A broken fridge or washer can throw your whole week off—and leave you staring at a big decision: fix it or replace it. The “right” choice depends on age, repair cost, energy use, and how much life the appliance likely has left. This guide walks through simple rules of thumb, typical price ranges, and what to expect so you can make a calm, informed decision.
Key takeaways
- Use the 50% rule. If a repair costs more than about 50% of a new appliance and the unit is halfway or more through its typical lifespan, replacement usually makes more sense.
- Age matters by appliance. Refrigerators and washers over 10–12 years, dishwashers over 8–10 years, and dryers or ranges over 12–15 years are often better candidates for replacement when major issues pop up.
- Small fixes are often worth it. Minor repairs under $250–$300 (like door seals, switches, belts, or sensors) are usually worth doing, especially on appliances under 8–10 years old.
- Warranties can save you. Always check manufacturer, extended, and home warranty coverage before paying out of pocket—parts and even labor may be covered.
- Efficiency can tip the scales. Older, power-hungry fridges, freezers, and washers may cost hundreds more per year to run than newer efficient models, making replacement more attractive.
- Safety issues = pro help. Anything involving gas, high-voltage electrical, or burning smells should be handled by a licensed pro, not DIY.
- Get a couple of quotes on big jobs. For borderline calls (repairs over $400–$500 or any high-end appliance), get 2–3 estimates and compare repair vs. replacement options. A directory like Home Services Scout can help you quickly compare local pros.
Typical price range
All numbers below are approximate US ballpark ranges. Actual costs vary by brand, part availability, your location, and how hard the appliance is to access.
Common repair cost ranges (labor + parts)
- Service call / diagnostic only: $75–$150
- Often applied to the repair cost if you move forward.
- Minor repair (simple parts): $100–$250
- Examples: door latch, drain hose, belt, igniter, thermostat, simple sensor.
- Moderate repair (common parts + more labor): $200–$450
- Examples: control board on a mid-range appliance, pump replacement, fan motor, heating element.
- Major repair / borderline replacement: $400–$800+
- Examples: sealed system work on a fridge, multiple components at once, hard-to-reach parts, repairs on high-end built-ins.
Typical replacement price ranges (appliance only, not including install)
- Dishwasher: $350–$1,200+
- Refrigerator (standard): $700–$2,500+
- High-end / built-in refrigerator: $2,500–$8,000+
- Range / cooktop / wall oven: $500–$3,000+
- Washer: $500–$1,500+
- Dryer: $450–$1,500+
- Over-the-range microwave: $250–$800+
Installation can add $100–$400+ depending on the appliance, hookups, and any electrical, plumbing, or carpentry adjustments needed.
What pushes costs lower vs. higher
Lower-cost situations:
- Younger appliances (under 5–7 years) with common, readily available parts.
- Simple access (appliance is easy to pull out, no built-in cabinetry).
- Basic models without complex electronics or specialty features.
- Single-issue problems (one failed part instead of a chain reaction).
Higher-cost situations:
- Older appliances (10+ years) or discontinued models with hard-to-find parts.
- High-end or built-in units with specialty components.
- Multiple failed parts or underlying electrical issues.
- Gas appliances that require licensed pros and careful testing.
- Emergency or after-hours service calls.
Repair vs. replacement
General rules of thumb
- The 50% cost rule:
- If the repair estimate is more than 50% of the cost of a similar new appliance, replacement is usually the smarter move.
- The “half-life” age rule:
- If the appliance is more than halfway through its typical lifespan, lean toward replacement when facing a major repair.
Typical lifespans by appliance (approximate)
- Refrigerator: 10–15 years
- Dishwasher: 8–12 years
- Washer: 10–12 years
- Dryer: 12–16 years
- Range / oven (electric or gas): 13–20 years
- Microwave (over-the-range): 8–10 years
If your appliance is younger than the midpoint of its lifespan and the repair is modest, repair is often worth it. If it’s older than the midpoint and the repair is major, replacement usually wins.
Appliance-by-appliance guidance
Refrigerator
- Likely repair:
- Age under 8–10 years, repair under $400–$500, issues like fans, thermostats, ice maker, door seals.
