Should I repair or replace an appliance?

Compare the repair quote against the appliance's remaining expected life and the cost of a replacement. Repairs on an appliance near the end of its life rarely pay off, especially for sealed-system failures.

Last reviewed 2026-07-15

A useful rule is to weigh the repair cost as a share of replacement cost against how much service life is realistically left. A minor repair on a mid-life appliance is usually worthwhile; a major one on an old unit usually is not.

Also factor running cost. Older equipment can consume noticeably more energy or water, which changes the arithmetic over several remaining years.

What to check first

  • Age from the data plate and typical service life for the category
  • Whether the failure is a wear part or a sealed system or control board
  • Written repair quote including parts, labour and callout
  • Warranty status — including extended coverage you may have forgotten
  • Energy and water consumption relative to current models

When to call a professional

  • The appliance is gas-fired or requires sealed-system refrigerant work
  • Diagnosis requires disassembly beyond accessible panels