(587) 316-8169Your dishwasher quits mid-cycle. The repair estimate comes back at $380 for an appliance you paid $900 for six years ago. Do you fix it or buy new? Most homeowners face this question eventually, and the answer isn’t always clear.
This decision needs more than basic math. Several factors work together to determine if repair makes sense or if replacement gives you better value. Here’s how to figure out what works for your situation.
Run the Numbers with the 50% Rule
The 50% rule offers a simple baseline when you’re deciding to repair or replace appliances. If fixing it costs more than half the price of buying new, replacement usually wins. When repair costs exceed this threshold, you’re often better off investing in a replacement.
Usage intensity affects this calculation. Appliances that run frequently or handle heavy loads wear faster than those used moderately. A dishwasher that runs twice daily has worked harder than one used three times per week.
5 Essential Factors for Smart Decision-Making
Factor 1: How Old Is Your Appliance
Every appliance has a typical lifespan. Most refrigerators last 10-15 years. Dryers usually hit 10-13 years. Once yours reaches 75% of that range, even moderate repairs start looking less worthwhile. An appliance life expectancy chart helps you see where yours stands.
Factor 2: Repair Cost as a Percentage
Calculate the repair cost divided by replacement cost. Typical costs break down like this:
Repair costs:
- Diagnostics run $80-150 (often applied to repair)
- Minor fixes like thermostats or seals cost $150-300
- Moderate repairs for pumps or motors hit $300-500
- Major work like compressors reaches $500-800 or more.
Replacement costs:
- Budget appliances start at $500-800.
- Mid-range models run $800-1,500.
- High-end units cost $1,500-3,000+.
If repair costs less than 30% of replacement and your appliance isn’t ancient, repair makes sense. Above 50% leans toward replacement unless the appliance is very young.
Factor 3: Your Repair History
First breakdowns differ from patterns. One failure doesn’t indicate problems. Two within two years raises concerns. Three in three years means replacing it is absolutely necessary.
Add up all repair costs. If previous repairs plus the current estimate exceed 75% of replacement cost, you’re throwing money at a declining machine.
Factor 4: Energy Efficiency Savings
Older appliances can cost you hundreds annually in wasted energy. Modern ENERGY STAR models use 10-50% less electricity than units from a decade ago.
Calculate your current energy usage against a new model, the savings might pay for the replacement in just a few years.
Factor 5: Your Personal Situation
Let’s be honest, sometimes the “right” answer doesn’t match your bank account. If money’s tight right now, repairing buys you breathing room to save up.
And think about your life: Are you planning to move soon? Then patch it up and let the next owner deal with it. But if you’re settling in for the long haul, investing in something reliable now means one less thing to worry about for the next decade.
Pro tip: Check if your utility company offers rebates, sometimes you can get $100-200 off, which makes the decision a lot easier.
What Works for Each Appliance Type?
Refrigerators
Common models: Samsung, LG, Whirlpool, GE, Frigidaire, KitchenAid.
Compressor failures cost around $700-800. For refrigerators under seven years old, this repair adds several good years. Refrigerator repairs on units past 10 years become less appealing due to age and energy waste. Simple fixes like thermostats stay cost-effective at any age.
Dishwashers
Dishwashers typically last 8-10 years before cumulative wear takes its toll. Control boards on older models are expensive to replace and prone to repeat failures. Pump and spray arm repairs on newer units usually make financial sense since they’re straightforward fixes.
Consider replacement when your dishwasher approaches the decade mark. Newer models use 30-50% less water and energy, which translates to real savings on utility bills.
Washing Machines
Washing machine problems range from cheap fixes to expensive overhauls. Belts and valves run $200-300. Transmissions or drum bearings can hit $600 or more. Is it worth fixing a washing machine that’s 11 years old with a major failure? Probably not.
That same repair on a five-year-old machine makes sense. Front-loaders generally face more seal and bearing issues as they age, while top-loaders tend to have simpler, cheaper repairs.
Getting a diagnostic on your washing machine helps you know if you’re looking at one fix or multiple problems waiting to happen.
Dryers
Dryers are simple machines that last well. Belts, rollers, and heating elements cost $150-350 to replace and add years of use. Even 10-year-old dryers make sense to fix unless the motor fails or the drum gets damaged.
New dryers don’t save much energy compared to older models, so dryer repairs often give you the best value.
So, Repair or Replace?
Score each factor. If your appliance is young (under 50% of lifespan), repair costs stay under 30%, this is the first problem, and energy savings look minimal, repair it. If your appliance passed 75% of expected life, repair costs exceed 50% of replacement, you’ve had multiple repairs, and efficiency gains look substantial, replace it.
When factors split evenly, age breaks the tie. Past 75% of lifespan favors replacement. Under 50% favors repair.
Still unsure? Get a diagnostic. Sometimes seeing the actual problem makes the decision obvious.
