I am sure most will find this bit of information interesting. The National Association of Home Builders and Bank of America together did a study on the life expectancy of home components.
Taking a look at the age of appliances, technology, and home equipment is important whether you are making purchasing decisions, looking at resale, or considering investing in rental property.
Appliances
Life expectancy of any appliance depends on the use it receives and most appliances are replaced before they are worn out because of consumer preferences.
Gas Ranges 15 years
Dryers 13 years
Refrigerators 13 years
Dishwashers 9 years
Microwaves 9 years
Compactors 6 years
Cabinetry & Storage
Kitchens have been getting larger and more elaborate. More kitchens encompass the great room which creates a place for people gather to read, eat, do homework, surf the net, and pay bills. 
Kitchen Cabinets 50 years
Medicine Cabinets 20 years
Countertops
In recent years with the wave of the popularity of the use of stone, many countertops have been replaced before they are worn out because of consumer preferences too.
Natural Stone Countertops Can last a lifetime.
Cultured Marble Countertops 20 years
Decks
Life expectancy of wooden decks very significantly due to the wide range of conditions in different climates; also to be considered is the amount of foliage that is around and near the deck too.
Wooden Decks 20 years (under ideal conditions)
Doors
The life expectancy of doors is really something most of us never really consider when looking at than older home but if you are an investor you probably do.
Exterior Doors (fiberglass, steel, & wood) Can last a lifetime.
Exterior Doors (vinyl) 20 & 40 years
Exterior Doors (screen doors) 20 & 40 years
Interior Doors Expected to last a lifetime.
Faucets & Fixtures (Kitchen & Bath)
With a little continued maintenance some can have an unlimited lifespan.
Kitchen Sinks (modified acrylic) 50 years
Kitchen Faucets 15 years
Shower Heads Expected to last a lifetime.
Shower Doors 20 years
Toilets Unlimited Lifespan
Toilet Components Require usual maintenance.
Garages
This is something most people never really think about.
Garage Door Openers 10 to 15 years
Garage Door Openers Light Inserts 20 years
Home Technology
This is another area that most people never think about.
Built-in Audio Systems 20 years
Security Systems 5 to 10 years
Smoke Detectors 5 to 10 years
HVAC
Most buyers are concerned with the ages of heating and air conditioning systems; because this is one of the major expenses of houses.
HVAC Systems (with proper maintenance) 15 to 25 years
Furnaces 15 to 20 years
Heat Pumps 16 years
Air Conditioning Units 10 to 15 years
Water Heaters (tankless) > 20 years
Water Heaters (gas & electric) 10 years
Thermostats +/- 35 years
We built our house a little over 14 years. So far we have had to replace the hot water heater and garage door opener at about 10 years of age. We had to replace the refrigerator at 13 years. 
We replaced all other kitchen appliances during a kitchen remodel at 13 years. We replaced our deck at 13 years. We had to replace our roof because of a massive “Mother’s Day” hail storm three years ago; thank goodness for good insurance!
Yesterday we had our first major drain clog which I have been advised to get our septic system pumped out. Next I am sure it will be the heat pump…. I’m not complaining I’m just glad I have a house!
About the author:
Teresa Harris is a Lake Norman Residential Real Estate Broker who can assist you with the purchase and/or sale of real estate in Lake Norman and surrounding counties. Please visit www.TeresaMHarris.com for your relocation and/or your local needs.
Teresa Harris - Holbrooks Real Estate, Inc. - 704-458-1807 - Teresa@TeresaMHarris.com
Copyright © 2009 By Teresa Harris, All Rights Reserved...*Life of an Appliance . . . How long do home components last?*
Teresa - all great information, I will share with my clients as well as start paying attention to a few more items around my home.
Teresa - Very well put together information. Personally, I am hard on dishwashers and washing machines. 6 years is my tops!
Teresa.. This is information that a lot of people should read and take note about. This is some very good information.
BTW... Welcome back.. it is good to see you blogging again.
Interesting, thanks for the information :D
Hi Teresa! WHAT a wealth of information here for your clients! I love this list and hope you wouldn't mind my re-printing it?
Hi Everyone! Thanks for all your responses....by all means you are more than welcome to share this info or reprint it to help buyers, sellers, yourself, etc. Trust me I do not believe in re-inventing the wheel!! Thanks again!!