Appliance repair costs

The single number that decides most of these jobs is the part. A refrigerator door seal at $60–$100 and a refrigerator compressor at $500–$1,000 are both "refrigerator repairs." So is a sealed-system repair at $800–$1,200. Ask which part, and ask for the part number.

Refrigerators: condenser coil $60–$100, door gasket $60–$100, thermostat $100–$260, evaporator coil $120–$200 to repair or $200–$300 to replace, ice maker $350–$500, compressor $500–$1,000, control board $500–$1,000, sealed system $800–$1,200. Labor $100–$250 per hour; emergency service $110–$300 per hour.

Washers: lid switch or coupling $85–$160, belt $120–$175, door lock $110–$200, pump $300–$400, drum $350–$550, agitator $350–$575. Labor $50–$150 per hour, emergency surcharge $100–$200. Dryers: bearing $75–$150, belt $100–$200, heating element $150–$250, motor $150–$250 to repair or $250–$450 to replace, drum $150–$500.

Dishwashers: gasket $50–$150, filter $50–$125, pump $150–$400, heating element $150–$300, control panel $200–$500, motor $400–$600. Ovens: thermostat $100–$200, igniter $150–$250, control board $150–$300, heating element $150–$400, door $150–$600. Gas ovens span $100–$600 against $100–$200 for electric, because gas work is more involved and more regulated.

Compare each of those against replacement before you approve it. New dishwashers run $400–$700 plus $100–$300 to install; new dryers $600–$1,500; new ovens $600–$1,600 for the same type; new washers from about $450 to $2,000 and up; new refrigerators $1,000–$3,000, with the average model around $1,500.

How to choose

Get the part name and part number before approving

It's the only way to sanity check the price and the only way to get a real second opinion.

Apply the 50 percent rule

Published guidance across appliances says don't spend more than half the cost of a replacement on a repair. It's a rule of thumb, but it's a good one.

Ask whether the diagnostic is credited

$35–$120 that disappears into the repair is very different from $35–$120 on top of it.

Avoid emergency rates unless it's genuinely urgent

Emergency refrigerator service runs $110–$300 per hour and washer emergency surcharges add $100–$200. A leaking fridge full of food may justify it. A noisy dryer doesn't.

Ask about mileage and trip charges up front

Some companies add roughly $2 per mile outside their service area. It's legitimate, but it should not be a surprise.