How much does appliance repair cost?
Knowing the cost before getting an estimate can equal big savings
Repairing an appliance can cost a few hundred dollars. Though surprise repairs can be a hit to the budget, it’s better than replacing an appliance, which can cost well over $1,000. Here’s what to expect to pay for an appliance repair and how to potentially save some money.
Repairing an appliance can cost from $80 to $900 on average.
Jump to insightReplacing your appliance can cost from $200 to more than $1,000.
Jump to insightYour home warranty may cover appliance repairs and replacements.
Jump to insightAppliance 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 | Cost to repair |
|---|---|
| Dryers | $50-$800 |
| Freezer | $250-$500 |
| Washing machine | $150-$500 |
| Fridge | $300-$500 |
| Dishwashers | $160-$300 |
| Garbage disposal | $250-$625 |
| Water heater | $200-$900 |
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.
| Appliance | Cost to replace |
|---|---|
| Dryers | Less than $1,000 |
| Freezer | $200-$800 |
| Washing machine | Less than $1,000 |
| Fridge | More than $1,000 |
| Built-in microwave | $275-$2,800 |
| Dishwashers | $300-$600 |
| Garbage disposal | $275-$650 |
| Water heater | $200-$900 |
Can you DIY an appliance repair?
Generally, you should leave appliance repairs to a professional. Messing around with your appliance can void the manufacturer’s warranty. Even if your manufacturer’s warranty is up, you can void your home warranty on your appliance by playing repair technician, too. The only tinkering you should do is outlined in the troubleshooting guide of your appliance’s owner’s manual.
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.
FAQ
Is it better to repair or replace an appliance?
Generally, repairing your appliance will be cheaper. If your appliance is particularly old, it may need multiple repairs in a short period of time, which could make getting a new appliance more affordable.
What is the average lifespan of appliances?
It depends on the appliance. Microwaves generally have a good run of about 9 to 10 years. Washers, dryers, refrigerators and dishwashers usually keep chugging along for about 10 to 13 years. Gas ranges tend to have a bit more staying power, lasting around 15 years, while stovetops can go strong for 15 to 18 years.
What appliances does a home warranty typically cover?
Home warranties usually cover refrigerators, ovens, stoves, cooktops, built-in microwaves, dishwashers, washers, dryers and garbage disposals.
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.
Article sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
- Angi, “How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Dishwasher?” Accessed April 18, 2024.
- Sears Home Services, “How Long Do Appliances Usually Last?” Accessed April 18, 2024.
