Repair or Replace: How to Decide for Every Appliance
When an appliance breaks down, the repair-vs-replace decision involves weighing the appliance's age, the repair cost, the replacement cost, and the energy efficiency of a newer model. Here's our comprehensive guide covering every major home appliance.
The 50% Rule (and When to Break It)
The standard rule of thumb: if the repair costs more than 50% of the price of a new appliance, replacement is usually the better choice. But there are exceptions — premium appliances with long lifespans (Sub-Zero, Wolf, Viking) are almost always worth repairing even at higher costs, because replacement is extremely expensive.
Appliance Repair Cost Guide — Atlanta Prices
Refrigerator Repair Cost
Average refrigerator repair in Atlanta: $150–$400. Start relay replacement: $75–$150. Thermostat: $100–$200. Compressor replacement: $300–$600 (may not be worth it for older units). New mid-range refrigerators cost $900–$2,000.
Washing Machine Repair Cost
Average washer repair: $120–$350. Drain pump: $150–$250. Control board: $200–$400. Drum bearing: $150–$300. New washers: $500–$1,200.
Dryer Repair Cost
Average dryer repair: $100–$300. Heating element: $100–$200. Thermal fuse: $75–$150. Drive belt: $75–$150. New dryers: $500–$1,200.
Dishwasher Repair Cost
Average dishwasher repair: $100–$350. Drain pump: $150–$250. Control board: $200–$400. Door latch: $75–$150. New dishwashers: $400–$1,500.
Oven & Range Repair Cost
Average oven repair: $100–$350. Igniter (gas): $100–$200. Bake element (electric): $100–$200. Control board: $200–$450. New ranges: $600–$3,000.
Microwave Repair Cost
Average microwave repair: $75–$200. Magnetron replacement: $100–$200. Control board: $100–$250. Door switch: $50–$150. New countertop microwaves: $100–$500. Over-the-range: $250–$1,000.
Average Appliance Lifespans
Use these averages to judge repair value by age:
- Refrigerator: 13–17 years
- Washing machine: 10–14 years
- Dryer: 10–13 years
- Dishwasher: 9–12 years
- Oven/Range: 13–15 years
- Microwave: 8–10 years
- Freezer: 12–20 years
- Garbage disposal: 8–15 years
When Replacement Always Wins
- Appliance is past its expected lifespan
- Multiple components failing simultaneously
- Parts are discontinued or unavailable
- Significant energy efficiency improvement available
- Compressor failure on an older refrigerator
🔧 AWS Domestic Appliance Repairs provides honest assessments. We'll always tell you when replacement makes more financial sense. Call (833) 747-4838 for a free diagnostic in Atlanta, GA.