If you’re a homeowner, it’s essential to know the age of your appliances and when it’s time to replace them. Many homeowners love the idea of owning their own home but, unfortunately, might not engage in regular upkeep of their home appliances. Lack of maintenance can severely impact the life expectancy of your appliances. It’s best to know your home appliances’ respective life expectancies and the best ways to keep them alive longer.
Air Conditioner Units
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the average lifespan of a central air conditioner is around 15 to 20 years. Air conditioning units are usually combined with heating units, creating a central heating and cooling system. Homeowners must get help and provide maintenance for both their air conditioning and heating systems. Doing so can help extend the life expectancy of these units, which can be expensive to replace.
HVAC companies can help provide maintenance services for a home’s heating and cooling system. Maintenance can include cleaning indoor and outdoor units, replacing clogged air filters, inspecting other parts of the HVAC system such as ductwork and thermostats, and ensuring all wiring and electrical components are working.
Windows
Most residential windows will have a lifespan of around 15 to 30 years. The windows of your home not only provide lighting to the home, but they can also help save you on energy costs. If you live in a colder environment and want to keep your home warm, hot air might escape through cracks in your window. Damaged windows also provide easy access for burglars. While regular maintenance on your windows can help extend their life over 20 years, you might need to consider replacement after two decades. Replace your windows if they are more than 30 years old, or if you notice any cracks forming on them.
Most windows are relatively affordable and can help you save on energy bills. Low-e windows can help regulate the temperature in your home and are a great investment for homeowners no matter what climate they live in. Getting new windows can also help improve your home’s value.
Water Heaters
The lifespan of your home’s water heater will depend on whether it is tankless or not. Most tankless water heaters have a life expectancy of over 20 years. On the contrary, traditional tank water heaters have a life expectancy of around ten years. The majority of modern homes have tankless water heaters, which use electric heating and coils to heat up water and distribute it throughout the home. However, some older homes will still use tank water heaters, which house hot water until it’s ready for use.
Both tankless and tank water heaters need to be routinely maintained by a professional water heater company. You should also contact a professional company if you notice signs of damage to your water heater. If rust is mixed in with your water, strange noises coming from the water heater, poor water pressure, or visible leaks, these all indicate it might be time to invest in a new water heater for your home.
Kitchen Appliances
Nothing is worse than having your refrigerator, oven, or dishwasher go out. These major kitchen appliances are essential for any home, so it’s important to replace and repair your kitchen appliances regularly. Most ovens will last around 13 to 15 years. Refrigerators will last, on average, around 15 to 20 years. If you’re a new homeowner and moved into an older home, consider replacing older kitchen appliances or calling a professional to inspect your appliances.
Nothing lasts forever, including home appliances, windows, and kitchen appliances. Fortunately, you can get professional help from a plumber or HVAC company if it’s time to move on and find new appliances for your home.
