Facing a broken appliance, the question always comes up: repair or replace? A simple method helps decide without relying on gut feeling alone.
In brief
- Compare the repair cost with the price of an equivalent new appliance.
- Take into account the appliance’s age and average lifespan.
- Ask for a fault diagnosis before deciding.
- Also consider the availability of spare parts.
- Check whether a repair subsidy applies to the breakdown in question.
- Do not overlook the refurbished option as an alternative to new.
The 50% rule
A simple and widely used rule is to compare the repair quote with the price of an equivalent new appliance. If the repair costs more than half the price of a new one, replacement generally becomes the more rational choice, except for a recent or high-end appliance.
This rule remains a decision baseline, not an absolute law: an appliance still under manufacturer warranty, or with a minor fault (belt, seal, thermostat), can justify a repair even close to this threshold, if it clearly extends the appliance’s lifespan.
The appliance’s age, a decisive factor
| Appliance | Average lifespan |
|---|---|
| Washing machine | 8 to 10 years |
| Refrigerator | 10 to 15 years |
| Dishwasher | 9 to 12 years |
| Oven | 12 to 15 years |
An appliance close to its theoretical end of life more easily justifies a replacement, even for a seemingly minor fault, as other components risk failing shortly after. Conversely, an appliance under 5 years old almost always deserves to be repaired, as the fault is often isolated on a still-recent model.
The importance of a fault diagnosis
Before any decision, a precise fault diagnosis remains essential. It identifies the faulty part, estimates the actual repair cost, and avoids replacing an appliance for a fault that turns out to be minor and inexpensive to fix. The availability of spare parts also comes into play: some older models or less common brands no longer have parts available, which makes repair impossible even when it would be economically justified.
Where to get an appliance repaired
Several options exist depending on the complexity of the fault and the available budget. Community repair cafés, volunteer-run workshops found in many towns, let you get an appliance fixed for free with the help of volunteers, for faults that are simple to diagnose. For a more technical fault, a certified professional repairer may give access to a government repair subsidy where one exists, a financial aid that directly reduces the invoice amount, with no paperwork required since it is deducted automatically by the repairer.
The manufacturer’s after-sales service remains an option for appliances still under warranty, but often proves more expensive than an independent repairer once the warranty has expired.
Refurbished, an alternative between repair and new
When repair is no longer relevant, replacement does not necessarily mean buying new. Choosing a refurbished appliance combines savings with sustainability, as long as it comes from a reputable platform offering a warranty.
Anticipating rather than enduring
Regular maintenance of household appliances helps spot signs of wear before a full breakdown, and better anticipate the budget to plan for. This vigilance is part of a broader approach to managing the home’s consumption and everyday organisation, since an ageing appliance often also consumes more before breaking down completely. Keeping an eye on your electricity bill is actually a good indirect indicator of how much large appliances in the home are ageing.