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Repairing vs. Replacing Appliances: Which is More Cost Effective?

Find out when it pays to call for a repair — and when you should get something new.

By Heather Bien , Edited by Chris Kissell

Updated Sept. 1, 2026

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A broken-down home appliance can be a major headache. Maybe your dryer is no longer drying, or your dishwasher seems to be working only on its own terms.

Should you have the appliance repaired, or is it time for something new? In some cases, a repair can eliminate some money stress by helping you avoid the cost of a new appliance.

But, in other cases, it might be time to look for a replacement. Here are nine ways you can assess the situation and decide what is right for you.

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Consider the 33% rule

There is a rule that says if the cost of the repair is less than 33% of the value of the appliance, you should repair it. And that's not a bad rule of thumb.

Just remember that the rule applies to the remaining value of your appliance today — not the price you paid for it. A 5-year-old washing machine is not worth the same amount of money as a new one, so don't use the appliance's original price tag when making your calculation.

You can check online to see the current value of your used model, and make your calculations from there. In many cases, a repair will help you keep more cash in your wallet. In other situations, it will be time to shop for a replacement.

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Repair the appliance if it is under warranty

If your appliance is under warranty or a service plan, you are in luck: Repairing the appliance probably involves paying a straightforward flat fee that will bring out a technician to fix your item.

Replace your appliance if it's near the end of its life cycle

Much to our disappointment, appliances aren't designed to last forever. If your appliance is near the end of its life cycle, it might be time to pull the plug and get a new one.

NerdWallet cited information from the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers stating that you can expect a side-by-side refrigerator to last around 11 years.

A dryer might last 13 years, a front-load washing machine could last nine years, and a dishwasher may make it 12 years.

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Repair the appliance if you care more about the environment than saving money

Keeping appliances out of landfills is a win for the environment. If that is your top priority, try to focus on repairing whenever possible.

When you do eventually replace, look for energy-efficient appliances that will further your efforts to protect the planet.

Repair the appliance if it is of higher quality

If you splurge on your appliances at the beginning, they may be of higher quality and more likely to last through a repair or two.

Look for a qualified technician who has worked on that specific brand before and may be familiar with the nuances of the machine.

Replace the appliance if it gives you trouble

Some appliances appear to be lemons, as they keep breaking down repeatedly. If this is happening to one of your appliances, it might be time to throw in the towel and replace it.

If one or two repairs don't do the trick, it might be time to look at other options.

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Replace the appliance if the repair is very expensive

Some repairs might be quick, inexpensive fixes: A simple part from the hardware store, and you're back in action.

But, if there is a repair with a significant cost — for example, replacing a faulty compressor in a refrigerator — it's time to sink that money into a new appliance.

Replace the appliance if it is not energy-efficient

Older appliances typically are less energy-efficient. Not only will a repair cost you money, but the appliance itself could leave you with a higher energy bill every month.

Depending on how old the appliance is, it might be time to get a new energy-efficient model with updated technology.

Replace the appliance if you are missing out on new features

Newer appliances often feature cutting-edge technology. If that is a high priority for you, a faulty appliance could be your excuse to splurge on the new model.

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Bottom line

Knowing when something is worth saving and when it is time for a replacement is a great way to avoid wasting money, and the logic applies to more than appliances. This calculation could be relevant for everything from furniture to shoes.

There is often an emphasis on shiny and new, but it's good for your wallet and the environment when you get the most mileage out of everything you own.

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