Information to help you weigh the costs of repairing an appliance or replacing it
Do you have a fridge that won’t stay cold, a dishwasher that leaks, an oven that overheats, or a washer and dryer combo that won’t clean or dry your clothes? Sounds like you need an appliance repair. However, before you fix that failing appliance, be sure you weigh your options carefully.
Cost of Repair
Obviously, you will want to consider how much the repair is going to cost you. This may require calling an appliance repair specialist from American Appliance Repair out to assist you. (Be sure to check for the coupon on our site that that entitles you to a free service call with your repair before you do this.)
For a basic starting point for estimating the costs of a repair, you can use this list of national average figures:
- Refrigerator repair: $250 to $300
- Oven/Cooktop repair: $175
- Dishwasher repair: $100 to $200
- Washer/Dryer repair: $120 to $400
Of course, the cost of your repair will depend in large part on what exactly is wrong with your appliance. This in turn will determine how much you will have to pay for parts and labor. For some high-end brands like Sub Zero, replacement parts can be quite expensive, but our hourly labor rates are always the same for all makes and models of appliances.
Don’t forget that on a new appliance, your repair might actually be covered by your warranty. In this case, your costs may be very low or even non-existent.
Remaining Service Life
Before you invest in a repair—especially an expensive one—you will want to consider how much longer your appliance is going to last following the repair. The average service life for mid range appliances is as follows:
- Refrigerator: 13 years
- Gas oven/Cooktop: 15 years
- Dishwasher: 9 years
- Washing machine: 10 years
- Dryer: 13 years
If your appliance is nearing the end of its service life anyway, you may prefer not to invest in a repair. After all, you have no guarantee that something else won’t go wrong in your aging appliance shortly after you’ve fixed your current problem.
Benefits of Buying New
You will also want to consider the additional benefits and value that upgrading to a new appliance might bring you. Sure, you might get another year or two out of your old appliance with a repair, but is it worth delaying your experience of the following potential benefits of a new appliance?
- Improved energy efficiency and lower energy bills
- Improved “curb appeal” and boost to home value
- Improved performance
- Possible “smart” features for greater convenience
Ready to Get an Appliance Repair?
Whether you’re ready to take the plunge and invest in a repair for your ailing appliance, or still in the information-gathering stage, you can call American Appliance Repair for help. You can rely on us to provide an accurate diagnosis of the problem and an honest opinion as to whether you should repair or buy new.
