I am being asked all the time about life expectancy of components and I thought I would try to address this . I use a study conducted by the NAHB from 2006 as it seems to be comprehensive and makes the most sense to me. The following is not the complete list but some general items I am being asked about the most:

Dishwasher- 9 yrs.

disposal-12 yrs.

microwave-9 yrs.

electric range-13 trs

gas range-15 yrs

electric water heater- 11 yrs

gas water heater- 10 yrs

a/c -15 yrs

electric furnace-15 yrs

gas forced air furnace-18 yrs

heat pump-16yrscultured marble-20 yrs

kitchen faucets-15 yrs

smoke detectors-10yrs

security systems -5 yrs

Thermostats-35 yrs

tankless water heaters 20 yrs

exterior paint-12 yrs

asphalt shingles-20 yrs

slate-50 yrs

concrete tile-lifetime

wood trim -25 yrs

aluminum clad windows- 15 to 20 yrs

wood windows- 30 yrs

Hope this helps answer some of the longevity questions. Of course you can get much better use out of most all of this by doing proper maintenance and repairs.  I think the biggest issue I have seen in my 30 years in custom home building and home inspection is the lack of home owner maintenance. I think most people just won't do maintenence then are surprised when something fails. Maintenance must be done on a regular basis to even have a chance at getting the proper amount of longevity out of a specific piece of equipment or product.

I am always available to talk to you about your phoenix home inspection, your phoenix infrared inspections or your scottsdale home inspections just give me a call at 480-415-7977 and I will be happy to help you.