Repair or Replace Calculator for Appliances
Uses the common "50% rule": if repair cost exceeds ~50% of a new unit's price, or the appliance is past roughly half its typical life, replacing usually makes more sense. This is a rule of thumb, not advice.
Typical repair cost ranges
| Appliance | Published range |
|---|---|
| Refrigerators | $150–$500 (blended range used by ApplianceCheckup); HomeGuide: $125–$500; compressor replacement $700–$1,250 (HomeGuide) |
| Washers | $180–$250, ~$220 typical (Angi); $100–$400 (HomeGuide). Top-load $50–$300, front-load $100–$400 (Angi) |
| Dryers | $100–$300 (HomeGuide); drum or control board up to $500 |
| Dishwashers | $100–$300 (HomeGuide); new units $400–$1,200 plus $200–$500 install (HomeGuide) |
| Ranges | $150–$350 oven (HomeGuide); $100–$300 stove (HomeGuide) |
Model-specific failure costs: data coming
Shop replacements: Home Depot · Lowe's · AJ Madison · Best Buy (placeholder links)
FAQ
Should I repair or replace my appliance?
A common rule of thumb is to replace when the repair costs more than about 50% of a new unit, especially if the appliance is past half its typical lifespan.
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Sources
- ApplianceCheckup, Repair or Replace Calculator (compiles Angi, HomeGuide, Fixr, Consumer Reports; Sep 2026)
- HomeGuide, How Much Does Appliance Repair Cost? (2026)
- Angi, How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Washing Machine? (2026)
Figures are quoted from the sources above, not independently measured. Yale data is first-year service rate from one Boston-area retailer and is not a national lifespan figure.