Repair vs. Replace: The Real Math Behind the Decision

"Should I repair this or just buy a new one?" It's the first thing through your mind when an appliance breaks. And the answer is usually simpler than you think — if you know the numbers.

Here's the standard rule of thumb that repair professionals use: if the repair cost is more than 50% of the appliance's replacement cost, and the appliance has passed the halfway point of its expected lifespan, consider replacing.

Both conditions matter. A 3-year-old fridge with a $500 repair? Fix it — it has 10+ years of life left. A 12-year-old fridge with a $300 repair? That's where the math gets interesting.

Refrigerator

• Average repair: $150-400
• Replacement cost: $1,200-3,500
• Lifespan: 10-18 years
• Verdict: Repair is almost always worth it unless you're looking at a compressor on a fridge over 10 years old

Washing machine

• Average repair: $100-350
• Replacement cost: $500-1,500
• Lifespan: 10-14 years
• Verdict: Most repairs fall well below the 50% threshold. Bearings and transmissions on older machines are the exceptions.

Dryer

• Average repair: $100-300
• Replacement cost: $400-1,200
• Lifespan: 10-14 years
• Verdict: Dryers are simple machines. Almost every repair is worth it.

Dishwasher

• Average repair: $100-300
• Replacement cost: $400-900
• Lifespan: 8-12 years
• Verdict: The 50% line is lower here. Repairs over $200 on a dishwasher over 8 years old deserve careful thought.

Oven/Range

• Average repair: $100-400
• Replacement cost: $600-2,500
• Lifespan: 13-20 years
• Verdict: Ovens last forever and repairs are cheap relative to replacement. Repair wins in almost every scenario.

Microwave

• Average repair: $50-200
• Replacement cost: $100-500
• Lifespan: 7-12 years
• Verdict: Countertop microwaves: often cheaper to replace. Over-the-range: usually worth repairing because replacement includes installation.

Factor 1: Installation costs

Replacing an appliance isn't just the purchase price. Delivery ($50-100), installation ($50-200), and hauling away the old one ($25-50) add up. For gas appliances, add a gas line connection fee ($75-150). These hidden costs tip the math toward repair.

Factor 2: Environmental impact

Repairing an appliance keeps it out of a landfill and avoids the carbon footprint of manufacturing, shipping, and installing a new one. The greenest appliance is the one you already own — as long as it's still reasonably efficient.

Factor 3: Efficiency gains

Newer appliances use less energy and water. A fridge from 2010 uses about 30% more electricity than a current model. If your appliance is very old (15+ years), the efficiency savings from a new model can offset part of the purchase price over 5-10 years.

That's exactly what a $49 video diagnosis answers. Simon will look at your specific appliance, tell you what's wrong, what the repair will cost, and whether it's worth it — all in a 15-minute call.