Is It Worth Repairing an Appliance?
When the washer quits or the fridge stops cooling, the first question is whether it's worth fixing at all. Here's how to decide without guessing.
Usually yes, if the appliance is in decent shape and the fault is a common part like a pump, belt, switch, fan or igniter. Think twice when the repair costs about half or more of a comparable new model, the appliance is old, or a major part like a sealed system or control board has failed. Check the warranty and recalls first.
Five questions to ask before you decide
- How old is it, and how has it run? A machine that has been reliable and has one failed part is a different case from one that has needed three repairs in two years.
- What exactly failed? Door switches, belts, igniters, pumps and fans are routine parts. A refrigerator's sealed system (compressor, coils and refrigerant) or a main control board on an older model are bigger decisions.
- Is it still under warranty, or recalled? Check the manufacturer's warranty using the serial number, and search the CPSC recall list. A covered repair changes the math completely.
- Are parts still available? On older or less common models, ask the technician whether the part is in stock and still being made.
- What would a replacement involve? Built-in dishwashers, wall ovens and cabinet-depth fridges may need cabinet work to replace. A matching size may be hard to find.
The rule of thumb many technicians use
A common rule is to compare the repair price with the price of a comparable new appliance, and think twice if the repair costs about half or more and the machine is already well into its life. It's only a starting point. A fairly new, high-end appliance can be worth a big repair. A cheap, tired one may not be worth a small one.
Ask the technician for the repair price in writing before they start, and ask what else they noticed. A good technician will tell you if the drum bearings are on their way out while they're replacing the pump.
Signs it's probably time to replace
- Rust through the tub or cabinet, especially on washers and dishwashers.
- A refrigerator with a failed sealed system on an older model.
- Repeated control board or electronic failures.
- Parts are discontinued or would take weeks to arrive.
- It works, but runs so inefficiently or loudly that you'd replace it anyway.
Signs a repair makes sense
- The appliance is fairly new and otherwise in good shape.
- The fault is a common wear part like a belt, switch, igniter, pump or fan.
- It's a built-in or high-end unit that would be expensive or disruptive to replace.
- The repair is covered, partly or fully, by a warranty or a recall.
Common questions
How long do appliances usually last?
It varies a lot with brand, use and care, so treat any single number with caution. Ask the technician how your model holds up and what condition the rest of the machine is in. That tells you more than an average.
Should I pay for a diagnosis if I might replace it anyway?
Often yes. A diagnosis tells you whether it's a cheap fix you'd regret skipping. Ask up front how the visit and diagnosis are charged, and whether that charge comes off the repair if you go ahead.
Where do I find my appliance's age?
The serial number on the model sticker usually encodes the manufacturing date. The manufacturer's website or customer service can decode it.
Do I need to recycle the old appliance?
Old appliances, especially refrigerators and freezers, shouldn't just go out with the trash. Many retailers haul away the old unit when they deliver a new one. Hillsborough County also has rules for bulky items and appliances, so check the county's solid waste information.
Related help
Still not working?
If the checks above didn't fix it, an independent technician who covers Brandon can diagnose it.