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Repair or replace? A 30-second calculator
The half-price rule plus typical lifespans, applied to your appliance and your quote.
The rule most technicians use: repair if the quote is under 50% of the price of a comparable new unit and the appliance has not reached its typical lifespan. Above 50%, or on an appliance at end of life, replacement is usually the better value — especially for a fridge compressor or a front-loader bearing job.
Typical lifespans used by the calculator
| Appliance | Typical lifespan | Typical new mid-range price | The expensive repair |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 10–15 years | $900 – $1,800 | Compressor / sealed system $500–$900 |
| Freezer | 12–20 years | $500 – $1,000 | Compressor $400–$700 |
| Washing machine | 10–14 years | $600 – $1,100 | Tub bearings $300–$550 |
| Dryer | 12–15 years | $500 – $1,000 | Motor $250–$450 |
| Dishwasher | 9–12 years | $500 – $1,000 | Control board + pump $350–$700 |
| Oven / range | 13–17 years | $700 – $1,600 | Control board / glass top $300–$600 |
Three things the rule misses
- Energy use. A 15-year-old refrigerator can cost $50–$100 a year more to run than a new one — worth adding to the "replace" side.
- What fails next. One failed part on an old machine often signals others are close behind; ask the company what they saw inside.
- Time without it. A same-day repair beats a week waiting for delivery when it is the only fridge in the house.
Still under manufacturer warranty? Contact the manufacturer first — warranty work has to go through them. The independent companies we connect you with handle out-of-warranty repairs.
Published 2026-09-22 · Updated 2026-09-22