Repair or Replace? How to Decide on a Broken Appliance
The 50 percent rule
- A widely used rule of thumb: if the repair costs more than 50 percent of a comparable new appliance, replacement deserves a serious look. Compare like with like. A basic top-freezer refrigerator and a French door model with a door-in-door ice maker are not the same purchase.
- Add the hidden costs of replacing: delivery, installation, new hoses and connectors, haul-away, and for built-ins, panels and cabinet changes.
Failures that are almost always worth fixing
- Refrigerator fans, defrost parts, ice makers, door gaskets and most control boards.
- Washer drain pumps, lid locks, belts, inlet valves and suspension rods.
- Dryer thermal fuses, heating elements, igniters, belts and rollers.
- Dishwasher drain pumps, inlet valves, door latches and gaskets.
- Oven igniters, bake elements and temperature sensors.
Failures that point toward replacing
- A failed compressor or refrigerant leak on a freestanding refrigerator that is more than about 10 years old.
- A front-load washer with failed tub bearings, or a top-loader with a failed transmission.
- A dishwasher tub that has rusted through or a cracked inner door.
- Any appliance where the manufacturer no longer supplies the part.
Questions to ask the technician
- What failed, and is it likely to fail again?
- What is the total in writing, parts and labor?
- What else is worn and close to failing?
- What warranty comes with the repair?
Questions and answers
How long do appliances usually last?
Commonly cited expectations are roughly 10 to 15 years for refrigerators, ranges and dryers and around 10 years for washers, dishwashers and microwaves. Built-in refrigeration is designed to last considerably longer with maintenance. Use these as rough guides, not deadlines.
Is it worth fixing an appliance that is still under warranty?
Check the manufacturer warranty first. Many refrigerators carry longer coverage on the compressor and sealed system than on the rest of the unit, and using an independent repairer for a covered fault may mean paying for something the manufacturer would have covered.
Will you tell me if the repair is not worth it?
Yes. The diagnostic visit ends with a written total and an honest read on whether the repair makes sense for the age and condition of the appliance. The decision is yours.
Related services
- Appliance Diagnostics
- Refrigerator Repair
- Built-In Refrigerator Repair
- Washer Repair
- Appliance Installation
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