Where can I learn about the useful life of my appliance or system?

There are several sources for data on appliance useful life that you can consider: Manufacturers, Consumer Reports, The National Association of Home Builders, Insurance Companies, Home Inspectors and Government Sources.

There are several sources for data on appliance useful life that you can consider. Some of these include:

  1. Manufacturer's information: The manufacturer of your appliance may provide you with information on the expected useful life of your appliance. This information can often be found in the owner's manual or on the manufacturer's website.

  2. Consumer Reports: Consumer Reports is a non-profit organization that provides product reviews and ratings to consumers. They conduct tests on appliances and often include information on the expected lifespan of the product.

  3. Appliance Life Expectancy Chart: The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) has developed an Appliance Life Expectancy Chart that provides estimated useful life spans for common household appliances. This chart can be found on the NAHB website.

  4. Insurance industry sources: Insurance companies often keep records of the expected lifespan of appliances, as this information is used to determine the cost of homeowners' insurance policies. Contact your insurance company or agent to see if they have any information on appliance useful life.

  5. Home inspectors: If you are having a home inspection done, the inspector may be able to provide you with information on the expected lifespan of the appliances in the home. The International Association of Home Inspectors, InterNACHI,  published a report on the predictive life expectancy of various home components here.  

  6. Government sources: The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) provides information on the energy efficiency of appliances, which can often be an indicator of their expected lifespan. The DOE also provides information on appliance maintenance and repair, which can help extend the useful life of your appliances.

These are just a few sources for data on appliance useful life. Keep in mind that the actual lifespan of your appliances may vary based on factors such as usage, maintenance, and other variables. It is always a good idea to consult multiple sources and to consider the specific circumstances of your own appliances when estimating their expected lifespan.