Appliance repair
The 50 percent rule of thumb: repair or replace an appliance?
A common rule of thumb: if the repair costs more than about half the price of a comparable new appliance, look hard at replacing, especially once the unit is past the middle of its expected life. Many major appliances last somewhere around 10 to 15 years. Lay out the repair price, the age and the replacement cost plainly, then let the customer choose.
The washer is full of water and won't drain, the customer has a pile of towels on the floor, and before you've pulled the front panel they ask the question every appliance tech hears several times a week: "Is it even worth fixing?" You need a straight answer that's fair to them and doesn't sound like you're steering the ticket. A rule of thumb many techs lean on, the 50 percent rule plus the machine's age, gives you one.
The rule, and the part people forget
The short version: if a repair costs more than about half of what a comparable new appliance costs, replacement deserves a serious look. That's a rule of thumb, not a law, and it has a second half that matters just as much. Age.
A repair at 40 percent of new on a two-year-old refrigerator is an easy yes, because the customer is buying back many years of life. The same 40 percent on a machine that's already near the end of its typical lifespan is a closer call, because the next part is probably not far behind. So the real rule is two questions: how big is the repair compared to new, and how much life is left?
Typical lifespans to weigh it against
| Appliance | Commonly cited life | What shortens it |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | About 10 to 15 years | Dirty condenser coils, hot garages, ice maker leaks |
| Dishwasher | About 8 to 12 years | Hard water, heavy daily use |
| Washer | About 10 to 14 years | Overloading, oversudsing, unlevel floors |
| Dryer | About 10 to 15 years | Clogged vents that keep it running hot |
| Range or oven | About 13 to 15 years, often more | Self-clean cycles that cook electronics |
| Microwave | About 7 to 10 years | Heavy use, running it empty |
General ranges only. Brand, use, water quality and maintenance all move them.
The serial number tag usually tells you the build year, which is one more reason to ask callers for a photo of it when they book. Our homeowner guide to finding the model number shows them where it lives on each appliance.
What "comparable new" really costs
The rule falls apart if you compare the repair to the cheapest unit in a weekend flyer. Compare it to what would actually replace the machine in that kitchen or laundry room.
- Same size and configuration. A counter-depth French door fridge doesn't get replaced by a basic top freezer model.
- Installation and haul-away. Delivery, hookup, new supply lines or a vent kit, and removing the old one all add to the new side of the scale.
- Built-in fit. Panel-ready dishwashers and built-in refrigerators can need cabinet work, which pushes the real replacement cost much higher.
- The wait. A new unit may take days or weeks to arrive. A repair today has value when the family has nowhere to keep food.
Three worked examples
Example numbers
Two-year-old refrigerator, failed evaporator fan. Repair about $250. A comparable new fridge about $1,800. The repair is roughly 14 percent of new on a young unit. Easy yes.
Nine-year-old dishwasher, failed control board. Repair about $380. A comparable new dishwasher installed about $750. That's around half, on a machine near the end of its typical range. A real toss-up: lay out both and let them pick.
Twelve-year-old front-load washer, worn tub bearings. Repair about $650, since bearings often mean splitting the tub. A comparable new washer about $950. Well past half, on an older machine. Most techs would recommend replacing.
Your prices will differ. The point is that the answer comes from the numbers and the age together, not from a gut call.
What the rule doesn't see
A few things can tip a close call either way, and they're worth a sentence in the conversation:
- Parts availability. A discontinued control board, or one with a long backorder, can make repair impractical even when the price is fine.
- The rest of the machine. Rust on the cabinet, a cracked door gasket or a noisy motor you noticed while you were in there all point toward the next repair.
- The customer's plans. Someone selling the house in six months or remodeling next year wants a cheap fix that holds, not a new appliance.
- Running costs. A much older refrigerator or washer can use more electricity and water than a current model. Some customers care about that more than the repair price, so mention it when the machine is old.
- Repair history. A machine you've already fixed twice this year has answered the question for you.
How to lay it out so they choose
Give three numbers and one opinion, in that order. The numbers make it fair. The opinion is what they're paying you for.
TechHere's where it stands. The bearings are gone. Fixing it runs about $650. A washer like this one new is about $950 installed, and this one is twelve years old.
CustomerSo what would you do?
TechHonestly, at that age I'd put the money toward a new one. But if you'd rather fix it, I'll do it right and it should give you a few more years. Your call either way.
Customers who hear it this way rarely feel sold, because you've shown your math and left the choice with them.
When they replace it, you still came out ahead
A replace verdict isn't a lost ticket. Your diagnostic fee paid for the trip, and you just earned more trust than a sale would have. That customer calls you when the new dryer acts up, and tells the neighbor about the tech who talked them out of a repair. It's also a natural moment to ask for a review. And keep an eye on your own pricing, because an aggressive parts markup on big components can push repairs over the line that would otherwise have been worth doing.
Common questions
Should I tell a customer to replace it if they clearly can't afford a new one?
Give them the honest numbers either way, then respect the choice. For someone who can't buy new this month, a repair that buys another year or two may be the right call even past the rule's line. Say what the repair fixes and what it doesn't, so they aren't surprised if another part fails later.
Do I still charge the diagnostic if they decide to replace?
Yes. The diagnostic paid for your trip and the answer, and that answer is exactly what let them make a good decision. Say at booking that the fee covers finding the problem, and that it's credited toward the repair if they go ahead. Then there's nothing to argue about at the door.
Does the 50 percent rule of thumb apply to high-end appliances?
It still works, but the numbers shift. Premium and built-in units cost far more to replace, so a large repair can sit well under half the price of a new one. They're also often designed to be repaired and can outlast standard models. Many owners treat repair as the default on built-ins unless the unit is very old.
What about an appliance still under the manufacturer's warranty?
Check the warranty before quoting anything. Many manufacturers cover parts or labor for a period, and some cover sealed system parts on refrigerators longer than the rest. If the repair should be covered, point the customer to the manufacturer or an authorized servicer instead of charging for a job they may get free.