Repair or Replace an Appliance? A Practical Rule of Thumb
A simple framework for deciding whether to repair or replace a washing machine, fridge or oven, weighing age, repair cost, efficiency and reliability.
When an appliance fails, the choice between repair and replacement is rarely obvious. A quote of £150 might be a bargain on a three-year-old machine and poor value on a fourteen-year-old one. A simple framework helps you decide without relying on a salesperson's opinion.
The core rule of thumb
Many people use the 50 per cent rule: if the repair costs more than about half the price of a comparable new appliance, and the appliance is past the middle of its expected life, replacement is usually sensible. It is a guide rather than a law, and you should adjust it for your circumstances.
Age matters
As a loose guide, many washing machines and dishwashers are expected to last around eight to twelve years, fridges and freezers often longer, ovens often many years, and tumble dryers somewhere in between. Real lifespans vary with use, water hardness and how well the machine is maintained. An appliance well beyond its typical age is more likely to have further failures soon.
Work through these questions
- How old is it? The older it is, the less sense a big repair makes.
- What exactly has failed? A seal, filter or pump is usually cheap and cheerful. A main board, motor or sealed system can be expensive.
- What does the repair cost, including the call-out? Get a written price. Our call-out fee guide explains what to expect.
- What would a comparable new one cost? Include delivery, fitting and removal of the old one.
- Has it failed before? Repeated faults point to deeper wear.
- Is it inefficient? Older fridge-freezers and dryers may cost more to run. See appliance running costs.
- Is it still under warranty or covered by consumer rights? Check your rights first, since you may not need to pay.
A quick decision table
| Situation | Leaning |
|---|---|
| Under 5 years old, modest repair | Repair |
| Under warranty or recently bought | Claim first, then repair |
| 8 to 12 years old, repair near half of new price | Consider replacing |
| Over 12 years old, major component failed | Replace is likely better |
| Repeated faults in a short time | Replace |
| Part no longer available | Replace |
| Cheap fix, good condition | Repair |
Factors beyond cost
Reliability and peace of mind
A repaired appliance may still be more likely to fail than a new one. If a breakdown would be a serious problem, such as a fridge-freezer with a big food store, replacement may be worth paying for.
Environmental cost
Making a new appliance has an environmental footprint, and repairing extends the life of what you have. If a repair is reasonable, it is often the better choice for the planet as well as your wallet.
Features and fit
A new model may offer better efficiency, quieter running or larger capacity. On the other hand, the right size and fit matter. Measure carefully with our measuring guide, and check whether your installation is suitable.
Getting a fair assessment
Ask the engineer for the fault, the part and the total cost, and whether they expect other components to fail soon. Be wary of any pressure to buy a replacement from the same person. You can request offers from ID-verified local providers on Compito, and compare prices before deciding.
Disposal
If you replace, plan for removal. See how to remove and recycle an old appliance.
A worked example
You have an eleven-year-old washing machine that has stopped spinning. The engineer diagnoses a failed motor and quotes £190. A comparable new machine costs around £400, delivered and fitted. The repair is under half, but the machine is near the end of its expected life, and a motor repair does not protect you from the next bearing or board failure. In this situation many people would lean toward replacing. Compare that with a three-year-old machine with a £70 pump replacement, which is a clear repair. The numbers here are illustrative, and prices vary by region.
A simple scoring approach
Give each of these a point if it applies:
- The appliance is over about ten years old.
- The repair is over half the price of a new one.
- It has had another fault in the past year.
- Spare parts are hard to obtain.
- It is clearly less efficient than modern models.
Zero or one point suggests repair. Three or more suggests replacing. Two is a judgement call, so weigh convenience and budget.
Edge cases
- Rented homes: if the appliance is the landlord's, report the fault rather than paying yourself.
- Built-in models: replacement can mean new cabinet work, which makes repair more attractive.
- Gas appliances: repairs must only be done by a Gas Safe registered engineer, which can limit options.
- Hard-wired cookers: replacement may need electrical changes by a registered electrician.
When to call a professional
Ask a qualified engineer for a diagnosis before deciding on any costly repair. Do not open sealed systems or electrical compartments yourself, and switch off and unplug before any visual checks.
Frequently asked questions
Is it ever worth repairing a ten-year-old washing machine?
It can be, when the fault is cheap, such as a pump, a door seal or a hose. A large repair, such as a motor or main board, is harder to justify.
Does replacing an old fridge save energy?
It can, but how much depends on the old model and your tariff. Estimate using the power ratings rather than assuming a saving.
Should I pay for a second opinion?
For a costly repair, it can be worthwhile to compare quotes, though diagnosis fees add up. A second quote that is based on the first diagnosis is cheaper than a full second visit.
What if the repair does not work?
Ask beforehand whether the repair is covered if the fault returns, and keep your invoice. Terms vary between engineers.
Should I factor in the hassle of buying a new one?
Yes. Delivery, installation, removal of the old unit and time spent choosing all have a cost, even if they are not on the receipt.