Repair or replace an appliance? How to decide
By the technicians at Maximum Appliance Repair. Updated
We fix appliances for a living, and we'd still tell you when a repair isn't worth it. These are the questions we walk customers through.
How old is it?
Typical lifespans, from a widely cited National Association of Home Builders study, are roughly: refrigerator 13 years, freezer 11, gas range 15, electric range 13, dryer 13, washer 10, dishwasher 9, microwave 9 and garbage disposal 12. High-end built-ins like Sub-Zero, Wolf and Viking often last longer and are usually worth repairing.
Try the 50 percent rule
A common rule of thumb: if the repair would cost more than half the price of a comparable new appliance, and the appliance is past about half its expected life, replacement usually makes more sense. It's a starting point, not a law.
What failed?
Fans, igniters, elements, pumps, belts, door locks, switches and valves are common, moderate repairs on almost any appliance. Sealed-system work on a refrigerator (compressor or refrigerant leak), a cracked washer tub, or rust through a dishwasher tub are the expensive failures that often tip the decision toward replacement.
What would you lose?
Built-ins and panel-ready appliances are sized to your cabinets. Replacing one can mean new cabinetwork, trim or countertop changes. A repair keeps everything as it is.
How has it been running?
One repair on a reliable appliance is normal. A third or fourth repair in two years on the same machine is a sign it's time.
Get a real diagnosis
Guessing costs money in both directions. Our service call is free: the technician finds the cause, quotes the repair, and tells you honestly if replacing makes more sense. You pay only if you approve the repair.
When to call a technician
Book a visit if you'd like a straight answer on your appliance. If you decide to replace it, we also install new appliances, including built-ins.
Questions
Is it worth repairing a 10-year-old refrigerator?
Often, yes, if the problem is a fan, defrost part, sensor, control or water valve. If it needs a compressor or has a refrigerant leak, replacement often makes more sense on a standard model. High-end built-in refrigerators are usually worth repairing.
What's the 50 percent rule for appliances?
If a repair costs more than 50 percent of the price of a new, comparable appliance, and the appliance is past half its expected lifespan, replacing it usually makes more sense.