Repair or Replace Guide

cooktop
Cooktop

Average Lifetime:
13-23 years
Cost to Replace: $500-$2500

freezer
Freezer

Average Lifetime:
12-20 years
Cost to Replace: $300-$1000

microwave
Microwave

Average Lifetime:
5-10 years
Cost to Replace: $40-$300

trash compactor
Trash Compactor

Average Lifetime:
12-20years
Cost to Replace: $400-$1200

icemaker
Ice Maker

Average Lifetime:
10-15 years
Cost to Replace: $300-$3000

wine cooler
Wine Cooler

Average Lifetime:
13-19 years
Cost to Replace: $200-$2000

refrigerator
Refrigerator

Average Lifetime:
10-18 years
Cost to Replace: $900-$5500

washer
Washer

Average Lifetime:
5-15 years
Cost to Replace: $500-$1100

dryer
Dryer

Average Lifetime:
11-16 years
Cost to Replace: $400-$1000

dishwasher
Dishwasher

Average Lifetime:
7-15 years
Cost to Replace: $400-$700

range
Range / Stove

Average Lifetime:
15-23 years
Cost to Replace: $650-$2000

oven
Oven

Average Lifetime:
10-18 years
Cost to Replace: $300-$3000

A good rule of thumb is to repair if the cost for the repair is less than 50% of purchasing a new appliance.

Top Reasons To Repair

  • The appliance is still under warranty
  • The appliance still has a long enough life expectancy left to justify repairing
  • The appliance repair cost is less than 50% of a new purchase
  • The appliance has been reliable prior to the current issue

Top Reasons to Replace

  • The appliance warranty is expired
  • The appliance is older than the average life expectancy
  • The appliance repair cost is greater than 50% of the cost of purchasing a new one
  • The appliance has had other issues previously
  • The unavailability of parts. As appliances age, the availability of replacement parts decreases, causing the cost of the parts to go up
  • Improved energy efficiency-especially for appliance built more than 15 years ago, you could save hundreds per year on your energy bill by upgrading to a newer model

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