How long should your home appliances and systems last?

Whatever its size—whether you own a grand mansion or a studio condo—your home can be happy and healthy for years to come if you pay attention to its essential requirements. Regular house renovation is simply a part of home-ownership, from the basement to the attic. Keeping track of what requires your attention is well worth the time and money.

Photo Credit: SkyLine

Maintaining the roof is one of the most important things you can do as a homeowner, with water being your home’s main enemy. An asphalt-shingled roof should last 20 to 25 years but stand on alert for the tell-tale signs of wear and tear. Are the shingles curling up at the edges? Are they cracking or moss-covered? Are shingle chips washing into the eavestroughs? Roofs with missing shingles can only be patched for so long. Keep an eye out for sagging or other structural problems that signal bigger problems such as rot.

Regarding basement renovation, most furnaces have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years, but if you don’t maintain it, the furnace could conk out sooner. Don’t wait until it breaks down. Have the furnace maintained annually by an HVAC professional so that there are no surprises, particularly in the middle of winter.

Seasonal maintenance is also key for the longevity of your air conditioner, which should last 15 years on average. The air conditioner usually loses efficiency before it breaks down, which costs you more money to cool your home. Be aware of things like poor airflow, a leaking unit or any harsh sounds that are out of the ordinary hum.

Whether you rent or own your water heater, expect it to last from eight to 10 years. Renting is often best because when time’s up, you simply call for a replacement. Before then, any service calls to repair your water heater are free. This unit works hard, especially if you’re a busy family. Watch for leaks, rusty water, abnormal noises or just no hot water. You may need to repair or replace thermostats on the fritz and/or damaged elements.

With larger household appliances like refrigerators, stoves, washers, and dryers, the warning signs of impending breakdown are often obvious. When the normally quiet dishwasher starts making a terrible racket, you know the motor’s not long for this world. Get a kitchen renovation fund going, so the shock of replacing an expensive home appliance doesn’t cripple the monthly household budget. The upside: new, energy-efficient appliances will save you money.

Seasonal shifts like changes in humidity may cause doors to swell and jam. Doors that get lots of use and those that have to be slammed to stay shut are most prone to needing repair or replacement. Watch out for doors that swing open unannounced, a safety issue that needs prompt attention. Although windows become outdated, as more efficient, energy-saving versions come on the market, they should last 20 to 25 years on average.

Your home’s plumbing needs to be upgraded as needed. Worn washer hosing, dripping faucet, sticky shut-off valves and any kind of backup problem all need to be dealt with efficiently and immediately. You can’t afford surprise flooding when you’re not at home—nor can you ignore or afford the waste of energy that comes from a hot water faucet that won’t stop dripping.