Your refrigerator is making weird noises. Your dishwasher won't drain. Your dryer takes three cycles to dry one load. You get a repair quote and think, "Is it even worth fixing, or should I just buy a new one?"
This is one of the most common questions homeowners face. In this guide, we'll give you a clear decision framework to make the smartest choice for your situation and budget.
The 50% Rule (Your Quick Decision Guide)
The Golden Rule of Appliance Repair:
Repair makes sense if BOTH of these are true:
- Repair cost is less than 50% of replacement cost
- Appliance is less than 50% of its expected lifespan
Example 1: Clear Repair Decision
- Refrigerator: 6 years old (expected life: 14 years = 43% of lifespan)
- Repair: Ice maker replacement at $200
- New fridge cost: $1,200
- Repair is 17% of replacement cost
- Decision: REPAIR (appliance is relatively young and repair is cheap)
Example 2: Clear Replace Decision
- Dishwasher: 11 years old (expected life: 12 years = 92% of lifespan)
- Repair: Control board replacement at $400
- New dishwasher cost: $800
- Repair is 50% of replacement cost
- Decision: REPLACE (appliance near end of life and repair expensive)
Example 3: Gray Area
- Washer: 8 years old (expected life: 12 years = 67% of lifespan)
- Repair: Drum bearing replacement at $400
- New washer cost: $900
- Repair is 44% of replacement cost
- Decision: Consider other factors (see below)
Decision Framework: 6 Key Factors
Factor 1: Age vs. Expected Lifespan
Average Lifespans:
- Refrigerator: 14 years (range: 10-18)
- Dishwasher: 12 years (range: 9-16)
- Washing Machine: 12 years (range: 10-14)
- Dryer: 12 years (range: 10-13)
- Oven/Range: 16 years (range: 13-20)
- Cooktop: 17 years (range: 15-20)
- Freezer: 16 years (range: 12-20)
- Microwave: 9 years (range: 7-12)
Decision Matrix:
| Appliance Age | Lifespan % | Decision Guideline |
|---|---|---|
| 0-3 years | 0-25% | Almost always repair (unless under warranty) |
| 4-7 years | 25-50% | Repair if cost < 50% of new |
| 8-10 years | 50-75% | Consider carefully - depends on repair cost |
| 10+ years | 75-100% | Lean toward replace unless very cheap repair |
Factor 2: Repair Cost as Percentage of Replacement
Clear Repair:
- Repair costs 0-30% of new appliance
- Example: $150 dishwasher pump vs. $800 new dishwasher
Consider Repair:
- Repair costs 30-50% of new appliance
- Factor in age and expected remaining life
Lean Toward Replace:
- Repair costs 50-75% of new appliance
- Unless appliance is very young or premium brand
Definitely Replace:
- Repair costs 75%+ of new appliance
- You're essentially paying for a used appliance
Bay Area Repair Costs:
- Service call + diagnosis: $75-$100
- Simple repairs: $150-$250
- Moderate repairs: $250-$400
- Major repairs: $400-$600+
Factor 3: Frequency of Repairs
Red Flag Pattern:
- Second major repair in 2 years
- Third repair of any kind in 2 years
- Repair costs total more than $600 over 3 years
Example:
- Year 1: Refrigerator compressor ($500)
- Year 2: Ice maker ($200)
- Year 3: Temperature sensor ($150)
- Total: $850 in 3 years
- Decision: REPLACE - too many repairs indicate systemic deterioration
One-off repairs are fine:
- Appliance runs great for 5 years
- One component fails
- Repair it and get 3-5 more years
Factor 4: Energy Efficiency
Newer appliances save significantly on utility bills:
Refrigerator:
- New ENERGY STAR fridge: ~$50/year electricity
- 15-year-old fridge: ~$90/year
- Annual savings: $40/year
- 10-year payback: $400 value
Dishwasher:
- New ENERGY STAR: ~$35/year (water + energy)
- Old dishwasher: ~$70/year
- Annual savings: $35/year
Washing Machine:
- HE washer: ~$50/year (water + energy)
- Old top-loader: ~$120/year
- Annual savings: $70/year
- 10-year savings: $700!
Dryer:
- Modern with moisture sensor: ~$85/year
- Old dryer with timer only: ~$110/year
- Annual savings: $25/year
Decision Impact:
- If new appliance saves $50+/year in utilities
- Factor this into repair vs. replace math
- Over 10 years, you "earn back" $500+
Factor 5: Available Parts
Check parts availability:
- Discontinued models may not have parts
- Older than 10 years: parts getting scarce
- Exotic brands: parts expensive and slow to ship
- Common brands (GE, Whirlpool, Samsung): parts readily available
Warning signs:
- Repair tech says "parts are hard to find"
- Parts need to be ordered from overseas
- Wait time for parts exceeds 3-4 weeks
- Part costs are exorbitant
If parts are scarce, replace now before catastrophic failure leaves you without the appliance for weeks.
