Should You Repair Or Replace Your Appliance?
November 5, 2024 · Alliance Appliance Repair
A simple rule of thumb, plus realistic lifespans for every major appliance, so you can decide with numbers instead of guesswork.
Nobody wants to spend $400 fixing an appliance that dies six months later. Here is how we advise customers.
The 50 percent rule
If the repair costs more than half the price of a comparable new unit AND the appliance is past two-thirds of its expected life, replace it. Otherwise, repair almost always wins on cost.
Typical lifespans
- Refrigerator: 10 to 15 years
- Freezer: 12 to 16 years
- Washing machine: 10 to 13 years
- Dryer: 12 to 15 years
- Dishwasher: 9 to 12 years
- Range or oven: 13 to 16 years
- Microwave: 8 to 10 years
- Garbage disposal: 8 to 12 years
The exceptions
Built-in and high-end appliances — Sub-Zero, Viking, Thermador, panel-ready dishwashers, over-the-range microwaves — are worth repairing far longer, because replacing them means matching the cabinet opening and trim.
A leaking sealed system in an older refrigerator, a failed bearing in a cheap washer, and a burnt-out compressor are the three repairs that most often tip toward replacement.
We will give you both numbers before you decide. Call Alliance Appliance Repair at (405) 200-1490.