Timing guides for the expensive stuff

Every system in your house is on a clock. Here's when each one typically needs attention, what it costs, and how to catch it before it fails on the worst possible day.

• When should you replace your water heater?Most tank water heaters last 8–12 years. See typical lifespans by type, the warning signs, and how to know when yours is due for replacement.
• How long does an HVAC system last?Central AC lasts about 12–15 years, furnaces 15–20, heat pumps 10–15. See the warning signs, replacement costs, and how to plan around a failure.
• How long does a roof last?Asphalt shingle roofs last 20–25 years, architectural 25–30, metal 40–70, tile 50+. See the warning signs, costs, and how to plan a replacement before a leak.
• How long do home appliances last?Refrigerators last 10–15 years, dishwashers 9–12, washers and dryers 10–13. See typical lifespans and the 50% rule for repair vs replace.
• A seasonal home maintenance checklistA simple season-by-season home maintenance checklist — what to service each spring, summer, fall, and winter to avoid the expensive failures.

A car's real costs show up on a schedule too. Here's when replacing beats repairing, when a warranty makes sense, and how to plan ahead instead of reacting to a breakdown.

• When should you replace your car?Most cars hit rising repair costs around 8–10 years, once the factory warranty is long gone. See when replacing beats repairing, and how to plan ahead.
• Should you repair or replace your car?A simple rule for repair vs replace: if a repair costs more than half the car's value — or repairs are clustering — it's usually time to replace. Here's the math.
• Is an extended car warranty worth it?Extended warranties pay off on expensive-to-repair cars you plan to keep past the factory warranty — and waste money on reliable ones. Here's how to decide.
• When should you replace your tires?Replace tires at 4/32" tread for safety (2/32" is the legal limit), and by 6–10 years regardless of tread. See how to check, and what it costs.

Insurance rewards you for shopping and punishes you for autopilot. Here's how renewal timing works and when a few quotes pays off — the hard part is just remembering to do it.

• Should you shop your insurance at renewal?Insurers quietly raise rates at renewal, betting you won't shop. Comparing 3 quotes at renewal is the single highest-value hour in your budget. Here's how.
• When should you shop home insurance?Shop home insurance at renewal, after any rate increase, and after big home changes. See the timing that matters and how to avoid a coverage gap.
• How often should you shop for insurance?Compare insurance quotes every 1–2 years and after any life event — a move, marriage, new car, or new driver. Here's why the timing matters more than the effort.
• Should you bundle home and auto insurance?Bundling home and auto often earns a 10–25% multi-policy discount — but not always the lowest total. Here's when to bundle and when to buy separately.

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Lifespans and reliability vary by make. Jump straight to yours: