life expectancy of home appliances and materials
July 1st, 2008The National Association of Homebuilders, along with the Bank of America Home Equity, has issued a timely report summarizing the life expectancy of home appliances and materials. The report (“Life Expectancy of Home Components”), is based on a 2006 survey of manufacturers, trade associations and researchers.
Clean+istry is a firm believer in knowing what you’re getting yourself into. The guide is handy, has easy-to-read charts AND is available in its entirety on the NAHB website. On average dryers and refrigerators will last approximately 13 years (Clean+istry’s 20+ year old Sub Zero is nearing retirement), decks—20, and closet shelving (yes, the report provides that level of detail) a lifetime.
In its opening paragraphs, the study explicitly states that the life expectancy of any household component is greatly affected by the quality of its maintenance. Clean+istry will not protest.
The Carey Brothers (James and Morris), have written a nice piece for the Associated Press from which we have extracted the following advice for extending the life of items such as refrigerators, decks and masonry:
“Keeping appliances CLEAN will help them operate more efficiently.”
Keep the deck CLEAN and add a new coat of finish every 3 to 5 years.”
“Whatever the material, the best step that you can take to maintain an exterior door is to keep it CLEAN and give it a fresh coat of paint from time to time.”
“…you can keep your heating and cooling system in peak operating condition by regularly changing filters (every one to three months), CLEANing and adjusting burners…
“CLEANliness is again the key to longevity.”
Are we sensing a theme?
Many of Clean+istry’s recommendations are covered in our 2008 Spring Cleaning List.