 40 | |
| Heat pump | 10–15 | |
| Central air conditioner | 7–15 | |
| Window air conditioner | 5–7 | |
| Whole-house humidifier | 12 | |
| Portable humidifier | 8 | |
| Dehumidifier | 8 | |
| Ceiling fan | 5–10 | |
| ThermostatUsually replaced earlier for newer features. | 35 | |
| Water and plumbing | ||
| Water heater (tank) | 6–12 | |
| On-demand water heater | 10 | |
| Water softener | 20 | |
| Sump pump | 7 | |
| Well pump | 15 | |
| Safety and doors | ||
| Smoke or heat alarmChange batteries at least once a year. | under 10 | |
| Carbon monoxide alarm | 5 | |
| Garage door opener | 10–15 | |
| Garage door | 20–25 | |
| Roof and outside | ||
| Asphalt shingles (3-tab) | 20 | |
| Aluminium gutters and downspouts | 20–40+ | |
| Vinyl gutters and downspouts | 25+ | |
| Deck planks | 15 | |
| Exterior paint | 7–10 | |
| Caulking | 5–10 | |
Reading the chart
The years come from the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI), whose chart gives typical service life with regular maintenance and normal wear. InterNACHI says the figures are guidelines, not guarantees: a well-kept appliance in a gentle household can outlast them, and hard water, heavy use or a damp basement can cut them short. The green band shows the range, or a single figure where the chart gives one; a "+" means it often lasts longer.
The age check compares each of yours with the top of its range. "Early days" and "about N years to go" mean no action. "In the typical range" means it is worth putting money aside and noting the model, so a breakdown does not catch you out. "Past the typical range" is not a reason to replace something that works; it is a reason to have a plan.
Worked example
A refrigerator installed in 2015 is 11 years old in 2026. The chart puts fridges at 9 to 13 years, so it is in its range, with about 2 years to the top. A tank water heater from 2012 is 14, past the chart's 6 to 12 years: worth checking for rust or leaks around the base, and pricing a replacement before it fails.
Sources
- InterNACHI, Standard Estimated Life Expectancy Chart for Homes: every figure on this page, read on 30 October 2026. Ranges are as published; only the row names are shortened.
Questions
How long does a water heater last?
InterNACHI's chart gives 6 to 12 years for a conventional tank and about 10 for an on-demand (tankless) unit. Draining sediment as the manual recommends can help a tank reach the top of its range.
Should I replace an appliance just because it is past the range?
No. If it works safely and efficiently, keep it. Use the age to plan: set money aside and know what you would buy, so a failure is an errand rather than an emergency.
Are my appliances saved?
Yes, in this browser's local storage on this device, so the list is there next time. Nothing is uploaded; Clear removes it.