Repair vs Replace
Appliance Lifespan Guide: How Long Major Appliances Last
How long do appliances last? Learn average lifespans for refrigerators, dishwashers, washers, dryers, ovens, ranges, microwaves, and more.
Category
Repair vs Replace
Should you fix it or buy new? The 50% rule, appliance lifespan benchmarks, parts availability, and how warranty coverage tilts the decision.
10 articles
The classic guideline is the 50% rule: if a repair costs more than half the price of a comparable new appliance — and the unit is past the halfway point of its expected lifespan — replacement is usually the smarter financial move. Refrigerators last roughly 10–15 years, dishwashers 8–12, washers 8–12, dryers 10–15, and ranges 13–20. A $400 control-board repair on a 4-year-old dishwasher is almost always worth it. The same repair on a 10-year-old unit almost never is.
Lifespan is only one input. Also weigh repair history (multiple failures in a short window signal broader wear), parts availability (older or discontinued models can become unrepairable overnight), warranty coverage (an active home warranty can turn a replacement decision into a $100 out-of-pocket repair), and energy efficiency (newer appliances often pay back part of their cost in lower utility bills).
The guides in this category work through the math appliance by appliance — refrigerator, dishwasher, washer, dryer, oven — so you can plug in your own numbers and get a decision that's grounded in real cost and expected life, not sales pressure.
Repair vs Replace
Common Appliance Problems That Are Not Worth Repairing
Some appliance problems are not worth repairing. Learn when refrigerator, washer, dishwasher, oven, dryer, and cooktop repairs may not make sense.
Repair vs Replace
Appliance Repair vs Replacement: When to Fix or Replace
Should you repair or replace a broken appliance? Learn how to compare repair cost, appliance age, reliability, warranty coverage, and replacement value.
Repair vs Replace
Repair or Replace: How to Decide for Any Appliance
Repair or replace your appliance? Use the 50% rule, age guidelines, energy-cost math, and a step-by-step checklist to make the smart, cost-effective choice.
Repair vs Replace
Should You Repair or Replace a Dishwasher?
Should you repair or replace your dishwasher? Use the 50% rule, age guidelines, common repair costs, and a simple decision framework to choose with confidence.
Repair vs Replace
Should You Repair or Replace a Dryer?
Repair or replace your clothes dryer? Most dryer repairs are cheap and worth doing. Use the 50% rule, age guidelines, repair costs, and a clear decision framework.
Repair vs Replace
Should You Repair or Replace a Refrigerator?
Is it worth repairing your refrigerator or should you replace it? Use the 50% rule, age guidelines, repair costs, and a clear decision framework to choose.
Repair vs Replace
Should You Repair or Replace a Washing Machine?
Repair or replace your washing machine? Use the 50% rule, age guidelines, common repair costs, and a clear decision framework to make the right call.
Repair vs Replace
Should You Repair or Replace an Oven?
Repair or replace your oven or range? Use the 50% rule, age guidelines, common repair costs, and a clear decision framework to make the right call.
Repair vs Replace
Washing Machine: Repair or Replace? A 2026 Decision Guide
When to repair vs replace a washing machine: lifespan benchmarks, repair-cost thresholds, and the warranty coverage most people overlook.