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Appliance Repair vs Replace Calculator
When an appliance fails, the repair quote can feel hard to judge. This planning tool compares repair cost, replacement cost, age, and expected remaining life so you can decide what questions to ask next.
Planning note
How this calculation works
- Repair percentage is repair cost divided by replacement cost.
- Lower percentages usually make repair easier to justify, especially when the appliance is not near the end of its expected life.
- Higher percentages, urgent failures, and low expected remaining life push the guidance toward comparing replacement options carefully.
Assumptions and limitations
- The tool does not know the exact condition, brand reliability, warranty status, installation needs, or future failure risk.
- Replacement cost should include delivery, installation parts, haul-away, and taxes when possible.
- A technician's diagnosis matters more than any rule of thumb.
Worked example
If a washer repair is $450 and a comparable installed replacement is $1,000, the repair is 45% of replacement cost. If the washer is older and expected remaining life is short, comparing replacement becomes more reasonable.
FAQ
What is a common repair-versus-replace rule of thumb?
Many people compare repair cost to replacement cost and pay close attention when repair approaches half the replacement cost, but age and condition matter.
Should I repair an appliance under warranty?
Check warranty coverage first. Covered repairs can change the decision completely.
What should I ask the repair technician?
Ask what failed, whether other parts show wear, warranty on the repair, expected remaining life, and whether the issue is common for that model.
Does urgency affect the decision?
Yes. A failed refrigerator or laundry appliance may push you toward the fastest reliable option, but emergency decisions can cost more.