There's no single rule — but there's a 5-question test that lands the right answer 95% of the time. Run the questions on your appliance, weigh the answers, and you'll know whether to fix it or shop for a new one before you call.
Reviewed by Mike Larson, Master Appliance Technician · 18+ yrs in-field · Last reviewed
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Quick answer
Run the 50% rule: if the repair cost is more than 50% of the replacement cost AND the appliance is past its expected lifespan, replace. If either side fails (repair under 50% OR appliance under expected lifespan), repair. Then layer five questions: (1) age vs. expected lifespan, (2) repair cost vs. 50% of replacement, (3) failure type (sealed-system vs. control vs. mechanical), (4) brand & parts availability, (5) energy savings on a new model. Most Twin Cities calls land on "repair" — sealed-system failures on units past 12 years are the main "replace" outcome.
Root causes, ranked by what we find
What it is: Refrigerators 13 yrs · Top-load washers 14 yrs · Front-load washers 11 yrs · Electric dryers 13 yrs · Gas dryers 13 yrs · Dishwashers 9 yrs · Electric ranges 13 yrs · Gas ranges 15 yrs · Microwaves 9 yrs · Built-in Sub-Zero / Wolf 20+ yrs (with parts cycles).
Fix: Under expected lifespan = lean repair. Past it = run the rest of the test.
Typical all-in: Lifespan only, no cost yet
What it is: Repair under 50% of replacement is the standard threshold. Premium brands shift the threshold higher (60–70%) because replacement is much more expensive and refurb economics differ.
Fix: Under 50% = repair. Over 50% AND past lifespan = replace.
Typical all-in: The 50% rule
What it is: Sealed-system / compressor failures on a 10+ yr fridge are usually "replace." Control-board, fan, defrost, pump, igniter, element, gasket, hose, switch, motor = repair almost always (cheap parts, long remaining life).
Fix: Mechanical / control failure = repair. Sealed-system on aged unit = lean replace.
Typical all-in: Failure-type weighted
What it is: Whirlpool, GE, Maytag, KitchenAid, LG, Samsung, Bosch, Miele = parts available 10+ years. Off-brand or discontinued lines = parts harder, weight toward replace. Sub-Zero, Wolf, Viking carry parts 20+ years — always repair.
Fix: OEM parts available = repair. Discontinued parts on aged off-brand = replace.
Typical all-in: Parts ecosystem matters
What it is: ENERGY STAR new fridges run ~$40/yr less than 10+ yr old units. New front-load washers run ~$45/yr less than top-loads. Real, but rarely the deciding factor on its own — pays back over 5–7 years.
Fix: Modest weight toward replace on aged refrigerators and electric ranges.
Typical all-in: $40–$80/yr operating delta
What it is: Repair + expected next repair within 3 years vs. (new appliance / lifespan × 3) + 3 years of energy operating cost. Whichever is lower wins.
Fix: Run the numbers — we'll do this on the written estimate if you ask.
Typical all-in: 3-year TCO comparison
Diagnostic order
Date code is on the serial-number tag (or the original purchase receipt). Compare to expected lifespan.
Call for a flat $149 diagnostic ($189 built-ins). You'll get a written all-in repair number.
Look up the current equivalent model — same capacity, similar feature set.
Repair / replacement. If under 50% = repair. If over 50% AND past lifespan = replace.
Premium brand or mechanical fault = lean repair (raise the threshold). Sealed-system on aged unit = lean replace.
Most calls land on repair. Built-ins almost always repair. Past-lifespan units with sealed-system failures usually replace.
FAQs
If the repair cost is more than 50% of a comparable replacement AND the appliance is past its expected lifespan, replace. If either side fails (repair under 50% OR appliance still under lifespan), repair.
Sub-Zero, Wolf, Thermador, Miele, Viking built-ins — almost always. Standard-brand units under 8 yrs with non-sealed-system faults — almost always. Repairs under $300 — almost always.
Refrigerators 13+ yrs with sealed-system failures. Microwaves 8+ yrs with magnetron failures (often as cheap to replace). Off-brand units with discontinued parts. Dishwashers 10+ yrs with tub or sump failures.
Flat $149 for standard residential appliances ($189 for Sub-Zero / Wolf / Thermador / Miele / Viking). Fully credited to the repair you approve, so you only pay it standalone if you decide to replace.
Yes. We say so honestly on the written quote — including which equivalent model to look at and what the rough delivered cost will be. We'd rather lose a repair than have you fix a unit that's about to fail again.
1 year parts + labor on every completed repair, in writing. Same failure inside the year and we come back free — no trip fee, no diagnostic charge.
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