An appliance breaks down and you're immediately faced with a decision: repair it or replace it? It sounds simple, but most homeowners don't have a reliable framework for making that call — and as a result, they either spend money fixing something that should have been replaced, or they replace something that had years of life left in it.
Here's a practical, trade-informed approach to making the right decision.
The 50% Rule
The most widely used guideline in appliance repair is straightforward: if the cost of the repair exceeds 50% of the cost of a new appliance, replacement is usually the better financial decision. This is especially true if the appliance is more than halfway through its expected lifespan.
For example, if a washing machine has a typical lifespan of 10–12 years and yours is 8 years old, a $400 repair on a $700 replacement appliance is a poor investment. You're spending 57% of replacement cost on an appliance that's already near the end of its life.
Expected Lifespans by Appliance
- Refrigerator: 13–17 years
- Washing machine: 10–13 years
- Dryer: 10–13 years
- Dishwasher: 9–12 years
- Range / oven: 13–15 years
- Microwave (built-in): 9–10 years
- Freezer: 12–20 years
When to Repair
Repair makes sense when the appliance is relatively new, the repair is straightforward, and the cost is well below the replacement threshold. Common repairs that are worth doing:
- Replacing a washing machine door seal or pump
- Replacing a dryer heating element or belt
- Replacing a dishwasher door latch or spray arm
- Replacing a refrigerator ice maker or water valve
- Replacing a stove burner element or igniter
When to Replace
Replacement makes more sense when the appliance is old, the repair is expensive, or the failure is in a core component (compressor, motor, control board). These repairs often cost as much as a new unit and don't come with any warranty on the remaining components.
A repaired appliance doesn't reset its age. If the motor goes on a 12-year-old washing machine, the drum bearings and pump are 12 years old too.
The Diagnosis Comes First
The most important step is getting an accurate diagnosis before making any decision. Many homeowners replace appliances that could have been repaired for $150 — or spend $300 on a repair that doesn't solve the actual problem.
CORE Appliance Repair provides diagnostic assessments across Greater Moncton. We'll tell you exactly what's wrong, what the repair will cost, and whether it makes financial sense to proceed — with no obligation to book the repair if you decide to replace instead.
