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HomeTipsRepair or Replace? How to Decide on a Broken Appliance
Home & Appliance Tips

Repair or Replace? How to Decide on a Broken Appliance

A simple way to decide whether a broken washer, dryer, fridge, or oven is worth fixing.

When an appliance breaks, the first question is always the same: is it worth fixing, or should I just buy a new one? Here's the honest framework we use with customers.

The 50% rule

A common guideline: if the repair costs more than half the price of a comparable new appliance and the unit is past halfway through its expected life, replacement usually makes more sense. Under that, repair is almost always the better value.

How old is it?

Most washers and dryers last 10–13 years, refrigerators 10–15, and ranges 15+. A five-year-old machine with a bad part is worth repairing. A fifteen-year-old one with a major failure may be telling you something.

What actually broke?

Small parts — thermostats, igniters, belts, switches, valves — are usually inexpensive and quick to replace. Major components like a sealed compressor or a cracked tub are where costs climb. A good technician will tell you which one you're dealing with before you spend a dime.

Don't forget what a new one really costs

A "cheap" replacement still means delivery, installation, hauling away the old unit, and often a lower build quality than what you already own. Many older appliances are genuinely built better than today's entry-level models.

Our promise: we'll always give you a straight answer. We've saved plenty of customers hundreds of dollars by extending an appliance's life — but if a repair doesn't make sense, we'll tell you that too. Call 706-971-9002 for an honest diagnosis.