Home renovation can be both exciting and more than a little frustrating. There are many different, stressful decisions to make about materials, appliances, and more. In this guide, we’ll go through ten common home fixtures, their lifespans, signs they need to be replaced, and what to look for when you do replace them.
Washers and dryers
How long do they last?
According to Sears home services, your average washer and dryer last between 10-13 years.
Signs they need to be replaced
There are several signs to look for when trying to find out if your washer and dryer are in need of replacement. If your machines are making more noise than usual, or even moving around when in use, it might be time to retire them. Other signs include if your washer is leaking or not filling properly, or your dryer is suddenly taking its dear sweet time to dry your clothes.
What to look for in new units
When looking to replace your washer and/or dryer, some factors to consider include:
- Configuration
- Front load vs top load
- Size
- Gas vs electric
- Water usage
- Smart technology
Hot water heaters
How long do they last?
The average hot water heater will last between 8 to 12 years.
What are the signs they need replacing?
If your hot water heater is leaking or making knocking noises, or your water is suddenly cloudy or cold, it’s probably time to start looking for a replacement.
What to look for in a new unit
When shopping for a new water heater, you should consider:
- Fuel type
- Size
- Energy efficiency
- Cost
HVAC system
How long do they last?
On average an HVAC system will last anywhere from 15 to 25 years.
What are the signs they need replacing?
If your utility bills are rising, the temperature is inconsistent throughout your house, your HVAC system never shuts off, or your system is way beyond its expiration date, it may be time to think about repair or complete replacement.
What to look for in a new unit
For your new HVAC system, you should weigh such factors as:
- Capacity
- Efficiency
- Reliability
- Noise
Kitchen appliances
How long do they last?
Average kitchen appliance lifespan varies considerably depending on the appliance. You can expect a trash compactor to last about 6 years, your dishwasher and microwave to last about 9 years, your refrigerator for about 13 years, and your gas range to last about 15 years.
What are the signs they need replacing?
You may need to replace your kitchen appliances if they are making new, concerning noises, they are frequently having minor malfunctions or leaks, or the overall performance is on the decline.
What to look for in new units
When looking for new kitchen appliances, consider the costs, features you want, and life spans before making your choice.
Toilet
How long do they last?
Your toilet is one of the fixtures in your home with the longest lifespan and can last up to 50 years.
What are the signs it needs replacing?
If your toilet is wobbling on its base, cracked, or constantly clogging, it’s high time for either serious repairs or a replacement.
What to look for in a new unit
When shopping for a new toilet, consider:
- Features, such as a built-in bidet or seat warmer
- Water efficiency
- Cost
Mattress
How long does it last?
Depending on the quality and construction of your mattress, you should expect it to last between 7 and 10 years.
What are the signs it needs replacing?
If your mattress feels unsupportive, is old, or is leaving you with poor sleep and back pain, it’s time to shop for a new one.
What to look for in a new mattress
When choosing your new mattress, consider what level of support you prefer, what material it’s made of, and how large of a bed you need.
Roof
What is a roof’s average lifespan?
Your roof’s lifespan will depend on what materials your roof is made of, the weather conditions you live in, and how well it has been maintained, but in general, a roof should last you between 20 and 50 years.
How do you know your roof needs to be replaced?
If your roof has sustained some damage over the years, such as many missing shingles or frequent leaks, it may be time for repairs or replacement.
What should you look for in a new roof?
When considering a new roof, you should think about the lifespan of the materials you choose, the cost of the materials and labor, and the aesthetic you prefer for your home.
Windows and doors
How long do windows and doors last?
On average, windows and doors should last between 20 and 40 years.
What are the signs they need to be replaced?
You may want to replace your windows and doors if you’re consistently having trouble opening and closing them, you want to update the look of your home, or if you’re losing money due to decreased energy efficiency.
What you should look for in replacements
Energy efficiency and pricing are both important factors to consider when replacing your windows and doors. You should consider whether you want to change or update the aesthetic of your home as well.
Wooden flooring
How long does it typically last?
With proper spot repairs and maintenance, solid wood flooring can last anywhere from 50 years to a whole century.
How do you know it’s time for new floors?
Your wooden floors might be beyond the point of simple repairs and in need of replacement if they have large scratches or gaping holes, serious water damage, nails poking through the floorboards, excessively creaky or wiggly floorboards, or overall excessive wear and tear.
What to look for when buying hardwood flooring
When shopping to replace old hardwood floors, think about which style of flooring will best match the overall style of your home, how much traffic your floors will have to hold up to, and how long you expect your new floors to last.
Plumbing
What is the average lifespan of your pipes?
This depends heavily on the material used in the pipes. Brass, galvanized steel, and cast iron can all last between 80 and 100 years. Copper and PVC, on the other hand, will only last about 70 to 80 years and 25 to 45 years, respectively.
Signs it’s time to replace your pipes
If you are experiencing low water pressure or discolored water in your home, it may be time to replace your pipes. However, these issues can also be due to build-up or clogs.
What to look for in replacement pipes
If it’s time to replace your pipes, consider the cost, whether you can match new pipes to what remains of your existing system, and how long your new pipes will likely last.
Conclusion
Home ownership is a long-term goal for many and can certainly be very rewarding. However, it does come with many responsibilities and financial constraints. While regular maintenance can help prevent expensive repairs in your home, home systems and appliances can, unfortunately, only last so long. It’s important to do thorough research before committing to replacement features or products, and we hope that this post has made that process a little bit easier.
Homeowners insurance can help cover your expenses in the event that you need to make urgent repairs in your home.
Article last updated on October 30th, 2023 at 11:20 am