Repair or Replace Your Appliance? A Simple Guide

In this guide

Start With the Half-Price Rule

Many experts use a simple rule. If the repair costs close to half the price of a new, similar appliance, replacing may be smarter. If it costs far less, repair is usually the better deal. For example, if a new model would cost about $1,000, a $200 repair makes sense, and a $600 repair deserves a closer look.

The rule is a starting point, not a law. Age and condition matter just as much.

Typical Lifespans

These are general estimates and vary by brand and use.

5 Questions to Ask Yourself

1. How Old Is It?

If the appliance is in the first half of its life, repair is often worth it. If it is near the end, even a modest repair may only buy you a short time.

2. What Exactly Failed?

Small parts such as belts, igniters, fans, sensors, seals and switches are usually affordable to fix. Big parts such as a sealed-system component in a fridge or a drum in a washer can cost much more.

3. Has It Failed Before?

One repair on a good machine is normal. Three repairs in a year is a warning sign.

4. Is It Safe?

Gas leaks, electrical shorts and burnt wiring are safety issues. If the cabinet is rusted through or the wiring is damaged, replacement may be the safest choice.

5. Can You Get Parts?

Very old or rare models can be hard to find parts for. A good technician will tell you before you commit.

Appliance-by-Appliance Notes

• Refrigerators: fan, sensor, gasket and defrost repairs are often worth it. See refrigerator repair.
• Washers: pumps, belts and switches are fixable. A worn drum on an old machine may not be. See washing machine repair.
• Dryers: elements, fuses and igniters are good repairs. See dryer repair.
• Dishwashers: pumps and latches are fixable. Rusted tubs are not. See dishwasher repair.
• Ovens and ranges: igniters, elements and sensors are common repairs. See oven repair.
• Microwaves: over-the-range units are often worth fixing. Cheap countertop units may cost more to repair than replace.

The Hidden Costs of Replacing

A new appliance is more than the sticker price. Think about delivery, installation, new hookups, a gas or 240-volt connection, haul-away of the old unit and fit in your cabinets. If you buy new, we can help with installation help.

Newer machines also bring more electronics. That can mean more features, but also more parts that can fail later.

The Hidden Costs of Repairing

Repair has its own risks. An old machine can break again soon after a fix. That is why we look at the whole machine, not just one part, and tell you what else may be near the end of its life.

What About Energy Savings?

Newer appliances are often more efficient, but the savings vary a lot by model and use. If your appliance is old and uses a lot of power, you may save on your bills with a new one. For a newer machine, the savings are usually small, so repair makes more sense.

Check the Warranty First

If your appliance is new, check the manufacturer warranty before you pay for a repair. Some faults may be covered. If you have an extended warranty or a home warranty plan, read the terms so you know what is included.

A Note on Waste

Repairing an appliance keeps a large, heavy item out of the trash. That is good for your wallet and for the environment, when the repair makes sense.

How We Help You Decide

When you call, we ask about the age, brand and problem. At the visit, we test the machine and tell you the cause, the repair price and our honest view. Sometimes the answer is that it is time to replace. We would rather tell you that than sell a repair that will not last. Learn more about our team.

Three Worked Examples

These examples are made up to show how the thinking works. Your numbers will be different.

Example 1: A 6-year-old dishwasher with a bad pump

A new dishwasher would cost around $700. The pump repair costs far less than half of that. The dishwasher is in the first half of its life. Repair makes sense.

Example 2: A 14-year-old fridge with a failed compressor

The repair cost is close to the price of a new fridge, and the fridge is near the end of its typical life. Replacing is the better choice.

Example 3: A 9-year-old dryer with a blown thermal fuse

The fuse is a small, low-cost part. The clogged vent that caused it can be cleaned. The dryer is healthy otherwise. Repair makes sense.

A Simple Decision Checklist

• The appliance is under half of its typical life: lean toward repair.
• The repair is under half the price of new: lean toward repair.
• It has failed three times in a year: lean toward replacing.
• There is rust, cracked body parts or burnt wiring: lean toward replacing.
• Parts are not available: replacing may be the only option.

Common Myths

• "New is always better." Not if your current appliance only needs a small part.
• "Repair always costs less." Not for an old machine with a major failure.
• "All repairs are temporary." A good repair on a healthy machine can last for years.

How to Shop for a Replacement

1. Measure the space, the doorway and the path to the room.
2. Check the hookups: gas, 240-volt power, water line or vent.
3. Look at the energy label and the features that you will really use.
4. Ask about delivery, installation and haul-away of the old unit.
5. Keep your receipt and register the warranty.

Before you decide, a diagnosis helps. Knowing the real cause and price turns a guess into a clear choice. Contact us to book a visit.

Special Situations

Rentals

If you rent, contact your landlord first. They may be responsible for repairs. We can book repairs for landlords and tenants, so just tell us the unit and who will be home.

Selling or Moving

If you are selling a home, a working appliance can help, but you may not want to spend on a major repair. We can give you an honest view of the cost and the condition.

Kitchen Remodels

If you are redoing your kitchen, new appliances may fit the new design better. Measure carefully and plan for installation. Our appliance installation team can help with hookups.

A Final Word

There is no single right answer for every home. A good choice balances age, cost, safety and how much you rely on the appliance. If you are stuck between the two, get a diagnosis first. Knowing the real cause and the real price makes the decision much easier, and it keeps you from replacing a machine that only needed a small part.

Questions

FAQs