- Likely replace:
- Age 10–15+ years with sealed system issues (compressor, evaporator) or repair over $600–$800, especially on basic models.
Dishwasher
- Likely repair:
- Age under 7–8 years, repair under $250–$300, issues like pumps, inlet valves, door latches, float switches.
- Likely replace:
- Age 8–10+ years with control board failure, tub leaks, or multiple parts failing at once, especially if noisy or inefficient.
Washer & dryer
- Likely repair:
- Age under 8–10 years, repairs under $300–$350 for belts, pumps, door locks, heating elements, or simple sensors.
- Likely replace:
- Age 10–12+ years with drum/bearing issues, motor failures, or repeated breakdowns.
Range / oven
- Likely repair:
- Age under 12–15 years, repair under $300–$400, issues like igniters, heating elements, thermostats, simple control boards.
- Likely replace:
- Age 15–20+ years, repeated ignition problems, cracked cooktops, or expensive control panel failures.
A concrete example
- You have a 10-year-old mid-range refrigerator. A similar new model is about $1,200.
- The repair quote to replace a failing compressor is $700.
- The fridge is at the upper end of its typical lifespan, and the repair is ~58% of replacement cost.
- In this case, replacement is usually the better long-term choice, especially if the unit isn’t very efficient.
Efficiency and long-term costs
How efficiency affects the decision
- Older fridges and freezers can use 2–3 times more electricity than newer efficient models.
- Modern washers often use less water and energy, which can lower both water and power bills.
- Dishwashers with efficient cycles can cut water use significantly compared to older units.
If your appliance is 10–15+ years old, even a working unit might be quietly costing you $100–$200+ per year extra in utilities compared to a newer efficient model.
When paying more upfront makes sense
Consider paying more now if:
- You plan to stay put for several years. You’ll have time to recoup the cost through lower utility bills and fewer repairs.
- Your current appliance is a known “energy hog.” Old side-by-side fridges, top-load washers with agitators, and very old dishwashers can be especially inefficient.
- You’re already facing a big repair. If a major repair on an old, inefficient unit is close to the price of a new efficient one, replacement often wins on total cost of ownership.
On the other hand, if:
- You’re moving within 1–2 years, or
- The appliance is middle-aged and fairly efficient,
then a modest repair may be the more budget-friendly choice.
What to expect from a visit or project
Before the pro arrives
- Gather info (10–15 minutes):
- Model and serial numbers.
- Approximate age and any warranty paperwork.
- Notes on symptoms (noises, error codes, when the issue happens).
- Clear access (10–20 minutes):
- Move items off the top and around the appliance.
- Clear a path from the door to the unit.
- Ask about fees:
- Confirm the diagnostic fee, how it’s applied, and whether there are extra charges for evenings or weekends.
Typical repair visit
- Arrival and assessment (15–30 minutes):
- You describe the issue and history.
- The tech inspects the appliance, may run tests or cycles, and checks for visible damage.
- Diagnosis and estimate (10–20 minutes):
- The tech identifies likely failed parts and explains options.
- You get a written or itemized estimate for parts and labor.
- Repair work (30–120+ minutes):
- Simple repairs (switches, hoses, igniters) can be done quickly if parts are on the truck.
- More complex repairs (motors, pumps, control boards, sealed systems) can take longer or require a second visit if parts need to be ordered.
- Testing and cleanup (15–30 minutes):
- The tech runs the appliance through a cycle or test mode.
- You review what was done and any warranty on the repair.
Most single-appliance repairs are completed in 1–3 hours total, including diagnosis.
Typical replacement project
- Shopping and selection (varies):
- You choose a new appliance based on size, fuel type (gas/electric), features, and budget.
- Delivery and removal (30–90 minutes):
- The old unit is disconnected, removed, and hauled away (often for a fee).
- The new appliance is brought in, unpacked, and placed.
- Hookup and testing (30–90 minutes):
- Electric-only hookups are usually straightforward.
- Gas or hardwired electrical connections should be handled by licensed pros for safety and code compliance.
- The installer tests basic functions and checks for leaks (water or gas) and proper venting.
- Follow-up:
- You receive manuals, warranty info, and any registration steps.
Replacing a standard appliance is often done in half a day or less, but custom built-ins or new hookups can take longer.
