Appliance life span in the home varies

Appliances and building components have life spans too.

Knowing their life expectancies may help you decide whether it makes sense to repair an aging appliance. How much useful life is left in it?

Two other factors come into play when homeowners make the decision to replace. One is simply fashion: We want something new, we want to replace white appliances with stainless steel, we want to remodel the kitchen.

The other is efficiency. Today's refrigerators, for example, are far more energy-efficient than those of five or 10 years ago. Hanging on to an aging refrigerator may mean paying higher utility bills than you would with a new one.

The May issue of Consumer Reports identifies the most and least reliable appliance brands in its annual Product Reliability Survey.

The magazine also offers a timeline: When does it make sense to repair, and when to replace?

How long will it last?

6 years -- trash compactor

9 years -- dishwasher, microwave

8-10 years -- carpet

10 years -- clothes washer

11 years -- freezer, water heater (electric)

12 years -- garbage disposal

13 years -- refrigerator, clothes dryer, electric range

14 years -- range hood

10-15 years -- air conditioner, garage door opener

15 years -- gas range, kitchen faucets

15-25 years -- laminate floors

20 years -- medicine cabinet, tub/shower faucets

20-50 years -- whirlpool tub

20+ years -- water heater (tankless)

50 years -- kitchen cabinets, vinyl floors

75-100 years -- tile floors

Lifetime -- wood floors

Sources: "Study of Life Expectancy of Home Components," National Association of Home Builders, 2007; manufacturers and suppliers.