Appliances That Are Cheaper to Replace Than Fix
Updated: Jan. 16, 2023Everyday appliances always break down at some point, usually at the most inopportune time. Some you're better off replacing than fixing. Read on to learn which ones.
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So, Your Appliance Is Broken
When appliances break around the house, it’s always a headache. Your routine is thrown off because laundry piles up or you have to wash all your dishes by hand while you wait for someone to come fix it.
But sometimes a fix isn’t the right answer. A few appliances cost more than they’re worth to fix, and you can save money by just purchasing a new one.
Range hood
The average repair bill for a range hood runs $264. Unless you’re rocking a professional chef quality range hood (which can easily dip into four figures), you might want to consider replacing it with a new one for around the same price. Before you buy, try cleaning out your old, dusty range hood to see if that works.
Microwave
According to the first “U.S. Appliance Repair Affordability, Reliability, and Seasonality Report” released by Puls, the average microwave repair bill is $195. You can purchase a new high-end microwave from a manufacturer like Toshiba for about $130. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out it’s smarter to buy a new one.
Freezer
At an average cost of $348 to repair a freezer, you may consider going that route instead of buying a new one. But when you consider a new Arctic King chest freezer can be had for half that price, that repair bill doesn’t seem like such a bargain.
Dishwasher
The average cost to repair a dishwasher is $204, and a new entry-level offering from top-rated Bosch is $600. If yours is on the newer side, you’re better off fixing it. If it’s older, a new one is the smarter investment. If your dishes are looking a little dingy even after they’ve gone through a cycle, add this one ingredient to the dishwasher for a noticeable sparkle.
Cooktop
A new cooktop starts around $500, while the average cost to repair your old one runs $260. Depending on how fancy and how old yours is, the repair cost might be worth it.
Oven
Ovens can last more than a dozen years and repairs cost $226 on average, while this brand-new oven from Gasland goes for $530. So this one’s a toss-up. If your oven is old, replace it, otherwise go with the repair.
Dryer
The average cost to repair a clothes dryer is $209, while a new washer/dryer combo from LG, one of the most reliable brands of dryers according to the Puls report, costs about $1,000 to $2,000 and can last more than a decade. Arm yourself with these key mistakes to avoid when doing laundry to help extend your dryer’s life.
Look for Energy Efficiency
No matter what kind of electrical appliance you’re shopping for, energy efficiency is key.
“Dishwashers, refrigerators and washing machines are some of the most energy-consuming appliances at home, especially if they are old models,” advises Matthias Alleckna, an energy analyst. “If your goal is to save money, it’s financially smarter to invest in new appliances instead of fixing them.
“New devices tend to be more energy-efficient, meaning that they will help to reduce your monthly energy costs. After some years, or in some cases, just months, you could have a great deal of your money back in energy savings.”
