Should You Repair or Replace Your Appliance?
Repair your appliance if it is less than halfway through its expected life and the repair costs less than half the price of a new one. Replace it if it is near the end of its life, needs a major part like a compressor, or uses far more energy than a new model. NAHB lifespans help you judge age.
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Last updated October 2026This is the most common question homeowners ask when an appliance breaks. The answer depends on the appliance's age, the repair price, energy use and how much you like the appliance you have.
Quick checks to try first
- How old is the appliance, and what is its expected life?
- What part failed, and what will the repair cost?
- What would a comparable new appliance cost, including delivery and installation?
- Is it still under a manufacturer, extended or home warranty?
- Has it needed several repairs in the last year or two?
- Does it use much more energy than a new model?
Safety first
Call a pro when
- The appliance is under half its expected life
- The repair is a common part like a fan, pump, switch, belt or element
- You like the appliance and it fits your space
- It is a built-in that would be costly to replace
What is causing it?
Match what you see to the likely cause.
| Appliance | Expected life (NAHB) | Lean toward repair if… |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator (standard) | 17 years | Under about 8 years and not a compressor failure |
| Freezer (standard) | 16 years | Under about 8 years |
| Washer | 13 years | Under about 6 years |
| Dryer | 14 years | Under about 7 years |
| Dishwasher | 10 years | Under about 5 years |
| Electric range | 17 years | Under about 8 years |
| Gas range | 19 years | Under about 9 years |
| Microwave | 11 years | Built-in or over-the-range models |
Checks did not fix it?
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Step-by-step troubleshooting
- Find the model number and the purchase or install date.
- Look up the expected life in the table above.
- Get a diagnosis and a written price for the repair.
- Price a comparable new appliance with delivery and installation.
- Apply the 50% rule: repair if the appliance is under half its life and the repair is under half the new price.
- Factor in energy use. AHAM, citing the U.S. Department of Energy, says a refrigerator 15 years or older uses twice the energy of a new ENERGY STAR model.
What is going on inside?
Appliances age at different speeds. Parts that move, heat or hold water wear out first: pumps, motors, belts, heating elements and seals. Electronics can fail at any age, often after a power surge. A single failed part rarely means the whole appliance is done, which is why the age of the appliance and the price of the repair matter more than the symptom itself.
How do I stop it happening again?
- Clean refrigerator coils, dryer vents and dishwasher filters on a schedule.
- Use the right detergent and load size for washers and dishwashers.
- Plug sensitive appliances into a surge protector where the manual allows it.
- Fix small leaks and noises early, before they damage other parts.
- Keep the manual and model number where you can find them.
How much does it cost to fix?
Most appliance repairs cost about $100 to $300, according to Fixr, with HomeAdvisor reporting a $179 average and Thumbtack a $206 average. A service call fee of about $50 to $100 is common, and many providers apply it to the repair. See the full cost guide.
What should I tell the technician?
- The appliance's age and brand
- The model number
- What it is doing, and when it started
- Any error code
- Repairs it has had before
Then call 1-833-563-1092 and give your ZIP code so your call reaches a provider near you.
Common questions
What is the 50 percent rule for appliances?
It is a rule of thumb: if an appliance is more than halfway through its expected life and the repair costs more than half the price of a new one, replacement usually makes more sense.
How long should a refrigerator last?
NAHB data puts a standard refrigerator at about 17 years and a compact refrigerator at about 14 years.
Is it worth repairing an old appliance for energy savings?
Not always. AHAM, citing the Department of Energy, says a refrigerator 15 years or older uses twice the energy of a new ENERGY STAR model, which can make replacement the better long-term choice.
Should I repair an appliance under warranty?
Yes, use the warranty first. Contact the manufacturer or warranty company before paying for a repair yourself.
Is a 10-year-old washer worth fixing?
Often, yes. NAHB data puts the average washer life at about 13 years. A pump, switch or belt repair on a 10-year-old washer can still make sense if it costs well under half the price of a new one.
Do new appliances last as long as old ones?
Lifespans vary by model and use. The NAHB figures are averages, so use them as a guide rather than a promise.
Get it fixed
Call 1-833-563-1092 to speak with a local appliance repair pro.
1-833-563-1092Free referral service. Have your ZIP code ready.