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Repair or Replace? The Real Math on Every Major Appliance

A repair-vs-replace decision table for refrigerators, washers, dryers, dishwashers, and ovens — built on the 50% rule, real repair-cost data, and NAHB lifespan research.

The one question behind every breakdown

"Is it worth fixing, or should I just replace it?" is the single most-asked appliance question online — one Reddit thread on it cleared thousands of comments. The honest answer is a calculation, not a gut feeling, and it comes down to three numbers: the repair quote, the price of a comparable new unit, and how much life the appliance has left.

The 50% rule

Replace the appliance when the repair quote exceeds 50% of a comparable new unit and the appliance is past half its expected lifespan. Both conditions have to be true. A pricey repair on a young machine is usually still worth it; a cheap fix on an old one usually is too. HomeAdvisor pegs the national average repair at about $179, with most repairs $108–$251 — well under the replace line for nearly any appliance.

The decision table

Lifespans below are NAHB component-life averages; repair bands are national parts-and-labor estimates. Past the midpoint and over the repair ceiling means replace.

ApplianceAvg. lifespanTypical repairReplace if a major repair lands after…
Refrigerator~13 yrs$150–$1,000year 7 (esp. compressor / sealed system)
Washer~10 yrs$150–$575year 6 (bearings, control board)
Dryer~13 yrs$150–$450year 8 (motor)
Dishwasher~9 yrs$150–$500year 5 (control board, pump + leak)
Oven / range~13–15 yrs$150–$600year 8 (control board on a budget range)

Three things that bend the rule

Parts availability (a 15-year-old unit may wait weeks for a board), efficiency (a new refrigerator can meaningfully cut energy use versus a 2010 model), and quality tier (a commercial-grade washer is worth repairing far past where a budget one isn't). When the math is close, these break the tie.

Get the honest number first

The rule only works with a real, itemized quote — parts and labor, separated, in writing. If it is not a quick or obvious fix, have a vetted local pro diagnose it and put the repair-vs-replace call in writing before you decide. Find an AARA-standard repair company in your city.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. When should I replace an appliance instead of repairing it? When the repair quote is over half the price of a comparable new unit AND the appliance is past half its expected lifespan. If either is not true, repair is usually the better value.
  2. What is the average cost of an appliance repair? About $179 nationally, with most repairs falling between $108 and $251 including parts and labor, per HomeAdvisor 2025 data.
  3. Is it worth repairing a refrigerator over 10 years old? Only for cheap fixes like a fan or gasket. A compressor or sealed-system repair on a 10+ year fridge almost always fails the 50% rule.

Sources

  1. HomeAdvisor — How Much Does Appliance Repair Cost?
  2. First American — Appliance & Home System Lifespans (NAHB data)
  3. Angi — How Much Do Kitchen Appliance Repairs Cost?

Related Guides

Refrigerator Not Cooling? Causes, Costs, and When It’s Worth Fixing · The Washer Brands Repair Technicians Actually Recommend (and Why) · Why Technicians Groan at Control Boards: The Real Cost of "Smart" Appliances · Dryer Not Heating? Check These 4 Things Before You Pay Anyone

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