Average Life Cycles
Houses are built to last for a lifetime, but there are certain
systems or components that wear out periodically, and will need
to be replaced on a fairly regular time cycle.
The following life cycles are based upon the manufacturers
suggested service-life. The life-expectancy of some components
will vary with the severity of local weather, the design, quality
of installation, and the level of maintenance it has received.
| 1. Air Conditioning
Compressor |
8-15 years |
| 2. Heat Pump (outside unit) |
15-20 years |
| 3. Forced-Air, Gas Furnace |
15-20 years |
| 4. Electric Furnaces (Heating Elements may need
periodic replacement) |
15-20 years |
| 5. Electric Baseboard Heaters |
10-15 years |
| 6. Boilers (Cast Iron) |
30-50 years |
| 7. Hot Water Heaters |
8-12 years |
| 8. Garbage Disposal |
5-10 years |
| 9. Dishwasher |
7-12 years |
| 10. Ranges &Ovens |
15-20 years |
| 11. Cooktop |
15-20 years |
| 12. Built-in Microwave |
5-10 years |
| 13. Trash Compactor |
5-12 years |
| 14. Galvanized Gutters (If well maintained) |
14-20 years |
| 15. Galvanized Water Lines (with spot replacement of
some sections) |
30-45 years |
| 16. Composition Shingle Roofing (1st Roof) |
16-20 years |
| 17. Composition Shingle Roofing (2nd roof on top of
existing shingles) |
12-16 years |
| 18. Roll Roofing |
6-10 years |
| 19. Wood Shake Roofing (1st Roof) |
15-20 years |
| 20. Wood Shingle Roofing (1st Roof) |
15-20 years |
| 21. Slate Roofing |
40-80 years |
