Repair or Replace Appliance Calculator
Check whether an appliance is worth fixing with the 50% rule: how much of its typical life is used up, and how the repair compares to a new one. For appliance repair techs and the homeowners they serve.
Free, no sign-up. Runs in your browser; nothing you type is stored unless you choose to email yourself the results.
Loading calculator…
Email me these results. We'll send your numbers, plus how to turn this calculator into a lead magnet on your own website.
Three steps, about a minute
Step 1
Pick the Appliance from the list, which sets its typical lifespan, then enter its Current age.
Step 2
Fill in the Repair cost from your quote and the Price of a new one for a comparable model.
Step 3
Use Life used, Repair vs. new price and the Rule-of-thumb verdict to guide the decision.
How the repair or replace appliance calculator works
Life used = current age divided by the appliance's typical lifespan, shown as a percent and capped at 100%. Repair vs. new price = repair cost divided by the price of a new one, also as a percent. If both are 50% or more, the verdict reads 'Consider replacing'. If either is under 50%, it reads 'Repair is usually worth it'. In the default case, a 7-year-old refrigerator with a typical life of about 12 years is 58% through its life, but a $350 repair on a $1,200 fridge is only 29% of new, so repair wins. The lifespans in the list are approximate, and real life varies with brand, use and maintenance. Energy use, parts availability and the customer's plans still matter.
| Appliance | Refrigerator (~12 yrs) |
|---|---|
| Current age | 7 years |
| Repair cost | $350 |
| Price of a new one | $1,200 |
| Life used | 58% |
|---|---|
| Repair vs. new price | 29% |
| Rule-of-thumb verdict | Repair is usually worth it |
The 50% rule: if the appliance is past half its typical life and the repair costs more than half a new one, replacing often makes more sense. Lifespans are approximate.
Using the numbers like a pro: tips for appliance repair companies
Walk the customer through both percentages during the diagnosis visit. A clear rule makes your recommendation feel fair, and a fair recommendation is what earns the next call, even when it means no repair today.
Charge a diagnostic fee and credit it toward the repair if the customer goes ahead. That way the visit pays even when the right answer is to replace the unit.
Keep a price list for common repairs on each appliance type so you can give the repair cost on the spot. A fast number makes this comparison easy and keeps the customer from shopping the job.
Put a calculator like this on your own website
People search 'repair or replace' the moment an appliance quits. A calculator on your site meets them at that decision, and a button to book a diagnostic visit right under the verdict turns the answer into a service call. Ask for the appliance type, brand and age on the form so your tech has a better idea of what to bring. We can wire one into the booking system you already use.
Get a free audit of your marketing
Website, Google Business Profile and a Google Maps rank scan across your area. Plain English, no obligation.
Repair or Replace Appliance Calculator questions
What is the 50% rule for appliance repair?
The 50% rule says to consider replacing an appliance when it is past half of its typical lifespan and the repair costs more than half the price of a new one. If either condition is not met, repairing usually makes more sense. It is a rule of thumb, so energy efficiency, parts availability and overall condition still matter.
How long do major appliances usually last?
Rough typical lifespans: dishwashers around 9 years, washers around 11, refrigerators and dryers around 12, and ranges or ovens around 14. These are approximate and vary by brand, model, usage and maintenance. A well-kept appliance can run longer, while heavy use or skipped maintenance shortens its life.
Is it worth repairing a 10-year-old refrigerator?
The answer turns on the repair cost. A 10-year-old refrigerator is past half of a typical 12-year life, so under the 50% rule the deciding factor becomes cost. If the repair is under half the price of a comparable new fridge, fixing it is usually reasonable. If it is more, replacing often makes more sense. Also weigh energy use and whether parts are still available.
Keep going: related tools
AC Size Calculator
How many BTUs and tons does a space need to stay cool? This estimator turns square footage, climate, ceiling height and sun into a cooling load and a system size, for HVAC contractors and homeowners comparing replacement bids.
Use it freeDripping Faucet Water Waste Calculator
A slow drip looks harmless.
Use it freeCircuit Load Calculator
Enter total watts, voltage and breaker size to see amp draw, breaker capacity used and whether a circuit stays under the 80% continuous load guideline.
Use it freeSolar System Size Calculator
Start a solar proposal from a single number on the electric bill.
Use it freeAttic Insulation Calculator
Find out how many inches of insulation an attic needs to reach a target R-value, based on what is already up there and the material you plan to add.
Use it freeLead Value Calculator
Find out what extra leads from marketing are worth in booked jobs and revenue, per month and per year.
Use it free