How Much Does Appliance Repair Cost?
Most appliance repairs cost about $100 to $300, according to Fixr, with HomeAdvisor reporting an average of $179 and Thumbtack an average of $206. Expect a service call fee of roughly $50 to $100 and labor of $50 to $150 an hour. Refrigerator sealed-system work and high-end brands cost more.
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Last updated October 2026Key cost facts
Appliance repair prices depend on three things more than anything else: which appliance failed, which part failed, and how long the technician spends finding and fixing it. The ranges below come from four national cost guides, so you can see where they agree and where they differ.
- Typical repair
- $100 – $300 (Fixr)
- Average repair
- $179 (HomeAdvisor) · $206 (Thumbtack)
- Service call fee
- $50 – $100 (Fixr, HomeAdvisor); $75 is the most common fee reported to This Old House
- Labor rate
- $50 – $150 per hour; master technicians up to $200 (HomeAdvisor)
- Widest range reported
- $50 – $500 (This Old House)
What do national cost guides report?
Each source surveys different jobs, so ranges differ. Where two or more agree, that is the most reliable estimate.
| Appliance | Fixr | HomeAdvisor | This Old House | Thumbtack |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | $200 – $500 | $40 – $350 | $200 – $500 | about $250 average |
| Washer | $150 – $300 | $50 – $450 | $100 – $650 (washers and dryers combined) | $137 – $364 (about $224 average) |
| Dryer | $100 – $200 (about $150 average) | $100 – $400 | $100 – $650 (washers and dryers combined) | about $170 average |
| Dishwasher | $100 – $300 | $50 – $500 | $100 – $300 | $135 – $359 (about $220 average) |
| Oven & Stove | Oven $150 – $400; range $100 – $400 | Oven $100 – $430; range $100 – $500 | Oven $100 – $400; cooktop/range $100 – $430 | Oven about $241 average |
| Microwave | $100 – $200 | $50 – $400 | $50 – $400 | about $220 average |
| Freezer | $100 – $300 | $90 – $500 | — | — |
| Ice Maker | $150 – $250 (about $200 average) | $60 – $330 | — | — |
What affects the price?
The part that failed
A thermal fuse or door switch is an inexpensive part. A compressor, control board or motor costs far more. The part usually decides whether a repair lands near the low or high end of the range.
Diagnosis and the service call
Most technicians charge a trip or diagnostic fee to come out and find the fault. Fixr and HomeAdvisor put this at about $50 to $100, and many technicians apply it to the repair if you go ahead.
Labor time and rates
HomeAdvisor reports technician labor of $50 to $150 an hour, with master technicians charging up to $200. Built-in and stacked units take longer to reach, which adds labor.
Brand and model
High-end brands such as Sub-Zero, Viking, Thermador and Miele use pricier parts and sometimes need factory-trained technicians.
Appliance type and fuel
Gas appliances involve the gas supply and need extra safety checks. Sealed refrigeration systems require a technician with EPA Section 608 certification to handle refrigerant.
Timing and location
Weekend, evening and same-day visits can cost more, and homes far from a technician's base may see a higher trip charge.
Warranty coverage
A manufacturer warranty, extended warranty or home warranty may cover parts, labor or both. Check before you book.
Want a real quote?
Call 1-833-563-1092. The local provider prices the job after diagnosis.
A worked example
Say your 6-year-old standard refrigerator stops cooling and the technician finds a failed control board. HomeAdvisor puts control board work at $80 to $800. NAHB data gives a standard refrigerator a life of about 17 years, so the fridge is well under halfway through its life. Unless the quote is more than half the price of a comparable new fridge, repairing it is usually the better deal.
Average appliance life (NAHB)
| Appliance | Average life (NAHB) |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator (standard) | 17 years |
| Freezer (standard) | 16 years |
| Washer | 13 years |
| Dryer | 14 years |
| Dishwasher | 10 years |
| Electric range | 17 years |
| Gas range | 19 years |
| Microwave | 11 years |
How can I save on repairs?
- Clean condenser coils, lint screens, vents and dishwasher filters on a schedule. Many service calls are caused by clogs.
- Ask whether the diagnostic fee is applied to the repair if you go ahead.
- Have the model number and any error code ready so the technician can bring the right part on the first trip.
- Check warranty coverage before paying out of pocket.
- Ask for the price of the part and the labor separately so you can compare.
- Book weekday daytime appointments when the problem is not urgent.
Does insurance or a warranty pay?
Standard homeowners policies generally do not cover appliances that break from normal wear and tear, though they may cover damage an appliance causes, such as water damage from a leak. Manufacturer warranties usually cover defects for a limited time, and home warranties cover listed appliances for a yearly fee and a per-visit service charge. Read your own policy or contract for the details.
When is it an emergency?
- You smell gas near a range, oven or gas dryer. Leave and call 911 and your gas utility first.
- Water is leaking from a washer, dishwasher or fridge and will not stop.
- You see sparks, smoke or a burning smell.
- A full refrigerator or freezer has stopped cooling.
Which repair is my symptom likely to need?
| Symptom | Likely part or fix |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator not cooling | Fan, defrost part, relay or compressor |
| Washer not draining | Pump filter or drain pump |
| Dryer not heating | Thermal fuse, element or igniter |
| Dishwasher not draining | Filter, hose or drain pump |
| Oven not heating | Bake element or igniter |
| Microwave not heating | Magnetron or high-voltage diode |
How is the bill made up?
Most bills have three parts: a service call or diagnostic fee, labor, and the part itself. HomeAdvisor reports labor of $50 to $150 an hour, with master technicians up to $200, and a $50 to $100 trip fee. Parts range from a few dollars for a fuse to hundreds for a compressor or control board.
Questions to ask before you approve
- Which part failed, and how did you test it?
- What is the price of the part and the labor, separately?
- Is the diagnostic fee applied to the repair?
- Do you have the part, or does it need to be ordered?
- What warranty do you give on parts and labor?
- Would you repair this appliance at its age, or replace it?
Cost questions
What is the average cost of an appliance repair?
HomeAdvisor reports an average appliance repair cost of $179 and Thumbtack reports $206. Fixr puts the typical range at $100 to $300, while This Old House reports a wider $50 to $500 range.
How much is an appliance service call?
Fixr and HomeAdvisor put the service or diagnostic fee at about $50 to $100. This Old House says homeowners most often report a $75 fee, with some paying more than $200.
Which appliance is the most expensive to repair?
Refrigerators tend to cost the most. Fixr and This Old House both put most fridge repairs at $200 to $500, and compressor or sealed-system work can push the bill higher.
Is it worth repairing an appliance or should I replace it?
A common rule of thumb is to repair when the appliance is under half its expected life and the repair costs less than half the price of a new one. NAHB lifespans help you judge the first part.
Does homeowners insurance cover appliance repair?
Usually not for normal wear and tear. A home warranty or manufacturer warranty is more likely to cover the repair. Check your policy for your situation.
Why do quotes differ so much between technicians?
Different labor rates, trip fees, part sources and diagnoses all change the price. Ask what part has failed and why, and ask for parts and labor to be listed separately.
Related
See repair details by appliance on the services page.
Sources
- Fixr, Appliance Repair Cost (updated Jan 2025)
- HomeAdvisor, How Much Does Appliance Repair Cost? (2025)
- This Old House, Appliance Repair Cost (updated June 2026)
- Thumbtack, Appliance Repair Cost (updated March 2026)
- NAHB life expectancy of appliances (via USDA Forest Service)
- U.S. EPA, Section 608 refrigerant management
Get a price from a local pro
Call 1-833-563-1092 with your ZIP code.
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