How much does appliance repair cost?

Appliance repair costs

The cost of repairing your appliance depends on its type and what’s wrong with it. Generally, you can expect to pay $80 to $900 for an appliance repair.

Here is what you can expect. These prices include parts and labor.

Appliance replacement costs

If your appliance is older and the repair costs seem steep, you may want to replace it. Here’s how much a new appliance may cost.

Factors affecting appliance repair costs

Several factors can impact how much you pay for appliance repair. Knowing these can help you estimate costs and decide whether to repair or replace an appliance.

• Type of appliance: Repair costs vary by appliance. Fixing a refrigerator is often more expensive than repairing a microwave.
• Age of appliance: Older appliances may need hard-to-find or discontinued parts, which can increase the price.
• Brand and model: Premium or imported brands may be pricier to repair because their parts are more expensive or hard to find.
• Warranty status: If your appliance is under warranty, some or all repair costs might be covered.
• Repair complexity: Simple fixes like replacing a belt usually cost less than major repairs like a compressor or control board.
• Urgency of repair: Emergency or same-day repairs often come with an extra charge.
• Location: Costs can vary by region due to labor rates and travel fees.

These factors can help you better understand the range of appliance repair costs and make smart decisions about maintenance or replacement.

When to repair vs. replace your appliances

Deciding whether to repair or replace a broken appliance depends on several factors:

• Age of the appliance: If your appliance is near or past its average lifespan, replacement may be more cost-effective long term. Common lifespans: refrigerators (10 to 15 years), dishwashers (8 to 10 years), washing machines (8 to 12 years), dryers (10 to 13 years).
• Repair cost vs. replacement cost: Many experts suggest replacing the appliance if the repair cost is more than 50% of a new model. For example, if a new washing machine costs $600 and the repair estimate is $350, replacement might be the better option.
• Frequency of breakdowns: If your appliance has needed several repairs in the past year, ongoing costs can add up. Replacing could offer more reliability and savings over time.
• Warranty coverage: If the appliance is still under a manufacturer or extended warranty, repair is usually the more affordable choice.

Consider total appliance repair cost, expected lifespan and reliability to make the most financially sound decision for your household.

Can you DIY an appliance repair?

DIY appliance repair can reduce appliance repair cost in some cases, but it is not always the most economical or safest solution. Simple repairs, such as replacing a refrigerator light bulb or clearing a dishwasher filter or drain, are typically safe for homeowners and can lower costs by avoiding service fees. However, complex repairs involving electrical wiring, control boards or gas lines in stoves and dryers should be handled by professionals to avoid safety hazards and prevent expensive mistakes.

Pros of DIY appliance repair include saving on labor costs and addressing minor issues quickly, which can help keep overall appliance repair cost down. However, trying complicated repairs without the right knowledge may lead to injury, void warranties or cause more damage, which can make the final repair cost higher. Always consider the type of repair and your skill level before deciding to do it yourself.

How do you know there is a problem with your appliance?

There are several signs that will let you know if there’s something wrong with your appliance. Here are some of the most common:

• Lights flicker or dim randomly.
• The door won’t shut properly.
• The cord gets hot.
• It doesn’t heat or cool like it used to.
• You can hear buzzing, tapping or grinding noises.
• A burning smell is coming from the unit.
• Your clothes take longer to dry in your dryer than they used to, or the clothes get unusually hot.
• Your electricity bill is higher than normal.
• It doesn’t clean as well as it used to.

Does your home warranty cover appliance repair?

Before calling an appliance technician, try calling your home warranty company instead. Typically, home warranties cover most types of appliances, and the company will pay for parts and labor. All you’ll need to pay is your service fee. If the technician can’t repair your appliance, the home warranty company will often replace it.

It's always a good idea to check your contract before filing a claim, though, to understand exactly what's included in your coverage. Some companies only cover repairs up to a certain dollar amount, and certain conditions or exclusions may also result in your claim being denied.

Bottom line

The appliance repair cost can vary widely depending on the type of appliance, the nature of the problem and your location. Troubleshooting your appliance using the owner’s manual or filing a claim with your home warranty provider can save you from expensive repair costs.