Repair or Replace? Here's How Much You Actually Save by Fixing It
Repair or Replace? Here's How Much You Actually Save by Fixing It
When an appliance breaks, the first question is usually "is this even worth fixing?" Based on 2026 industry pricing data, the answer is almost always yes. A typical repair costs about a quarter of what a new unit runs, which means fixing it usually saves 70% to 80% compared to replacing it.
That number changes depending on the appliance, so here's the real breakdown instead of one number that doesn't tell the whole story.
Savings by Appliance
Dryers and dishwashers save the most. Repairing either one typically costs about 80% less than replacing it. Most dryer and dishwasher repairs involve a single part, like a heating element or a drain pump, which keeps the repair cost low compared to a new unit.
Refrigerators save close to that too, for standard repairs. A thermostat, fan motor, or door seal repair runs a small fraction of what a new refrigerator costs, putting the savings around 78%. That number drops if the problem is the compressor, which is a bigger and more expensive job, though even then it's usually still cheaper than replacing the whole unit.
Washers and ovens save around 74-75%. Still a strong case for repair over replacement in most situations.
Freezers save a bit less, around 68%, mostly because freezers cost less to replace than refrigerators do, which narrows the gap somewhat.
Microwaves are the exception. New microwaves are inexpensive enough that repair only saves around 50%. It's still cheaper to repair in most cases, but it's a closer call than with the other appliances on this list, and for an older microwave with a bigger problem, replacement can make more sense.
Why the Gap Is So Wide
Two things drive this. First, most repairs involve replacing one part, not rebuilding the whole appliance, so the cost stays low. Second, new appliances carry the cost of the entire unit, delivery, and often installation, none of which apply to a repair. That's why even a repair that feels like a lot to spend on an old appliance is still usually a fraction of buying new.
When Replacement Actually Makes More Sense
The math above is the typical case, not every case. Replacement starts to make more sense when the repair is a major component, like a refrigerator compressor or a washer's motor, on an appliance that's already old, or when a second unrelated part is likely to fail soon after. We'll tell you when that's the situation instead of doing a repair that doesn't make sense for you.
Nugent's Approach
We look at the actual appliance before quoting anything, then give you a firm price before we start. No estimate that changes once we're already inside it. Every completed repair carries a 1-year guarantee on parts and labor, so if the same problem comes back within that year, we return and fix it again at no charge.
See the repair page for your specific appliance: refrigerator repair, washer repair, dryer repair, dishwasher repair, oven and range repair, microwave repair, freezer repair, ice maker repair, or cooktop repair.