The 50% rule of thumb
If a repair costs more than about half the price of a comparable new appliance, replacement deserves a serious look — especially if the appliance is already past the midpoint of its expected life.
Expected lifespans, realistically
Refrigerators 12–18 years, washers 10–13, dryers 12–14, dishwashers 9–13, ovens and ranges 13–18, disposals 8–12. A 6-year-old refrigerator with a failed fan motor is a repair. A 15-year-old one with a failed compressor usually isn't.
Count the hidden costs of new
Delivery, installation, haul-away, new hoses and cords, and sometimes cabinet or countertop changes. A 'cheap' replacement often isn't by the time it's running.
Efficiency gains are real but modest
A new refrigerator uses noticeably less power than a 15-year-old one — but rarely enough to pay back a premature replacement on energy alone. Buy new for reliability, not just savings.
Our promise
When we quote a repair, we tell you the appliance's age math out loud, including when replacement is the smarter money. See the cost guide for typical ranges.