Repair or Replace? How to Decide on a Faulty Appliance

A simple rule of thumb

A widely used guideline is the '50% rule': if a repair costs more than half the price of a comparable new appliance, and the appliance is past halfway through its expected life, replacement is usually the better value. If the repair is cheaper than that and the appliance is relatively young, repair almost always wins.

It is a guideline, not a law — a well-built appliance can be worth repairing beyond that threshold, while a cheap one may not. An assessment gives you the actual repair cost so you can decide on real numbers.

Typical appliance lifespans

Knowing roughly how long an appliance should last puts a fault in context. These are general averages — good maintenance and lighter use extend them.

If a fault appears well within these ranges, repair is usually worthwhile. Near or beyond the upper end, weigh the repair against a replacement.

• ✓ Refrigerators and freezers: ~10–15 years
• ✓ Washing machines: ~8–12 years
• ✓ Tumble dryers: ~8–12 years
• ✓ Dishwashers: ~7–10 years
• ✓ Ovens and stoves: ~10–15 years
• ✓ Microwaves: ~7–10 years

When repair makes sense

Repair is usually the better choice when the appliance is a good-quality model still within its expected life, the fault is a single component (a pump, element, thermostat, belt or seal), and the repair cost is modest relative to a replacement.

Repairing also keeps a working appliance out of landfill and avoids the cost and disruption of buying and installing a new one.

When replacement makes sense

Lean towards replacement when the appliance is old and has had repeated faults, when a major component such as the compressor or motor has failed on an older unit, or when the repair cost approaches the price of a more efficient new model.

Newer appliances are often more energy- and water-efficient, so on a heavily used appliance the running-cost saving can offset part of the replacement price over time.

Get an assessment before you decide

The most reliable way to decide is to have the appliance assessed so you know the actual fault and the real repair cost. With a firm quote in hand, the repair-or-replace decision becomes straightforward.

Van Biljoens operates an appliance repair workshop in Pretoria (with collection and delivery for domestic fridges and freezers), and provides a written quote so you can make an informed choice before any work is done.