Updated 10/26/2026 · AZ Tech Appliance Repair, Westmont, IL
The 50 percent rule
If the appliance is less than about halfway through its expected life and the repair costs less than half the price of a comparable new unit, repairing usually makes sense. Built-in appliances shift the math further toward repair: a new built-in has to fit the opening and the cabinet panels.
Typical lifespans
- Refrigerators: about 10 to 15 years; built-ins often longer with service.
- Washers and dryers: about 10 to 13 years.
- Ranges and ovens: about 13 to 15 years or more.
- Dishwashers: about 9 to 12 years.
These are averages. Use and maintenance matter more than age alone.
Almost always worth repairing
- Dryer heating elements, thermal fuses, belts, rollers and igniters.
- Washer drain pumps, door locks, belts and suspension parts.
- Oven igniters, bake elements and temperature sensors.
- Refrigerator fans, defrost parts and ice maker parts.
- Built-in refrigerators like GE Monogram and Sub-Zero, including sealed-system work.
Often not worth it
- Worn drum bearings on an old, inexpensive washer.
- A failed compressor on an old, low-cost freestanding refrigerator.
- A rusted-through tub or cabinet.
After the diagnosis, the technician tells you honestly whether the repair is worth it. If it isn't, you only pay for the diagnosis.