Factor 6: Warranty Status
If under warranty:
- Always repair (free or low-cost)
- Extended warranties: Use them (you paid for them)
- Manufacturer warranty (1 year typical): Get it fixed free
Just out of warranty:
- Some manufacturers offer goodwill repairs for just-expired warranties
- Worth asking!
Special Considerations
Premium Appliances
High-end brands deserve more repair tolerance:
- Sub-Zero refrigerator ($8,000+): Repair even expensive fixes
- Miele dishwasher ($2,000+): Worth repairing through year 10-12
- Wolf range ($5,000+): Repair almost always makes sense
Why:
- Built to last 20+ years
- Superior repairability
- Parts available longer
- Resale value if you move
Rental Properties
Different calculation for landlords:
- Tenant use is harder on appliances
- Cheap repairs make sense to extend rental income
- When replacing, buy mid-grade (not premium or budget)
- Factor in tax deductions for repairs vs. capital improvements
Matching Sets
Kitchen aesthetics matter:
- If replacing one appliance in a matching set
- Consider impact on resale value
- Stainless steel finish matching
- Built-in appliances especially
Real-World Scenarios
Scenario 1: The Young Appliance
- Situation: 3-year-old Samsung washer, motor needs replacing, $400 repair, $900 new washer
- Math: 44% of replacement cost, 25% of lifespan
- Decision: REPAIR - Too young to replace, should get 8+ more years
Scenario 2: The Old Timer
- Situation: 13-year-old dishwasher, pump + control board needed, $500 repair, $700 new dishwasher
- Math: 71% of replacement cost, 108% of expected lifespan
- Decision: REPLACE - Already outlived expectations, repair too expensive
Scenario 3: The Frequent Flyer
- Situation: 7-year-old dryer, heating element ($250), but had thermal fuse replaced last year ($150)
- Math: $400 total in 2 years, 58% of lifespan
- Decision: REPLACE - Pattern of failures indicates bigger issues coming
Scenario 4: The Premium Product
- Situation: 9-year-old Miele dishwasher ($2,200 new), needs $600 repair, new comparable model $2,500
- Math: 24% of replacement, 75% of lifespan (but Miele lasts longer)
- Decision: REPAIR - Premium brand, excellent repairability, can last to year 15+
Scenario 5: The Energy Hog
- Situation: 14-year-old refrigerator, $300 repair, new ENERGY STAR fridge $1,400
- Math: 21% of replacement, 100% of lifespan
- Additional factor: New fridge saves $60/year
- Decision: REPLACE - At end of life, energy savings justify upgrade
What Not to Repair
Almost never worth repairing:
Microwaves:
- Repair costs often exceed $150
- New microwaves cost $100-$300
- Unless built-in model ($500+)
Budget appliances past 7 years:
- $400 washer now 8 years old
- Any repair over $100 → replace
Appliances with multiple simultaneous failures:
- If quote includes 3+ components
- Indicates overall deterioration
- More failures likely soon
Heavily rusted or water-damaged units:
- Structural damage doesn't improve
- Future failures guaranteed
Environmental Considerations
Repair is greener:
- Manufacturing new appliances creates significant carbon footprint
- Repairs generate less waste
- Extending appliance life by 2-3 years makes environmental difference
But newer can be greener:
- Energy/water savings from new appliances
- Older refrigerators use refrigerants that harm ozone
- Balance environmental impact of manufacturing vs. operational efficiency
Get Expert Advice
Not sure what to do? EasyBear offers:
- Free diagnosis with honest repair-or-replace recommendation
- We'll tell you if replacement makes more sense (even though we do repairs!)
- Transparent pricing before any work begins
- No-pressure consultations
Our technicians see hundreds of appliances and can give you real-world advice on whether your specific model is worth repairing.
Book a free diagnosis and make an informed decision!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it cheaper to repair or replace a washing machine? A: Depends on age and repair cost. Under 6 years old and repair under $300? Repair. Over 10 years old or repair over $400? Replace.
Q: When should I replace my refrigerator? A: When it's 12+ years old and repair costs exceed $500, or if energy costs are high and new models would pay for themselves in savings.
Q: How do I know if my appliance is worth repairing? A: Use the 50% rule: repair cost should be less than 50% of replacement cost, and appliance should be less than 50% through its expected lifespan.
Q: What's the most expensive appliance repair? A: Refrigerator compressor replacement ($400-$600), washing machine transmission ($400-$600), or oven control board ($300-$600).
Q: Can I negotiate repair costs? A: Some companies offer discounts for multiple repairs or senior citizens. Always ask about current promotions. EasyBear provides upfront pricing with no hidden fees.
Bottom Line
Repair if: Appliance is young, repair is relatively cheap, and it's been reliable overall.
Replace if: Appliance is old, repair is expensive, multiple problems exist, or energy savings justify upgrade.
When in doubt: Get a free diagnosis from EasyBear and we'll give you honest advice based on 1000s of repairs we've seen!
