Repair or Replace? How to Decide the Fate of Your Appliances

The Crossroads Every Homeowner Faces

At some point, every appliance in your home will stop working as it should. Maybe your refrigerator isn’t keeping food cold, or your dryer is rattling like it’s ready to take off. The big question then is simple, but not always easy to answer: should you repair the appliance or replace it altogether?

This guide walks you through the average lifespans of common household appliances, the factors that affect their longevity, and the practical rules homeowners can use to make smart, cost-effective decisions.

When Appliances Break: What Repairs Typically Involve

Not all breakdowns are created equal. In many cases, a malfunction is caused by a single faulty part that can be swapped out quickly and affordably. In others, the issue points to a deeper system failure that’s both more expensive and time-consuming to fix.

Some of the most common repair calls include:

• Refrigerators that stop cooling properly
• Washers that refuse to drain
• Ovens that won’t heat
• Dryers that squeak, rattle, or fail to dry efficiently

The first step is determining whether the problem falls into the “minor repair” category, such as a broken door seal or faulty thermostat, or the “major failure” category, like a compressor or control board going out. Knowing which camp your issue falls into helps clarify whether fixing or replacing is the smarter move.

How Long Should Your Appliances Last?

Every appliance has a typical lifespan, though how long yours lasts depends heavily on how it’s used and maintained.  If you regularly clean filters, check seals, and use the right detergents, those eventual RIP dates can stretch on much longer. On the flip side, hard water, power surges, or just heavy daily use can shorten them.

Another factor to keep in mind is that newer appliances, while more energy-efficient, often have complex electronic components. This can make them trickier and more expensive to repair compared to older, more mechanical models.

Quick Cost Guide: Repair vs. Replacement

When you’re on the fence, here’s a practical look at what repairs and replacements usually cost, plus a rule of thumb for each appliance:

Refrigerators (10–15 years)

• Repair: $200–$600
• Replace: $1,000–$2,500
• Tip: If it’s under 10 years old and the repair is less than half the cost of a new unit, repair makes sense.

Dishwashers (7–12 years)

• Repair: $150–$400
• Replace: $600–$1,200
• Tip: Older than 8 years and facing a $300+ repair? Replacement is usually smarter.

Washers (10–13 years)

• Repair: $150–$350
• Replace: $700–$1,500
• Tip: Repair is worth it for machines under 7 years, especially for minor fixes.

Dryers (10–13 years)

• Repair: $100–$300
• Replace: $700–$1,200
• Tip: If it’s close to 10 years old and repairs exceed $250, consider upgrading.

Ovens & Ranges (15–20 years)

• Repair: $200–$500
• Replace: $800–$2,500
• Tip: With their longer lifespans, repairs are often worthwhile, unless the unit is over 15 years old.

 The Rule of Thumb: Repair vs. Replace

One widely used guideline in the industry is the “50% rule.” If a repair costs more than half the price of a brand-new appliance, and the unit is beyond half its expected lifespan, replacement is generally the better option.

Take this example: a 12-year-old dishwasher needs a $400 repair. Considering a new, efficient dishwasher costs around $600, putting money into the old one doesn’t make much financial sense. By contrast, spending $150 to fix a 5-year-old washer is likely worth it.

But cost isn’t the only factor. There are environmental benefits to repairing and reusing appliances instead of discarding them, especially as e-waste continues to grow worldwide. On the other hand, replacing an outdated appliance often means lower long-term energy bills, which adds up to real savings over time.

Making the Call with Confidence

When your appliance starts acting up, take a moment before making a quick decision. Weigh the repair cost against the age of the appliance, think about your household’s long-term needs, and factor in energy efficiency. Safety should always come first – older appliances can pose electrical or water hazards if they’re failing.

For homeowners who want peace of mind, working with a TrustDALE certified appliance repair partner ensures you’ll get an honest assessment, clear pricing, and dependable service. These vetted professionals can help you decide whether a repair is worth the investment or if it’s time to upgrade to something new.