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Repair or Replace? How to Decide on an Older Appliance

By ZR Master Appliance Repair & HVAC · Oct 27, 2026

It is one of the most common questions our technicians hear. Here is a practical way to decide.

The 50% rule

If the appliance is more than halfway through its expected life and the repair costs more than half the price of a comparable new one, replacement is usually the better value.

Typical lifespans

  • Refrigerator: 10–15 years
  • Washer and dryer: 10–13 years
  • Dishwasher: 9–12 years
  • Range / oven: 13–15 years
  • Microwave: about 9 years

Premium appliances are different

Built-in refrigerators and pro-style ranges cost far more to replace and are built to be repaired. Repair is often the right choice even for older units.

Think about installation

Built-in units may require cabinet changes if replaced with a different size.

Get a diagnosis first

A proper diagnostic tells you exactly what is wrong and what it will cost, so you can decide with real numbers.

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