Quiz | March 2013

How Long Should It Last?

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When you spend $500 or $1,000 or more on an appliance or home improvement, you want it to last. You also want to anticipate and budget for costly repairs and replacements. But just how long should major home items stand up to everyday use or wear-and-tear?

Kiplinger's asked trusted industry experts, trade associations and retailers to estimate how long consumers can expect their products to perform. Take our 14-question quiz to see how well you understand the lifecycle of key components of your home.

Quiz

How Long Should It Last?

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Question 1 of 14

How long should a washing machine last?

A. Two years
B. 12 years
C. 24 years

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How Long Should It Last?

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Question 1 of 14

How long should a washing machine last?

You're right! B. 12 years is correct.

Sorry, wrong! is incorrect.

The right answer is B. 12 years.

Both washing machines and dryers typically wear out after 11 to 12 years, industry groups say. Top-load machines boast the longest average lifespan at 12 years, while front-load washers typically last about 11. (Note: If you choose to save space with stacked front-loading units, recognize that you may have to replace both the washer and dryer when either one breaks down.)

You can extend the lives of both by cleaning your washer once a month, emptying your dryer's lint screen after each use, and avoiding covering the dryer's outside exhaust. If you have a front-loading machine, make sure to use the recommended high-efficiency detergent. The excess suds from ordinary detergents can cause mechanical problems.

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How Long Should It Last?

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Question 2 of 14

How long should a standard incandescent light bulb last? (Hint: It's not as long as you might think, and much less than flourescent and LED lights.)

A. 1,000 hours
B. 8,000 hours
C. 25,000 hours

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How Long Should It Last?

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Question 2 of 14

How long should a standard incandescent light bulb last? (Hint: It's not as long as you might think, and much less than flourescent and LED lights.)

You're right! A. 1,000 hours is correct.

Sorry, wrong! is incorrect.

The right answer is A. 1,000 hours.

A standard incandescent light bulb should burn for only 1,000 hours. To change bulbs less frequently, switch to compact-florescent light bulbs, which cost about $2.50 more but outlive incandescents eight times over. The longer lifespan translates to big savings: $35 per bulb, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, and the average consumer has 40 light bulb sockets in his house. Energy Star-qualified CFL bulbs also run cooler and cut down on greenhouse gas emissions.

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How Long Should It Last?

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Question 3 of 14

How long should a furnace last?

A. Five years
B. 20 years
C. The life of the house

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How Long Should It Last?

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Question 3 of 14

How long should a furnace last?

You're right! B. 20 years is correct.

Sorry, wrong! is incorrect.

The right answer is B. 20 years.

Furnaces should last between 15 and 20 years, according to industry experts and the Department of Energy. Furnace filters, however, only hold up one to three months -- and in order to avoid an expensive service call, it's crucial to change them on the manufacturer's schedule. Waiting too long between changes can clog the filter and freeze the furnace's electric components, which a repairman will need to fix.

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How Long Should It Last?

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Question 4 of 14

How long should a mattress last?

A. Five to seven years
B. 15 years
C. You be the judge. As long as it feels comfortable.

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How Long Should It Last?

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Question 4 of 14

How long should a mattress last?

You're right! C. You be the judge. As long as it feels comfortable. is correct.

Sorry, wrong! is incorrect.

The right answer is C. You be the judge. As long as it feels comfortable..

True, the Better Sleep Council recommends replacing your mattress every five to seven years, regardless of the type of mattress you own. And a 2006 study by Oklahoma State University found that mattresses older than five years can contribute to lower back stiffness and trouble sleeping, largely because both foam and mattress springs wear down over time.

But mattresses age differently, though, so if you don't notice any back or sleep problems, consider hanging on to yours longer. Just make sure to change your box spring at the same time as your mattress -- manufacturers design the two to work together, and they often fall under the same warranty. Rotating and flipping your mattress every six months is another great way to get the most out of it.

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How Long Should It Last?

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Question 5 of 14

How long should a dishwasher last?

A. Three years
B. Eight years
C. 13 years

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How Long Should It Last?

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Question 5 of 14

How long should a dishwasher last?

You're right! C. 13 years is correct.

Sorry, wrong! is incorrect.

The right answer is C. 13 years.

Expect an under-counter dishwasher to last about 13 years, say appliance manufacturers. Dishwashers require very little maintenance, as long as you run them regularly. But if you don't use your dishwasher for a week or more, you might encounter some problems: sticky motor seals, mold and odors among them. In addition to running your dishwasher every week, keep an eye on your dishwasher's filter and drain and inlet hoses. Many dishwasher malfunctions stem from problems as easily fixed as a kinked hose or clogged filter.

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How Long Should It Last?

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Question 6 of 14

How long should a water heater last?

A. Five years
B. 10 years or so, depending on your water supply
C. The life of your house

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How Long Should It Last?

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Question 6 of 14

How long should a water heater last?

You're right! B. 10 years or so, depending on your water supply is correct.

Sorry, wrong! is incorrect.

The right answer is B. 10 years or so, depending on your water supply.

Water heaters can wear out after ten years or so, according to manufacturers, but the lifespan can vary depending on your water supply. Hard or mineral-filled water wears units out more quickly. To lessen the effects of hard water, drain and flush the tank once a year to prevent mineral build-up. Also consider a yearly check-up by a professional, who can inspect the unit's pressure and temperature-relief valves.

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How Long Should It Last?

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Question 7 of 14

How long should a coat of deck stain or sealer last?

A. Three years
B. 10 years
C. 15 years

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How Long Should It Last?

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Question 7 of 14

How long should a coat of deck stain or sealer last?

You're right! A. Three years is correct.

Sorry, wrong! is incorrect.

The right answer is A. Three years.

Water-repellant deck stains and sealers generally last about three years, depending on exposure and traffic, says Bill Leys, a California-based waterproofing contractor who speaks on industry best practices. Regardless of where you live, however, fading is a good indication that you should reseal your deck. Sweep and pressure-wash the surface, and sand away splinters and peeling before you apply new stain. Failure to properly maintain your deck can cause water damage such as dry rot, mold and mildew.

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How Long Should It Last?

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Question 8 of 14

How long should an electric or gas range last?

A. Five years
B. 10 years
C. Around 15 years

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How Long Should It Last?

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Question 8 of 14

How long should an electric or gas range last?

You're right! C. Around 15 years is correct.

Sorry, wrong! is incorrect.

The right answer is C. Around 15 years.

An electric range should keep cooking for about 16 years, manufacturers say, while a gas range will last about 13. Stand-alone versions can make it even longer: 20 years for a wall oven, and 18 years and up for a cooktop. A huge number of use and maintenance factors influence the life of your range, so consult the owner's manual for detailed care instructions. Whirlpool says, for instance, that putting a small pot on a large burner can build up too much heat and shorten your stove's life.

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How Long Should It Last?

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Question 9 of 14

How long should an asphalt driveway last? (Hint: proper maintenance can make a big difference.)

A. Five years
B. 10 years
C. 15 years

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How Long Should It Last?

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Question 9 of 14

How long should an asphalt driveway last? (Hint: proper maintenance can make a big difference.)

You're right! C. 15 years is correct.

Sorry, wrong! is incorrect.

The right answer is C. 15 years.

With proper maintenance, an asphalt driveway can easily last 15 years or more. A cement driveway can make it even longer -- 30 years or more, by some estimates. The key, however, is proactive maintenance. Driveway owners should repair cracks when they reach a quarter-inch wide and sealcoat asphalt driveways every two to three years.

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How Long Should It Last?

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Question 10 of 14

How long should a coat of standard exterior paint last?

A. Six to 10 years
B. 20 years
C. As long as the dwelling stands

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How Long Should It Last?

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Question 10 of 14

How long should a coat of standard exterior paint last?

You're right! A. Six to 10 years is correct.

Sorry, wrong! is incorrect.

The right answer is A. Six to 10 years.

Properly applied, a good coat of exterior paint should last at least six years, as many as ten, says Jeffrey Spillane, senior product manager at Benjamin Moore. Spillane and other manufacturers caution, however, results can vary widely based where you live and the warranty on the paint. Sherwin-Williams, for example, sells paint with warranties ranging from six years to a lifetime. Always follow proper preparation instructions before painting. Don't apply paint in extreme heat, cold or humidity, which may make your work wear faster.

