Appliances are now designed to be lighter, more energy-efficient, and free of environmentally harmful gases. Paints are made without lead or other potentially harmful chemicals.
HVAC systems feature fewer moving parts and contain fewer harmful substances. Additionally, wood components are no longer sourced from old-growth forests. All systems are engineered for easy installation and transport, compliant with new safety and energy codes, and competitively priced with the latest trends in gadgets and features.
What we once viewed as durable, lifetime products have now become “disposable.” As research continues into the environmental impacts and affordability of shorter component lifespans, it will be interesting to see what choices the market and policymakers make in the future.
Trends & Facts: Average Lifespan (in years) of Building Components in the Pacific Northwest
The lifespan of building components can vary based on brand, type, add-ons, usage, and maintenance. Here are some averages:
Appliances: The most common failure in appliances is related to electronic components; when controls fail, replacement is often the best solution.
- Ranges: 10-15 years
- Refrigerators: 12-14 years
- Garbage disposals: 10-12 years
- Dishwashers: 8-10 years
- Range hoods: 10-12 years
- Microwaves: 7-8 years
- Washing machines: 8-10 years
- Dryers: 9-11 years
HVAC:
- Electric radiant: 40+ years
- In-wall fan units: 12-15 years
- Forced air furnaces: 12-20 years
- Heat pumps: 10-14 years
- Boiler/hot water systems: 30-40 years
- Air conditioning: 10-15 years
- Water heaters: 8-10 years
- Tankless water heaters: 10-12 years
Roofing:
- Architectural composition asphalt (30-year rated): 23-25 years
- Tile: 25-40 years
- Metal: 35-50 years
- Cedar: 18-25 years
Paint:
- Exterior trim: 6-8 years
- Exterior body: 8-10 years
- Interior flat: 7-9 years
- Interior higher sheen: 8-10 years
Floor Coverings:
- Carpet: 7-10 years
- Laminate wood or vinyl: 18-20 years
- Sheet vinyl: 25-30 years
Siding:
- Solid wood/cedar: 50+ years
- Engineered wood lap: 20-30 years
- Cement board lap or sheet: 30-50 years (varies by brand and installation)
- Vinyl: 25-40 years
Fencing:
- Untreated wood: 10-12 years
- Treated wood: 12-15 years
- Vinyl: 18-20 years
- Chain link: 50+ years
Windows: The most common short-term failure occurs with the gas seal on double-paned windows; however, glass replacement is often possible without replacing the frame.
- Wood: 30+ years
- Aluminum: 15-20 years
- Vinyl: 25-40 years
- Skylights: 10-15 years
These lifespans reflect general trends and can vary based on specific circumstances.