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.
A house is really a stack of systems, each with its own lifespan — the water heater on one clock, the roof on another, the furnace on a third. None of them warn you politely. They fail on the coldest night or the busiest week, and the emergency price is always the worst price.
These guides give you the timing for each one: how long it typically lasts, the signs it's near the end, and roughly what a planned replacement costs versus the 2am version. Plan the work and you get three quotes and your pick of timing. Wait for the failure and you take whatever's available at whatever it costs.
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.
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Common questions
Which home system is most expensive to let fail?
A burst water heater or a roof leak, because the damage isn't limited to the part — water gets into floors, walls, and everything below. That's why the water heater and roof guides push you to replace on age, before the failure, not after.
How far ahead should I plan a replacement?
Aim to start getting quotes a full season before you expect to need it — before the first cold snap for heating, before summer for AC. Planned work is typically 20–30% cheaper than an emergency call and lets you compare three bids instead of taking the only one available.
Can I just get reminded before something's due?
Yes — that's the whole point of the daily brief. Tell us what you own and roughly how old it is, and we'll text you a heads-up as each system enters its replacement window, plus a quick morning brief with the stuff you actually follow.