Once items and fixtures in your home start getting old, they may start to become damaged and inefficient. This is often when it’s a good time to look for a replacement – but just when should you replace old stuff in your home.
The following post explains when and why you should consider replacing certain items in your home.
5 years
Most equipment and home appliances should last more than five years. If it breaks sooner than this, it’s probably cheap and poor quality.
Computers such as laptops and PCs are one item that should be replaced every five years. Computer technology is changing so fast that your device will probably be outdated by this point and there could be multiple hardware and software issues creeping in.
10 years
After 10 years, you can expect some of your appliances to start packing up. Dishwashers and microwaves rarely last beyond a decade if they have been regularly used. Most people also replace their TV after about 10 years.
Upholstery usually needs to be replaced after 10 years. This is particularly the case with mattresses, which can lose their springiness and become bacteria-ridden after about 8 years. Sofas and carpets may also benefit from being replaced as the fabric may be getting worn and unhygienic at this point (although investing in professional sofa cleaning and professional carpet cleaning can sometimes extend the life of your sofas and carpets).
15 years
After 15 years, you should probably consider getting a new boiler. After this time, boilers can become very inefficient – you could find that your old boiler is taking ages to heat up and it could be creating higher energy bills.
Ovens, refrigerators and washing machines can also benefit from being replaced after this period of time. Even if they’re still working, they’re likely to be consuming excess energy. The appliances that are around now are a lot more energy-efficient than those that were around in 2006. Additionally, when facing issues with aging appliances, it’s advisable to consult appliance repair experts who can assess the situation and determine whether a repair or replacement is the best course of action.
20 years
After 20 years, you many need to make a few structural improvements to your home. Double-glazed windows typically have an average life of 20 years after which point they may start to develop leaks and cracks within the frames. Laminate flooring may also need replacing after 20 years – if the flooring has been heavily used, it may be quite scratched up by this point and parts may be starting to warp from years of temperature changes.
25+ years
Many other parts of your home can last much longer than 25 years. Roofing generally needs to be replaced every quarter century, although some roofs can last as long as 50 years without needing a replacement. Doors may need to be replaced after 30 years – anything older than this is likely to have poor energy efficiency and poor security. Original hardwood floors, plumbing and electrics can last as long as 100 years, but it depends very much on the quality and materials used.
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