Whether you’re getting ready to move into your new home with its own set of aging appliances, or you’re just taking stock of the ones you already own, it’s helpful to know just how much life they have left in them. Here’s a breakdown of how long your home appliances should last, and how you can lengthen their lifespans to save money in the long run.

For All Appliances
Before we get started, the numbers you’ll see below are averages based on the International Association of Certified Home Inspector (InterNACHI)'s Standard Estimated Life Expectancy Chart. You can get a rough estimate of how long your appliances have left before they give up the ghost based solely on their age, but what’s more important is how much use they get. A washing machine that handles clothes for a family of 5 will see a lot more action than a single-person’s, for example, which will shorten its lifespan accordingly.

Oven Range: 13-15 Years
Dishwasher: 9-13 Years
Refrigerator: 9-13 Years
Microwave: 9-10 Years
Garbage Disposal: 10-12 Years
Washing Machine/Dryer: 5-15 Years
Furnace: 15-25 Years
Central AC Unit: 7-15 Years
Water Heater: 6-12 Years

The best way to ensure you get the most life out of your appliances? Take care of them. Use each machine as intended, clean them regularly, and perform routine maintenance as needed. 

What’s going on in this picture?

That doesn’t look like your typical smoke detector! Our inspector noticed it didn’t seem to be functioning, so he removed the cover and made a surprising discovery.

Pictured here is a plant hanger with a smoke detector fitted over it. We’re not sure exactly why, but one guess is that this dummy smoke detector was placed here to disguise the sizeable hole created by the plant hanger. Very clever! 

1. Get your roof inspected.
If you don’t know about the issue, you can’t fix the problem. That’s where an inspection comes in! At least once a year, it’s a good idea to have your roof inspected by a professional; they can spot problems that may not be obvious to the untrained eye. 

2. Protect your shingles.
Each season presents its own hazards that can lead to shingle damage. From Summer heat that can cause crackling, curling, and tearing, to degradation from moisture in winter snows or during thunderstorms, shingles go through the ringer throughout the year. Protecting shingles is about more than just appearances, though, as they put in major work protecting homes from the elements. If a roof’s shingles have suffered through considerable wear-and-tear, homes are much more susceptible to leaks and other forms of water damage.

3. Watch for water damage.
Homeowners should regularly monitor their roofs in search for any signs of leaks, but even after a professional exterior consultation, there can still be water damage due to roof leaks in a home. Check attics for leaks and things like musty odors or spotting on walls and ceilings to get proactive about protecting against water damage.

4. Fight off moss, algae, and mold.
Another byproduct of pooling water and moisture collection on roofs is the buildup of things like moss, algae, lichen, and mold. In many ways, this is a compounding issue, as these growths can cause damage and decay to shingles as well as the roof’s underriding structure. Homeowners can tackle this issue by cleaning their shingles during warmer months. Utilizing a mixture of liquid chlorine bleach, water, and a power washer, moss buildup can be killed before it becomes too much of a problem. As a note, remember to strategically redirect the runoff so that greenery isn’t damaged!

5. Trim your trees and greenery.
Speaking of landscaping, yet another potential hazard to a healthy roof (and a healthy home) are the trees, shrubs, flowers, and bushes that surround it. Make sure any overreaching limbs are trimmed back and managed before they become a problem. Overgrown bushes and flowers can also cause issues with gutter systems as they attempt to drain rainwater, potentially leading to diversions into a home’s foundation. Just as with trees, make sure smaller plants are similarly trimmed and tended to protect your home.