Use the 50 percent rule. If the repair costs more than half the price of a new appliance, and your appliance is already past the middle of its life, replacing it often makes more sense. In most other cases, repair is the better value.
The 50 Percent Rule
This is the simplest way to decide. Compare the repair price with the cost of a similar new appliance.
For example, say a new washer like yours costs about $900. If the repair is $250, fixing it is the clear choice. If the repair is $600 and the washer is 12 years old, a new one may be the smarter buy.
How Old Is Your Appliance?
Age matters as much as price. A repair on a newer appliance buys you many more years. The table below shows rough ranges many homeowners see. Real life depends on how often you use the appliance and how well it is cared for.
| Appliance | Rough lifespan | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 10 to 15 years | Fans and relays are common, fair-priced repairs |
| Washer | 10 to 13 years | Pumps and lid switches wear out first |
| Dryer | 10 to 13 years | Belts and heating parts are easy to replace |
| Dishwasher | 9 to 12 years | Pumps and door seals are common fixes |
| Range or oven | 13 to 15 years | Igniters and elements wear out over time |
| Microwave | 7 to 10 years | Built-in models are often worth fixing |
Not sure how old your appliance is? The serial number on the label often shows when it was made. Our guide on how to find your model number shows where to look.
Signs That Repair Makes Sense
- Only one part has failed, like a pump, a belt, or an igniter.
- The appliance is less than halfway through its usual life.
- It is a built-in or premium model, like Sub-Zero or Wolf, which cost a lot to replace.
- It fits your space perfectly, and a new model may not.
- It has worked well until now, with no history of repeat problems.
Signs It May Be Time to Replace
- The compressor or sealed system has failed on an older fridge.
- The washer tub is cracked, or there is rust all the way through a panel.
- You have had two or more repairs on it in the past year.
- Parts for your model are no longer made.
- The repair would cost more than half the price of a new unit.
Do Not Forget the Hidden Costs of Replacing
A new appliance costs more than its price tag. Before you decide, add these up:
- Delivery and haul-away of the old unit
- Installation, new hoses, a gas connector, or a new water line
- Cabinet changes if a new built-in model is a different size
- Days without the appliance while you wait for delivery
5 Questions to Ask Your Technician
- What exactly failed, and why?
- Is this a common repair for this model?
- Are other parts close to wearing out?
- Is the repair covered by a guarantee?
- If you were me, would you repair it or replace it?
Does a New Model Save on Energy?
Newer appliances, especially refrigerators with the ENERGY STAR label, often use less electricity than models from many years ago. That can lower your bill a little each month.
Still, energy savings alone rarely pay for a new appliance quickly. If your current one works well after a fair-priced repair, keeping it is usually the better deal. Energy use matters most when the old unit is very old and needs a big repair anyway.
Special Cases to Think About
Built-in and premium appliances
Built-in fridges, wall ovens, and pro-style ranges cost a lot to replace, and a new one may not fit the same opening. Repair is almost always worth checking first.
Rental homes
Landlords often want the fastest fix that keeps tenants happy. A common repair done the same day is usually better than waiting days for a delivery.
Appliances still under warranty
If your appliance is still covered, call the maker first. A covered repair is usually free.
Get an Honest Answer
Our technicians will tell you plainly if a repair is worth it. If replacing makes more sense, we will say so, and we can help with appliance installation when the new one arrives.
We repair every major appliance from all major brands, including Whirlpool, GE, Samsung, and Sub-Zero. Our technicians come to homes in East Brunswick and nearby towns like South Brunswick, North Brunswick, South River, Milltown, Helmetta, and Monroe Township. See all service areas or how to reach us. For more tips, browse all our appliance repair guides.