When an appliance breaks, the question almost everyone asks is the same: is it worth fixing, or should I just buy a new one? There's an industry rule of thumb that answers this reliably in most cases, plus a few factors worth layering on top of it before you decide.
The 50% rule, explained simply
The most widely used guideline in the appliance repairs industry is the 50% rule: if the cost to repair an appliance is more than half the cost of replacing it with a comparable new unit, replacement is usually the better financial choice. If a new dishwasher costs $800 and the repair quote comes back at $500, that's over 60% of replacement cost — a strong signal to replace rather than repair.
A second version of the same rule looks at age instead of cost: if the appliance has already passed the halfway point of its expected lifespan, a major repair often isn't worth it even if the dollar amount looks reasonable on its own.
Typical lifespans, so you know where you stand
| Appliance | Typical lifespan |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 10 – 15 years |
| Washer | 8 – 12 years |
| Dryer | 10 – 13 years |
| Dishwasher | 9 – 12 years |
| Oven & range | 13 – 18 years |
| Microwave | 8 – 10 years |
See our full lifespan guide for the complete room-by-room breakdown, including what shortens or extends these ranges.
Three factors people forget to weigh in
1. How many times has it already been repaired?
An appliance repaired two or three times in the past couple of years is a replacement candidate regardless of what any single repair costs. Repeated breakdowns are a sign the machine is nearing the end of its reliable life, and each new fix tends to buy less time than the last one.
2. What will you save on energy?
Older appliances are often quiet energy drains. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, refrigerators made in 2001 or earlier use about 40% more energy than current ENERGY STAR models, ENERGY STAR washers use roughly 25% less energy and 33% less water than standard washers, and ENERGY STAR dishwashers use about 12% less energy and 30% less water. Those savings show up every month on your utility bill and can meaningfully offset the price of a new unit over a few years.
3. Is it still under warranty?
If your appliance is still covered, the 50% rule doesn't really apply — follow the warranty terms first, since a covered repair is effectively free regardless of what it would otherwise cost.
When the 50% rule doesn't apply
The rule is a strong starting point, not a universal law. A few real exceptions are worth knowing:
- Premium and luxury brands like Sub-Zero are engineered to outlast standard appliances by decades, so even a costly repair rarely approaches half the price of a comparable new unit — see our Sub-Zero repair guide for a worked example of this math.
- Built-in or custom-panel appliances can carry higher replacement and installation costs than the appliance itself, which shifts the math toward repair.
- An appliance that's otherwise reliable and simply had one unlucky part fail — a control board or a water inlet valve, for example — is usually still worth repairing even close to the 50% line.
A simple four-step way to decide
Skip guessing — have a technician diagnose the actual problem and give you a firm number before you compare anything.
Include delivery and installation in the new-appliance price, not just the sticker price, for an honest comparison.
Use the table above as a starting reference point for where your appliance stands.
A pattern of repeated repairs or a large potential energy savings can tip a close call in either direction.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 50% rule always right?+
It's a reliable starting point, not a guarantee. Factors like brand quality, built-in installation costs, warranty status, and repair history can shift the right answer in either direction.
How much can I actually save by replacing an old refrigerator?+
Refrigerators made before 2001 can use up to 40% more energy than current ENERGY STAR models, which typically translates to noticeable monthly savings on your electric bill over several years.
What if my appliance has been repaired multiple times already?+
Two or three repairs within a couple of years is a strong sign to consider replacement, even if each individual repair seemed reasonably priced on its own.
Should I always repair a luxury or built-in appliance?+
Usually, yes. Premium brands are built to last longer, and built-in installations often cost more to replace than the appliance itself, both of which push the math toward repair.
Not sure which way the math points?
Get an honest diagnosis and a straight answer — no pressure either way.
Call (469) 848-8598