Repair or Replace Your Appliance?

Two inputs, one answer. Based on the 50/50 rule, the industry-standard decision framework appliance technicians have used for decades. No email required.

Repair vs Replace Calculator

Get your answer in 30 seconds

Pick your appliance, its age, and the repair quote.

1. What appliance needs attention?

2. How old is the appliance?

4 years old

1 yr10 yrs20 yrs

3. What is the repair quote?

Enter the technician's quote, or your best estimate.

Expected lifespans from Consumer Reports appliance reliability data. New unit price ranges from Angi, HomeGuide, and 2026 retail data. The 50/50 rule is a guideline, not a guarantee. A technician's in-person diagnosis should inform your final decision.

The 50/50 Rule

How the calculator makes its call

Is the appliance past 50% of its expected lifespan? A washer with an 11-year expected life crosses this line at year 6.

Does the repair cost more than 50% of what a comparable new unit costs? A $750 washer crosses this line at a $375 repair quote.

If both answers are yes, replace. If either answer is no, repair almost always makes better financial sense.

Reference Data

Expected lifespan by appliance type

Appliance	Average Lifespan	Halfway Point
Washing Machine	11 years	5.5 years
Dryer	13 years	6.5 years
Refrigerator	14 years	7 years
Dishwasher	10 years	5 years
Oven / Range	15 years	7.5 years

Source: Consumer Reports appliance reliability data.

Reference Data

What does a comparable new unit cost?

Appliance	Typical New Unit Price
Washing Machine	$600 – $1,200
Dryer	$500 – $1,100
Refrigerator	$900 – $2,000
Dishwasher	$500 – $1,100
Oven / Range	$600 – $2,000

Source: Angi, HomeGuide, and 2026 retail pricing. Premium and built-in models run higher.

Know The Limits

When the rule gets it wrong

Reliability history

A machine that's had three repairs in two years is telling you something the 50/50 rule doesn't capture. Repeated failures usually mean more failures are coming.

Part availability

Some older models have discontinued parts. A repair that's theoretically worth doing becomes impossible if the part doesn't exist anymore.

Worked Example

A real example

Nine-year-old Whirlpool top-load washer, failed drain pump

Age check9 of 11 years (82%), past the 50% threshold

Repair quote$220

Comparable new unit$750, 50% threshold is $375

Cost check$220 is well under $375

Result: one condition met, one not met. The rule says repair.

Change one number: the quote comes back at $480 instead of $220, a control board failure. Now both thresholds are crossed.

Result: both conditions met. The rule says replace.

A drain pump replacement on a machine with a worn motor coupling and cracked drum bearing is a short-term fix. A good technician tells you that before you spend $220. Ask directly: "Is this the only problem, or are there other parts showing wear?"

FAQ

Repair vs replace questions

Depends on the repair cost and the part. A $150 door latch, yes. A $550 drum replacement, probably not.

When both 50/50 thresholds are crossed, the appliance is past half its expected lifespan and the repair costs more than half a new unit, and the appliance has a history of repeated repairs.

Yes. High-end brands are built to last 15 to 20 years. Repairing a 12-year-old premium machine for $300 is a different calculation than a budget machine of the same age.

No. It's a useful starting guideline, not a guarantee. A machine with a history of repeated repairs, or a part that's been discontinued, can change the right answer even when the math says repair.

Not Sure Which Way to Go?

Call us. We'll give you an honest answer before you commit to anything, even if that means telling you to save your money.

Call (707) 790-5050

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