Appliance repair comparisons

Run the 50% rule with real numbers, not vibes. A $500–$1,000 refrigerator compressor against a $1,000–$3,000 replacement is right on the line. A $150–$250 dryer heating element against a $600–$1,500 new dryer is an easy repair. A $400–$600 dishwasher motor against a $400–$700 machine plus $100–$300 installation is an easy replacement.

Age is the second input and it is often decisive. Guidance across sources says consider replacement once an appliance is past about 8–10 years and needs a major repair, and dishwasher guidance specifically points to replacement over repair beyond 10 years. Multiple repairs within a single year is another published trigger to stop repairing.

OEM versus aftermarket parts. OEM parts come from the appliance manufacturer; aftermarket parts don't. Aftermarket is often cheaper and sometimes identical, but fit and warranty coverage vary. Ask which the technician is installing and what warranty comes with it — don't assume.

Extended warranty versus self-insuring. Compare the plan's total cost and deductible against what the repairs actually cost. Typical repairs are $150–$400 for most appliances. If a multi-year plan costs more than one or two of those, you are effectively pre-paying for repairs you may not need. Whether that's worth it depends on how much an unexpected bill would hurt you, not on the math alone.

One factor that genuinely favors replacement on old refrigerators: energy. ENERGY STAR reports that a refrigerator over 15 years old could be costing about $95 per year to run, and that an older refrigerator uses about 20% more energy than an ENERGY STAR certified model.

How to choose

Do the 50 percent math on paper

Repair quote against a real replacement price you looked up, including installation. Not the salesperson's estimate of either.

Weight age heavily

Past 8–10 years with a major fault, replacement is usually the better call regardless of how the repair price looks.

Count energy on old refrigerators

A 15-year-old fridge can cost about $95 a year to run, and older units use roughly 20% more energy than ENERGY STAR certified models.

Ask OEM or aftermarket, and what the part warranty is

Cheaper parts aren't always worse, but you should know which you're buying.

Stop repairing after the second failure in a year

Published guidance treats multiple repairs within one year as a replacement signal. It usually means the machine is done.