Should I Repair or Replace My Appliance?

Q: Should I Repair or Replace My Appliance?

Use the 50% rule: if the repair costs more than 50% of a new equivalent appliance, replace it. Also consider age — if the appliance is past 75% of its expected lifespan and needs a major repair, replacement is usually the better investment. Repair history matters too: a first-time repair on a reliable brand is worth doing, but a third repair in two years signals the appliance is failing systemically. Energy efficiency: new ENERGY STAR appliances use 10—50% less energy than older models, which can save $50—$150/year. Some appliances (ovens, ranges, dishwashers) are almost always worth repairing because they're mechanically simple and parts are cheap. Others (refrigerator compressors, front-loader bearings, Samsung ice makers) often aren't worth the cost on older units.

Updated June 2026 · The decision framework we use with every customer

TL;DR

Use the 50% rule: If the repair costs more than half of what a new equivalent appliance would cost, replace it. Also factor in age (past 75% of lifespan = lean toward replace), repair history (3rd repair in 2 years = replace), and brand reliability. We'll always tell you straight — even if it means we lose the repair job.

The 50% Rule

This is the single most reliable decision tool:

Get a repair quote (our diagnostic is $109, applied toward repair)
Look up the price of a comparable new appliance
If the repair is under 50% of the new price â†’ repair
If the repair is over 50% of the new price â†’ replace

Example: Your dishwasher needs a $200 drain pump. A comparable new dishwasher costs $700. The repair is 29% of new — repair it. But if the dishwasher needs a $450 control board and motor, that's 64% — replace it.

The Age Factor

Appliance	Expected Lifespan	Replace After
Refrigerator	12—18 years	12+ for major repairs
Washer	10—14 years	10+ for motor/bearings
Dryer	13—15 years	12+ for motor
Dishwasher	9—12 years	8+ for pump/motor
Oven/Range	15—20 years	15+ for control board
Garbage Disposal	8—12 years	8+ for motor

For refrigerator-specific guidance, see How Long Should a Refrigerator Last? and Is It Worth Repairing a 10-Year-Old Refrigerator?

âœ… Always Repair:

The repair is under $200 and it's the first major issue
It's a high-repair-value appliance (oven, range, dishwasher under 8 years)
It's a premium brand (Sub-Zero, Viking, Wolf, Miele) — these last 20+ years
The failing part is minor (thermostat, gasket, belt, fuse)

âŒ Always Replace:

Repair exceeds 50% of a new equivalent model
It's the 3rd+ repair in the last 2 years
Compressor or sealed system failure on a fridge over 8 years old
Samsung ice maker on 3rd+ repair (design flaw, will keep recurring)
Front-loader bearings on a unit over 8 years old ($300—$500 repair)

The Hidden Factor: Energy Savings

New ENERGY STAR appliances use significantly less energy than older models:

Refrigerators: New models use 30—50% less electricity than 10+ year-old fridges â†’ saves $30—$60/year
Washers: New HE washers use 25% less energy and 33% less water â†’ saves $50—$100/year
Dishwashers: New models use 30% less energy and 40% less water â†’ saves $25—$40/year

These savings don't change the math on small repairs. But for a borderline $300—$400 repair on an old appliance, the energy savings over 5—10 years of a new appliance can tip the scale toward replacement.

ðŸ’¡ OUR PROMISE

We will never talk you into a repair that doesn't make financial sense. If your appliance isn't worth fixing, we'll tell you — and we'll recommend exactly what to buy based on our experience with every brand. We'd rather earn your trust and your next service call than pocket a repair fee on a dying appliance. That's how we've built a 17+ year reputation across Port St. Lucie, Stuart, Jensen Beach, and the entire Treasure Coast.

Not Sure? We'll Give You the Straight Answer.

$109 diagnostic. Honest repair-or-replace recommendation. No pressure.

📞 Call (772) 353-5791