Your appliance just broke. The technician gave you a repair estimate, and now you're thinking: "Should I fix this thing or just buy a new one?" It's one of the most common dilemmas homeowners face — and getting it wrong can cost you hundreds of dollars.
As technicians with 17+ years of experience repairing appliances across Port St. Lucie and the Treasure Coast, we've helped thousands of homeowners make this decision. Here's the honest framework we use.
The 50% Rule
This is the most reliable rule of thumb in the appliance industry:
If repair cost > 50% of new price → Replace
If repair cost < 50% of new price → Repair
Example: A new refrigerator costs $1,200. If the repair estimate is $400 (33%), repair makes sense. If it's $700 (58%), replace it.
Average Appliance Lifespans
Age is the other key factor. If your appliance is nearing the end of its expected lifespan, even a "cheap" repair might not make sense because another part could fail soon after.
| Appliance | Average Lifespan | Repair if Under | Replace if Over |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 10–18 years | 10 years | 15+ years |
| Washing Machine | 10–14 years | 8 years | 12+ years |
| Dryer | 10–13 years | 8 years | 12+ years |
| Dishwasher | 9–12 years | 7 years | 10+ years |
| Oven / Range | 13–20 years | 12 years | 18+ years |
| Garbage Disposal | 8–12 years | 6 years | 10+ years |
When to Definitely Repair
- Appliance is less than 5 years old — these almost always deserve repair
- Repair cost is under $300 for a major appliance
- The issue is a single part failure, not multiple problems
- It's a premium or built-in appliance (Sub-Zero, Viking, etc.) — replacement costs are $3,000+
- The appliance is still under manufacturer warranty
When to Definitely Replace
- Appliance is beyond its expected lifespan (see chart above)
- Repair cost is over 50% of a new unit
- The same appliance has needed 3+ repairs in the past year
- Parts are discontinued or backordered
- Your energy bills are significantly higher than average (older appliances are less efficient)
- Your refrigerator uses R-12 or R-22 refrigerant (phased out — expensive to service)
The Hidden Cost of Replacing Too Early
Many homeowners reflexively replace an appliance when a $200 repair would have given them 5+ more years of reliable service. Consider: a $200 repair on a 7-year-old refrigerator that lasts 5 more years costs you about $3.33/month. Buying a new $1,500 refrigerator costs you $25/month over 5 years — plus delivery fees, installation, door removal, and disposing of the old one. The math usually favors repair when the appliance isn't ancient.
A Special Note for Florida Homeowners
In Port St. Lucie and across the Treasure Coast, our humidity and heat put extra stress on appliances. Condenser coils collect more dust. Rubber gaskets wear faster. Salt air (especially near Stuart, Jensen Beach, and Hobe Sound) can corrode metal components. Regular maintenance extends appliance life significantly — something many homeowners don't realize until it's too late.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should a refrigerator last?
A well-maintained refrigerator typically lasts 10 to 18 years. If yours is under 10 years old, repair is almost always the better choice. After 15 years, replacement usually makes more financial sense.
Is it worth repairing a 10-year-old washing machine?
Usually yes, if the repair costs less than 50% of a new machine. At 10 years, a washer is at about 70% of its typical lifespan, so a $200 repair on a machine that would cost $800 to replace is a good investment.
What is the 50% rule for appliance repair?
If the cost to repair your appliance exceeds 50% of the cost to buy a new one, you should replace it. For example, if a new dishwasher costs $700, any repair over $350 means replacement is the smarter move.
Not Sure Whether to Repair or Replace?
Call us for an honest diagnosis. We'll tell you what we'd do if it were our own appliance.