Appliance equipment

These two lists are the whole repair-versus-replace decision. Everything else is detail. Write your appliance's age next to its typical lifespan, and its repair quote next to its replacement cost, and the answer usually presents itself.

Refrigerators. Around 13 years typical life, $1,000–$3,000 to replace, with the average new model around $1,500 and high-end units reaching $12,000. This is the appliance where a major repair — compressor or sealed system at $500–$1,200 — most often lands right at the decision boundary.

Laundry. Front-load washers about 11 years, top-loaders about 14, with new machines from $450 to over $2,000. Dryers 8–12 years, occasionally 15 or more with good maintenance, replaced at $600–$1,500. Because dryer repairs average only $150, dryers are usually worth fixing well into their life.

Kitchen. Dishwashers 8–10 years typical, 15–20 for high-end models with proper maintenance; replacement is $400–$700 for the machine plus $100–$300 to install, so $700–$1,970 all in. Ovens 10–15 years, replaced at $600–$1,600 like-for-like or $750–$2,700 if you change fuel type.

Consider running costs on old refrigerators specifically. ENERGY STAR reports that a refrigerator over 15 years old could cost about $95 per year to operate, that older units use around 20% more energy than certified models, and that certified refrigerators are about 9% more efficient than the federal minimum standard, saving roughly $150 over a 12-year life.

How to choose

Write down every appliance's age now

A list on the fridge turns a panic decision into a planned one.

Compare repair quote to installed replacement cost

Installed, not sticker. Dishwasher installation alone adds $100–$300.

Dryers are usually worth repairing

Average repair $150 against a $600–$1,500 replacement is a good trade for most of the machine's life.

Refrigerator major repairs are the close call

$500–$1,200 for a compressor or sealed system against a $1,000–$3,000 replacement sits right on the 50% line.

Factor energy on refrigerators over 15 years old

About $95 a year to run and roughly 20% more energy than a certified model changes the arithmetic.