Every homeowner hits this question: fix it or buy new? The answer depends on the machine’s age, the repair price and how often it has failed. Use this guide to decide before you spend money either way, whether you are in Broken Arrow, Bixby or out toward Coweta.
Call (539) 281-3311Areas we serveA simple way to decide
Repair it
The repair costs well under half of a comparable new unit, and the appliance is in the first two-thirds of its life.
Think hard
The repair is around half the price of new. Look at age, parts availability and whether it has failed before.
Replace it
Major part on an old machine, parts no longer made, or repeated breakdowns in a short time.
How long appliances usually last
These are general industry ranges, not promises. Hard use, heat, dust and power quality can shorten them.
| Appliance | Typical life | Often worth repairing when |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 10 to 15 years | Fan, defrost part, sensor, ice maker or board is the fault |
| Washer | 10 to 13 years | Drain pump, belt, door lock or filter problem |
| Dryer | 10 to 13 years | Heating element, thermal fuse, igniter, belt or vent issue |
| Dishwasher | 9 to 12 years | Drain pump, hose, wash arm or latch |
| Range or oven | 13 to 15 years | Bake element, igniter, sensor or control |
| Microwave | 7 to 10 years | Usually only small, cheap parts; otherwise replace |
| Garbage disposal | 8 to 12 years | Reset, jam or seal; motor failure often means replace |
What repairs usually cost
Nationwide ranges that homeowners and repair companies commonly quote: a service or diagnostic fee of about $65 to $130, minor repairs such as igniters, switches and latches around $120 to $200, and major repairs such as compressors, washer motors and control boards often $300 to $600 or more. Ask whether the service fee is credited toward the repair. Our cost guide has more.
Repairs that are usually worth it
- Dryer not heating: thermal fuse, element or igniter.
- Washer not draining: pump, belt or clogged filter.
- Dishwasher not draining: pump, hose or filter.
- Oven not heating: bake element or igniter.
- Refrigerator not cooling: fan, defrost part or sensor.
When replacing is usually smarter
- The appliance is past its typical life and needs a major part.
- The repair price is close to a new machine and the old one has no warranty.
- Parts are no longer available for the model.
- The cabinet, door seals or tub are damaged beyond repair.
- You have already paid for repeated repairs in a short time.
Ask for a breakdown before you decide
- Ask what exactly failed and whether it is a small part or a major one.
- Ask for the part price, labor and total, and whether the service fee is credited.
- Ask how long the repair is warranted.
- Price a comparable new appliance you would actually buy.
- Compare the two, then decide. See also how to choose an honest repair company.
Frequently asked questions
Is it worth repairing a 10-year-old appliance?
It can be. If the fault is one inexpensive part and the repair costs well under half the price of a comparable new appliance, repair usually makes sense. If it needs a major part like a compressor, motor or control board and the machine is near the end of its typical life, replacement is often better value.
What is the 50 percent rule for appliances?
It is a rule of thumb: if the repair costs about half or more of a comparable new appliance, and the old one is past the middle of its life, replace it. If the repair is well under half, repair.
How long do appliances usually last?
General industry ranges are roughly 10 to 15 years for refrigerators, 10 to 13 for washers and dryers, 9 to 12 for dishwashers, 13 to 15 for ranges, 7 to 10 for microwaves and 8 to 12 for garbage disposals. Care and use change this a lot.
Which repairs are usually worth doing?
Single-part faults on dryers, washers, dishwashers and ranges: heating elements, thermal fuses, igniters, belts, drain pumps and door latches. These often cost a fraction of a new machine.
Should I repair an appliance that keeps breaking?
If it has had two or three real failures in a short time, it is probably wearing out. Weigh the next repair against a replacement.
Can a refrigerator be repaired instead of replaced?
Often yes. Many warm-fridge problems are a fan, defrost part, sensor or board, not the sealed system. Ask what failed before deciding.
Not sure? Describe it to us
Tell us the appliance, its age and what it is doing. We will tell you whether repair is likely to make sense.
Call (539) 281-3311Written by the ElectricAppliance team, 2351 W Vancouver St, Broken Arrow, OK. Last updated 2026-10-19. This guide is general information, not a quote. Prices and timing depend on the appliance, the part and the fault, so call for a diagnosis.