Repair vs Replace: Home Appliances

When to fix it and when to buy new.

When an appliance breaks, the question is always whether to repair it or replace it. A few simple guidelines make the decision clear.

The 50% rule

A common guideline: if the repair costs more than about half the price of a new appliance, and the unit is past half its expected lifespan, replace it. A cheap fix on a newer appliance is worth it; an expensive fix on an old one usually isn't.

Consider age and efficiency

Older appliances use more energy, so replacing an aging fridge, washer, or dryer with an efficient model saves on bills over time, partly offsetting the cost. Factor remaining lifespan: a repair that buys a year on a 12-year-old machine is poor value.

When repair makes sense

Repair when the appliance is relatively new, the fix is cheap (a part like a seal, igniter, or pump), and the rest of the unit is sound. Simple, common repairs are often DIY or low-cost and extend a good appliance's life for years.

Frequently asked questions

When should I replace instead of repair an appliance?

A common rule: replace if the repair costs more than half a new unit's price and the appliance is past half its lifespan. Otherwise, repair is usually the better value.

Is it worth repairing old appliances?

For cheap, common fixes on a sound unit, yes. For expensive repairs on an old, inefficient appliance, replacing with an efficient model usually makes more sense long-term.