Should You Repair or Replace Your Appliance?
Save hundreds by making the right decision. Use our free guide to figure out whether fixing your appliance makes financial sense — or if it's time for a new one.
The 50% Rule: The Simplest Way to Decide
If the repair costs less than 50% of what a new appliance would cost, repair it.
This is the most widely-used rule of thumb among repair professionals and consumer advocates. For example, if a new washing machine costs $800 and the repair estimate is $300 (37.5% of replacement cost), it makes sense to repair. But if the repair is $500 (62.5%), you should probably replace it — especially if the appliance is already aging.
Repair makes sense when:
- Repair cost is under 50% of replacement
- Appliance is under 75% of expected lifespan
- Problem is a common, well-documented fix
- Appliance is still under warranty
Replace makes sense when:
- Repair cost exceeds 50% of replacement
- Appliance is past 75% of expected lifespan
- You've had multiple repairs recently
- Newer models are significantly more energy efficient
Average Appliance Lifespans & Repair Costs
Use this table to compare your appliance's age and estimated repair cost against the averages. If your appliance is nearing the end of its expected lifespan and the repair is expensive, replacing is usually the better investment.
| Appliance | Expected Lifespan | Avg. Repair Cost | Avg. Replacement Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washing Machine | 10-14 years | $150-$400 | $500-$1,200 |
| Dryer | 10-13 years | $100-$350 | $500-$1,100 |
| Refrigerator | 10-18 years | $150-$500 | $800-$2,500 |
| Dishwasher | 9-12 years | $100-$300 | $400-$1,000 |
| Oven / Range | 13-20 years | $100-$400 | $600-$2,000 |
| Microwave | 7-10 years | $50-$200 | $100-$500 |
| Water Heater | 8-12 years | $100-$500 | $800-$2,000 |
Sources: Consumer Reports, HomeAdvisor, and appliance manufacturer data. Costs vary by brand, model, and region.
Repair vs Replace Decision Flowchart
Walk through these questions in order to get a recommendation for your situation.
Is your appliance still under warranty?
Yes → Call the manufacturer
The repair may be covered at no cost. Check your warranty documentation or the manufacturer's website.
No → Continue to Step 2
Is your appliance over 75% of its expected lifespan?
Example: A washing machine lasts 10-14 years. If yours is 10+ years old, it's past 75%.
Yes → Lean toward replacing
Even if this repair is affordable, more breakdowns are likely coming. Factor in the cost of future repairs.
No → Continue to Step 3
Is the repair cost more than 50% of a new replacement?
Yes → Replace it
You're spending more than half the cost of a new appliance on a repair. A new one comes with a warranty and better energy efficiency.
No → Repair it!
The repair is cost-effective. Check our free guides below to see if you can do it yourself and save even more.
Common Repairs by Appliance
Before paying for a professional repair, check if your problem has a DIY fix. Many common appliance issues can be solved in under an hour with basic tools.
Common Washing Machine Repairs
Average lifespan: 10-14 years | Typical repair cost: $150-$400
Kenmore Washing Machines — F5 Error Code
Easy · 20-30 minutes · $8–$15
Whirlpool Washing Machines — F21 Error Code (Long Drain)
Easy · 15-30 minutes · $0–$25
Samsung Washing Machines — UE Error Code (Unbalanced Load)
Easy · 10-20 minutes · $0
LG Washing Machines — OE Error Code (Drain Error)
Easy · 15-30 minutes · $0–$30
Maytag Washing Machines — Washer Not Spinning
Medium · 20-45 minutes · $0–$45
Common Dryer Repairs
Average lifespan: 10-13 years | Typical repair cost: $100-$350
Samsung Dryers — Not Heating
Medium · 30-60 minutes · $20–$50
LG Dryers — Dryer Not Heating
Medium · 30-60 minutes · $10–$50
Whirlpool Dryers — Dryer Squeaking
Medium · 30-60 minutes · $10–$40
GE Dryers — Dryer Not Turning On
Easy · 10-30 minutes · $0–$30
Maytag Dryers — Dryer Not Drying Clothes
Easy · 15-45 minutes · $0–$30
Common Refrigerator Repairs
Average lifespan: 10-18 years | Typical repair cost: $150-$500
LG Refrigerators — Not Cooling
Medium · 30-60 minutes · $0–$30
Samsung Refrigerators — Ice Maker Not Working
Medium · 20-45 minutes · $0–$80
Whirlpool Refrigerators — Not Cooling but Freezer Works
Medium · 20-60 minutes · $0–$50
GE Refrigerators — Refrigerator Making Noise
Easy · 15-30 minutes · $0–$30
Frigidaire Refrigerators — Refrigerator Not Cooling
Medium · 20-60 minutes · $0–$50
Common Dishwasher Repairs
Average lifespan: 9-12 years | Typical repair cost: $100-$300
Bosch Dishwashers — E24 Error Code
Easy · 15-30 minutes · $0–$15
Samsung Dishwashers — Dishwasher Not Draining
Easy · 15-30 minutes · $0–$25
Whirlpool Dishwashers — Dishwasher Not Cleaning Dishes
Easy · 15-30 minutes · $0–$20
LG Dishwashers — LE Error Code (Motor Error)
Medium · 20-45 minutes · $0–$40
GE Dishwashers — Dishwasher Not Starting
Easy · 10-30 minutes · $0–$25
Common Oven / Range Repairs
Average lifespan: 13-20 years | Typical repair cost: $100-$400
GE Ovens & Ranges — Oven Not Heating
Medium · 30-60 minutes · $15–$50
Samsung Ovens & Ranges — F-3 Error Code (Temperature Sensor)
Medium · 20-40 minutes · $10–$25
Whirlpool Ovens & Ranges — Oven Not Reaching Set Temperature
Medium · 20-45 minutes · $10–$50
LG Ovens & Ranges — Gas Oven Igniter Not Working
Medium · 30-45 minutes · $20–$50
Frigidaire Ovens & Ranges — F10 Error Code (Runaway Temperature)
Medium · 20-45 minutes · $10–$50
Common Microwave Repairs
Average lifespan: 7-10 years | Typical repair cost: $50-$200
Samsung Microwaves — Samsung Microwave Not Heating
Medium · 30-60 minutes · $0–$150
GE Microwaves — GE Microwave Turntable Not Spinning
Easy · 10-30 minutes · $0–$40
Whirlpool Microwaves — Whirlpool Microwave Sparking Inside
Easy · 10-20 minutes · $0–$15
LG Microwaves — LG Microwave Door Won't Open
Medium · 15-45 minutes · $0–$30
Panasonic Microwaves — Panasonic Microwave Display Not Working
Medium · 15-45 minutes · $0–$60
Common Water Heater Repairs
Average lifespan: 8-12 years | Typical repair cost: $100-$500
Generic Water Heaters — Electric Water Heater Not Producing Hot Water
Medium · 30-60 minutes · $0–$30
Generic Water Heaters — Gas Water Heater Not Producing Hot Water
Medium · 20-45 minutes · $0–$25
Generic Water Heaters — Water Heater Leaking From Bottom
Medium · 30-60 minutes · $0–$15
Generic Water Heaters — Water Heater Pilot Light Won't Stay Lit
Medium · 20-45 minutes · $0–$15
Generic Water Heaters — Water Heater Making Popping or Rumbling Noise
Easy · 30-60 minutes · $0–$10
Decided to Repair? We Can Help.
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