Repair or Replace Your Appliance? How to Decide

When an appliance breaks, you have two choices: pay for a repair or buy a new one. There's no single right answer, but a few simple questions get you most of the way there.

1. How old is it?

Appliance lifespans vary a lot by make, price and how heavily the appliance is used, but as a rough guide many washing machines, dishwashers and fridge freezers last ten years or more with sensible care, and ovens and cookers often last longer. A young appliance with a fault is nearly always worth repairing. An appliance well past its expected life, with several problems, is a stronger candidate for replacement.

2. What is the fault?

Some faults are routine and relatively cheap: a blocked pump, a worn door seal, a faulty element, a thermostat, a fan, a hose, an ignition. Others are more serious, for example a failed compressor in a fridge freezer or badly worn drum bearings. A quote will tell you which one you have.

3. Compare the cost

A widely used rule of thumb is that if a repair costs more than about half the price of a comparable new appliance, replacing it starts to make more sense. Compare like with like: a new appliance with similar features and quality, not the cheapest one in the shop. Remember that a new appliance also brings delivery, installation and removal of the old one.

4. Think about the make and quality

Higher-quality appliances usually justify repair for longer, because they are built to last and parts are available. Cheaper models may not be worth putting money into once they are out of warranty.

5. Is it still under warranty?

If your appliance is under a manufacturer's warranty or a protection plan, check the terms before you arrange a repair. See our warranty partners page. We repair appliances both in and out of warranty.

6. Think about energy and the bigger picture

Newer appliances can be more efficient, which can matter for an appliance that runs constantly, such as a fridge freezer. But making and shipping a new appliance has its own cost, and repairing a perfectly serviceable one keeps it out of landfill. Weigh both.

A quick checklist

• Repair if it is under about ten years old, the fault is a common one and the quote is well below half the price of a new one.
• Consider replacing if it is old, has had repeated faults, or the quote is close to the price of a new appliance.
• Get a quote either way. A quote costs nothing and gives you the facts.

Get a quote

Call us with the make, the model if you know it and what the appliance is doing, and we'll give you a quote before booking a visit. Repairs start from £70 + VAT, we offer same-day or next-day visits where possible, and every repair is guaranteed for 90 days. See all of our repair services.

Frequently asked questions