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How Long Should It Last?

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Question 11 of 14

How long should your home's windows last?

A. 20-40 years
B. 50-70 years
C. Replace the windows? Who does that?

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How Long Should It Last?

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Question 11 of 14

How long should your home's windows last?

You're right! A. 20-40 years is correct.

Sorry, wrong! is incorrect.

The right answer is A. 20-40 years.

The range varies with the window casing. Aluminum windows are relatively common and have a life expectancy of about 15 to 20 years. They can cost $348 per window (figure 50% to 100% more for "new construction" windows). Other popular window options include vinyl (lasts between 20 to 40 years) and wood (lasts about 30 years). They can cost up to $469 per window.

It's time to replace your windows if they're single-pane/drafty/fogged, the frames are rotted or the sashes are hard to open. Be sure to look for Energy Star-rated windows. At energystar.gov, you can search for retailers and contractors who sell them. Look for home-improvement contractors certified by InstallationMasters.

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How Long Should It Last?

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Question 12 of 14

How long should an asphalt shingle roof last?

A. 5 years
B. 20 years
C. 40 years or more

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How Long Should It Last?

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Question 12 of 14

How long should an asphalt shingle roof last?

You're right! B. 20 years is correct.

Sorry, wrong! is incorrect.

The right answer is B. 20 years.

A roof should last 20 years for asphalt shingles. If you have cracked, curled or missing shingles and you're losing mineral granules (look in your gutters), then it's time to replace them. A quick way to check for damage is by going into your attic and looking at the underside of the roof for stains or wet spots. Inside, you may see discolored plaster or drywall and peeling wallpaper. Asphalt shingles range in price from $5.43 to $7.05 per square foot.

If you're looking for contractors, go to the National Roofing Contractors Association Web site at nrca.net to find members in your area.

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How Long Should It Last?

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Question 13 of 14

How long should your electric service panel last?

A. You should replace every five years
B. 20 to 25 years
C. It should last a lifetime

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How Long Should It Last?

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Question 13 of 14

How long should your electric service panel last?

You're right! B. 20 to 25 years is correct.

Sorry, wrong! is incorrect.

The right answer is B. 20 to 25 years.

While copper wiring lasts a lifetime, the service panel lasts just 20 to 25 years. It could be time to replace yours if: 1) Your circuit breakers often trip or fuses blow. 2) You need extension cords or accessory plug strips, because you don't have enough outlets. 3) Your lights dim when appliances turn on. 4) You find rust on the main service panel. 5) Your home lacks three-prong outlets or ground-fault circuit interrupters near wet locations.

What you'll pay: To rewire a circuit, $307 to $446; To install a circuit, $316 to $521; To upgrade an electrical service panel, $894 to $1,266. Be sure to get an electrical inspection from a licensed electrician ($268 to $400). To find a residential electrician, go to the National Electrical Contractors Association Web site at necanet.org or the Independent Electrical Contractors Web site at ieci.org.

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How Long Should It Last?

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Question 14 of 14

How long should a central air conditioning unit last?

A. Three years
B. 10 to 15 years
C. 30 years

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How Long Should It Last?

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Question 14 of 14

How long should a central air conditioning unit last?

You're right! B. 10 to 15 years is correct.

Sorry, wrong! is incorrect.

The right answer is B. 10 to 15 years.

Don't know exactly how old your unit is? If you need frequent repairs or have rising energy bills, or excessive noise, it may be time to replace it. Keep in mind that if your system is more than ten years old, a replacement will be more energy-efficient replacement and will cut your utility bills. NOTE: If your AC uses your furnace's blower motor, you may also have to replace the furnace for your new AC to achieve its rated energy efficiency.

A replacement could cost between $2,460 to $3,245; split system (with interior and exterior components), $1,604 to $2,290. Be sure to look for equipment rated by Energy Star. Seek contractors who are certified by the Air Conditioning Contractors of America or who are members of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association.

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How Long Should It Last?

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Quiz | March 2013

How Long Should It Last?

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