Home energy · Appliance decisions
Repair it or replace it?
Compare a repair quote with a replacement price, the appliance age against a typical lifespan, and the cost per year of each choice.
Inputs
Starting values are illustrative, not current prices or specifications. Replace each with your own.
Result
Answer
A common rule of thumb is to lean toward replacing when the repair costs more than half of a replacement. That is not a published standard, so this calculator also shows the age against a typical lifespan and the cost per year of each choice. In the example a $450 repair on an $800 appliance is 56% of the price, and the 10-year-old unit is 77% of a 13-year typical lifespan.
Worked example
Repair $450 ÷ replacement $800 = 56%. Age 10 ÷ lifespan 13 = 77%. If the repaired unit lasts 3 more years, the repair costs $450 ÷ 3 = $150.00 a year. The replacement costs $800 ÷ 13 years = $61.54 a year, less a $20 yearly running-cost saving = $41.54 a year, so replacing is lower per year here.
Formulas and notes
- Repair share = repair quote ÷ replacement price. Age share = age ÷ typical lifespan. Rule-of-thumb flags: repair above 50% of replacement price, and age at or above 75% of lifespan (the 75% age line is this tool's own marker, not a published figure).
- Repair cost per year = repair quote ÷ years you expect the repaired unit to last. Replacement cost per year = replacement price ÷ new unit lifespan − yearly running-cost saving.
- Typical lifespans are InterNACHI's: dishwasher 9, clothes dryer 13, refrigerator 9 to 13, freezer 10 to 20, washing machine 5 to 15, microwave oven 9, electric range 13 to 15, gas range 15 to 17 years. Ranges use the midpoint. InterNACHI says these are guidelines only and not guarantees.
- Cost per year is not the whole decision: a repair may fail again, and a new unit has a warranty. Planning aid only, not professional advice.
Planning estimate only, not professional advice. Sources, checked 2026-10-08: InterNACHI, Standard Estimated Life Expectancy Chart for Homes · U.S. Department of Energy, Estimating Appliance and Home Electronic Energy Use (archived copy, 2024-12-31)
FAQ
What is the 50% rule for repairing an appliance?
It is a common rule of thumb that you should lean toward replacing when the repair costs more than half the price of a replacement. It is not a published standard, so treat it as one input.
How long do appliances last?
InterNACHI lists a dishwasher at 9 years, a clothes dryer at 13, a refrigerator at 9 to 13, a freezer at 10 to 20 and a washing machine at 5 to 15. It says these are guidelines only.
How is cost per year calculated?
For repair, the quote divided by the years you expect the unit to last afterwards. For replacement, the price divided by the new unit's lifespan, less any yearly running-cost saving.
Should I count energy savings from a newer model?
If you know the old and new yearly kWh, enter the difference times your rate in the saving field. The old vs ENERGY STAR payback calculator helps work that out.
Does the result account for a warranty?
No. A new appliance usually comes with a warranty and a repair may not; weigh that separately.