Repair or Replace? How to Decide When an Appliance Breaks

When an appliance breaks, the first question is usually the same: is this worth fixing, or should I just replace it? A few simple factors make the decision easier.

Consider the Age

Most major appliances last 10 to 15 years. A repair on a five-year-old appliance is usually worth it. A major repair on a 12-year-old unit deserves more thought.

Compare Repair Cost to Replacement Cost

A common rule of thumb is to consider replacement if a repair costs more than 50 percent of the price of a new unit.

Think About Efficiency

Older appliances often use more energy than newer models. A repair keeps an inefficient unit running, while a replacement can lower your utility bills over time.

Factor In Your Warranty

If your appliance is still under a manufacturer's warranty, repair is almost always the better financial choice.

Our Honest Advice

We will always tell you plainly if a repair makes sense or if replacement is the smarter move, even if that means a smaller bill for us.

If you're not sure what's causing the problem, or the fix involves gas, electrical wiring, or refrigerant, it's best to call a licensed technician rather than take it apart yourself.