Photo by Muffet via Flickr (CC BY 2.0)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.
- 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.
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.
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.
Refurbished, an alternative between repair and new
When repair is no longer relevant, replacement does not necessarily mean buying new. Choosing an appliance such as a refurbished refrigerator combines savings with sustainability.
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.