Repair or Replace? How to Decide With an Older Appliance

When an appliance breaks, the first question is usually “is it worth fixing?” The honest answer depends on a few things. Here is how we think about it, and we will tell you straight when replacing makes more sense.

Four questions to ask

1. How old is it? Most major appliances give you about 10 to 15 years. The closer it is to the end, the less sense a big repair makes.
2. What failed? A belt, igniter, fuse, switch or pump is an inexpensive part on a machine with plenty of life. A sealed-system or compressor failure is a bigger repair.
3. What does the repair cost compared with a new one? A common rule of thumb is that if the repair costs more than half the price of a comparable new appliance, replacing is usually smarter.
4. Has it been repaired before? A second or third repair in a short time can mean the machine is wearing out as a whole.

Repairs that usually make sense

• A washer that won’t drain, spin or start (pump, belt, coupling or switch).
• A dryer that runs but doesn’t heat (element, fuse or igniter, plus the vent).
• A refrigerator that isn’t cooling because of a fan, defrost problem or start relay.
• An oven that won’t light or heat (igniter or bake element).
• A dishwasher that won’t drain or start.
• Any premium or built-in appliance, where replacing means a custom fit.

When replacing may be better

• The appliance is near the end of its expected life and the repair is major.
• It has had several repairs recently.
• Repair costs are close to the price of a new one.
• A refrigerator with a failing compressor or sealed system.

Our approach

We diagnose first, then quote the repair before any work starts. If replacing is the better move, we will say so. The service call is $89, waived when you go ahead with the repair, and every repair carries a 90-day warranty.

Not sure what is wrong? Start with our guides, like refrigerator not cooling and dryer not heating, or call (702) 726-9648.