Should You Repair or Replace an Appliance?

A simple rule to decide, by appliance and age.

The 50% rule

If a repair costs more than about half the price of a new unit — and the appliance is past half its expected life — replacement usually wins.

Refrigerators and washers often last 10–15 years; if yours is well within that and the fix is minor, repair is the better value.

A much older unit may cost enough in energy that a modern replacement pays for itself faster than you'd think.

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