Repair or Replace? A Practical Guide for Philadelphia Homeowners

The 50% rule

If a repair costs more than half the price of a comparable new appliance and the unit is past two-thirds of its expected lifespan, replacement is usually the better financial decision. Below that, repair almost always wins.

We will tell you honestly when replacement makes more sense. Talking a customer into an expensive repair on a dying machine is how a local business loses its reputation.

Typical lifespans

Refrigerators 10 to 15 years, washers 10 to 13, electric dryers 12 to 15, dishwashers 9 to 12, gas ranges 15 to 20 years. Premium built-in brands such as Sub-Zero and Wolf regularly run longer and are almost always worth repairing.

When repair is clearly right

Control boards, pumps, valves, igniters, seals and fan motors are all economical repairs on a mid-life appliance. Sealed-system failures on a 14-year-old refrigerator are the classic case for replacement instead.