How Long Should It Last?

Average life expectancy in years of a thermostat and a compactor, respectively the longest-lived and shortest-lived appliances in the American home, according to the National Association of Home Builders/Bank of America Home Equity Study of Life Expectancy of Home Components.

Here is a list of the life expectancy (years) of some everyday appliances:

Air Conditioners (room)10

Air Conditioners (central)15

Boilers (electric)13

Boilers (gas)21

Compactors6

Dehumidifiers8

Dishwashers9

Dryers (electric and gas)13

Freezers11

Furnaces (electric warm air)15

Furnaces (gas warm air)18

Furnaces (oil warm air)20

Garbage Disposers12

Humidifiers8

Microwave Ovens9

Range/Oven Hoods14

Ranges (electric)13

Ranges (gas)15

Refrigerators13

Refrigerators (compact)9

Thermostats35

Washing Machines10

Water Heaters (electric)11

Water Heaters (gas)10

Water Heaters (tankless)20+

Keep in mind that the life expectancy listed here is just a general guideline—depending on the model and brand of appliances you buy and how well you treat them, your gear might last longer or might need replacing even sooner.

For more information about housing in the Omaha area email bill.swanson@cbshome.com.