Not sure whether to spend on a repair or invest in something new? Here's the honest framework we use with our own customers. No agenda — just a straightforward cost-benefit breakdown.
Moderate age, moderate repair cost. Depends on the appliance's overall history and condition. If it's been reliable, $280 is worth it. If you've had other issues, start comparing replacement costs.
At 14 years old, you're in the back half of a refrigerator's life. A $420 repair on an aging unit is a coin flip — and if it's a compressor, you're looking at diminishing returns. We'd typically recommend replacement.
Straightforward decision. The unit is in its first third of life, the repair is under $200, and a new dishwasher starts around $400–$600. Repair is clearly the better value here.
A 16-year-old dryer is beyond its typical lifespan. Even at $350 — under half the price of a new unit — you're investing in an appliance that could fail again within a year. We usually recommend replacement here.
An older appliance doesn't just cost repairs — it costs energy every month. If your unit is 15+ years old, a new Energy Star model can cut energy use significantly, which compounds into real savings over time.
Representative illustration — actual usage varies by model and household habits.
We'll look at your appliance, tell you exactly what's wrong, and give you an honest recommendation — repair or replace. You decide.