DIY vs. hire a pro
Reasonable DIY tasks for many homeowners
If you’re comfortable with basic tools and safety precautions, you might handle:
- Simple cleaning and maintenance:
- Cleaning refrigerator coils and door gaskets.
- Clearing dishwasher filters and spray arms.
- Cleaning dryer lint traps and accessible vent ducts.
- Basic troubleshooting:
- Checking breakers and outlets.
- Ensuring water valves are open and hoses aren’t kinked.
- Resetting tripped GFCI outlets.
- Very simple part swaps (unplugged):
- Replacing fridge light bulbs or interior shelves.
- Swapping dishwasher racks or silverware baskets.
- Replacing dryer vent hoses (clamps and flexible ducting).
Always unplug the appliance (and shut off water or gas if applicable) before any DIY work, even simple tasks.
Tasks that should be left to licensed pros
For safety, code compliance, and warranty protection, hire a pro for:
- Gas appliances:
- Any work involving gas lines, burners, igniters, or gas valves.
- Detecting and fixing gas leaks and ensuring proper ventilation.
- High-voltage electrical work:
- Internal wiring, control boards, heating elements, and motor replacements.
- Any work that requires opening up panels with exposed wiring.
- Refrigerator sealed system work:
- Compressors, evaporators, refrigerant lines, and recharging refrigerant.
- Structural or built-in changes:
- Cutting cabinets, modifying countertops, or changing venting routes.
- Code- or permit-related work:
- New circuits, outlets, or gas lines to support a new appliance.
Mistakes with gas or high-voltage electrical can be dangerous or even life-threatening. When in doubt, err on the side of hiring a qualified pro.
Questions to ask potential pros
- “What is your diagnostic fee, and is it applied to the repair cost?”
- “Can you give a ballpark range before you come out based on my model and symptoms?”
- “Are you licensed and insured for this type of appliance and fuel (gas/electric)?”
- “Do you have experience with this specific appliance type and age?”
- “Will I get a written, itemized estimate before you start the repair?”
- “What warranties do you offer on parts and labor, and for how long?”
- “Do you use new OEM parts, aftermarket parts, or refurbished components?”
- “If the repair ends up costing more than expected, how will you communicate that?”
- “How long do you expect the repair to take, and will it require multiple visits?”
- “If I decide to replace instead of repair, do you offer installation or haul-away services?”
- “Are there any safety or code issues you’ll be checking for while you’re here?”
- “What maintenance can I do to help this appliance last longer after the repair?”
Quick FAQ
Is it worth repairing a 10-year-old refrigerator?
It can be, if the repair is minor (like a fan, thermostat, or ice maker) and costs under about $400–$500. For major sealed system repairs or multiple issues, a 10-year-old fridge is often closer to replacement territory, especially if it’s not very efficient.
Will my home warranty or extended warranty cover appliance repairs?
Many home warranties and extended warranties cover common appliance breakdowns, but there are usually limits and exclusions. Always call the warranty company or check your contract before scheduling outside service; using an unauthorized repair could affect coverage.
Does insurance ever cover appliance repair or replacement?
Standard homeowners insurance usually does not cover normal wear-and-tear or mechanical failure. It may help if the appliance is damaged by a covered event (like a fire or certain types of water damage), but not for typical breakdowns.
Should I replace all my appliances at once?
Not necessarily. It can make sense if you’re doing a kitchen remodel or want matching finishes and features, but from a budget standpoint, it’s fine to replace as they fail, especially if some units are still relatively new and efficient.
Wrap-up / next steps
Deciding whether to repair or replace comes down to a few key points: age, cost of the repair vs. a new unit, efficiency, and how long you plan to stay in the home. Use the 50% rule and the typical lifespan of your appliance as a guide, and lean toward replacement when older, inefficient appliances need expensive or repeated repairs.
For any repair estimate over a few hundred dollars—or for high-end or built-in appliances—getting 2–3 quotes is wise. A neutral local-pro directory like Home Services Scout can help you quickly compare licensed appliance repair pros in your area.
With clear information and a couple of solid estimates, you can choose the option that fits your budget and comfort level, and get your kitchen or laundry room back to normal with confidence.