The 50% Rule — Start Here
The most widely used rule in the appliance industry is the 50% Rule: if the cost of repair exceeds 50% of the cost of a new appliance, replacement is usually the smarter financial move. But this isn't the whole picture. A six-year-old high-end Sub-Zero refrigerator that costs $450 to repair might still be a great deal compared to buying a $4,000 replacement.
💡 Quick math: Find out what your appliance costs new today. Multiply by 0.5. If your repair quote is under that number, repair almost always wins.
Age Matters More Than You Think
Every appliance category has an expected lifespan. When a unit is approaching end-of-life, even a successful repair might only buy you a year or two before the next problem. Here's a quick reference:
- Refrigerators: 12–17 years
- Washers & Dryers: 10–14 years
- Dishwashers: 8–12 years
- Ovens / Ranges: 14–18 years
- Microwaves: 9–12 years
If your appliance is within the last 20% of its expected life, it's usually time to replace rather than repair — even if the current fix is minor.
High-End Brands Shift the Math
Premium brands like Sub-Zero, Wolf, Thermador, Viking, and Miele are engineered to last 20+ years with proper maintenance. Their parts are high-quality, and a thorough repair can give you a decade more of reliable performance. For these brands, we almost always recommend repair over replacement — the residual value of the appliance is simply too high to throw away.
Energy Efficiency Considerations
Older appliances — particularly refrigerators made before 2010 — can cost significantly more to operate than modern ENERGY STAR models. If your current unit is more than 15 years old, factor the energy savings into your replacement calculation. A new refrigerator might save $100–$200/year in electricity, which means it pays for some of its own cost over time.
When to Always Repair
- Appliance is less than 5 years old
- Repair costs less than 30% of replacement cost
- The problem is isolated (one component failure)
- It's a premium brand with 10+ years of life remaining
- You have an extended warranty covering the repair
When to Consider Replacing
- Appliance is past 75% of expected lifespan
- Multiple things are breaking in rapid succession
- Repair cost exceeds 50% of replacement value
- Parts are discontinued or extremely hard to source
- Energy costs are significantly higher than a modern unit
Need a repair right now?
Our certified techs serve Burbank, Glendale, Pasadena, Beverly Hills, and all of Greater LA — usually same-day.
Call (818) 968‑2468 Book OnlineThe Bottom Line
Most appliance repairs — especially on quality brands — are absolutely worth doing. Replacing an appliance prematurely is expensive, wasteful, and often unnecessary. If you're on the fence, call us for an $89 diagnostic (waived if you proceed with the repair). We'll give you an honest repair quote alongside our professional opinion on whether it makes financial sense — no pressure, no upsell.
Published by the Turn Appliance Repair team · Serving Burbank, Glendale, Pasadena, Beverly Hills, and all of Greater Los Angeles · (818) 968‑2468