Do I Fix My Old Appliance or Replace It?

We've all been there. Your trusty old fridge is humming louder than your kid’s garage band, or your dryer has decided damp clothes are the new trend. You’re standing there and asking yourself the big question: "Should I fix my old appliance, or is it time to buy a new one?" It's a tricky call, but don't sweat it. Here's how to make the right choice for you (and your wallet!)

Should I Repair or Replace My Appliance?

There's pride in keeping an appliance running for decades. A fridge from 1980 might technically work, but it probably uses a ton of electricity. However, appliances have evolved dramatically. New models are energy-efficient, feature-packed, and designed to save money.

Benefits of replacing your old appliance:

✅ Lower Energy Bills: Save money each month with energy-efficient technology.

✅ Enhanced Performance: Modern appliances work better and faster—no more lukewarm dishes or damp laundry.

✅ Advanced Features: Enjoy smart technology, quieter operations, and user-friendly controls.

✅ Fewer Repairs: New appliances come with warranties, giving you peace of mind and fewer surprise expenses.

✅ Boosted Home Value: Updated appliances make your home more attractive to potential buyers.

How to Decide If You Should Fix or Replace an Appliance

Here's a straightforward guide:

• Repair Costs: If fixing your appliance costs over 50% of a new one's price, replacing it is smarter.

• Age: Refrigerators and dishwashers typically last about 12-15 years; washers and dryers around 10-13 years.

• Energy Efficiency: Older appliances could cost hundreds extra per year in electricity bills.

Example: Your 20-year-old dishwasher breaks down. Repairs might seem tempting, but modern dishwashers, like the Bosch 800 Series Dishwasher in Brushed Black (Model: SHP78CM4N). This energy-efficient dishwasher is quiet, cleans dishes better, and uses less water and electricity.

Average Lifespan of Household Appliances

Knowing the lifespan helps decide repair vs. replacement:

• Refrigerators: 12-15 years

• Dishwashers: 10-12 years

• Ovens and ranges: 10-15 years

• Washers and Dryers: 10-13 years

Repairing vs. Replacing Common Household Appliances

Here's a quick appliance-by-appliance guide:

✔️ Refrigerators: Simple fixes like replacing door seals and cleaning coils might help. Frequent breakdowns or higher energy bills? Consider replacement.

✔️ Dishwashers: Repair if younger than 8 years. Older dishwashers with recurring issues should be replaced for efficiency and convenience.

✔️ Ovens and Ranges: Uneven heating might just require recalibration. Consistent issues in older ovens mean it's time for an upgrade.

✔️ Washers & Dryers: Older machines frequently break and cost more to run. Upgrading to high-efficiency washers and dryers with larger capacities and smarter cycles will save you money and time on laundry day.

Appliance Upgrade Tips

Ready to swap out your old appliance but feeling overwhelmed by choices? We've got you covered! Here's a straightforward guide to what you should consider upgrading to based on today's best features and styles:

Upgrading Refrigerators:
Consider a French-door refrigerator for stylish, easy access, maximum storage, and excellent energy efficiency. Bonus points if it has adjustable shelves, humidity-controlled crispers, and smart technology that lets you peek inside from your smartphone.

Upgrading Dishwashers:
Upgrade to a built-in dishwasher with fingerprint-resistant finishes and quiet operation. Look for models with adjustable racks, soil-sensor technology, and ultra-efficient cycles to clean dishes spotlessly while saving water.

Upgrading Ovens and Ranges:
Go for a double-wall oven or an induction range. Double-wall ovens let you multitask effortlessly (hello, holiday dinners!), while induction ranges deliver precise temperature control, faster cooking, and energy savings. Check out the Thermador 30'' Professional Double Wall Oven (Model: POD302LW)---it is ergonomically designed with side opening doors.

Upgrading Washers:
Front-load washers with steam cleaning and sanitization cycles are a dream come true. They handle bulky loads effortlessly, reduce water usage, and give clothes a gentle yet thorough clean, keeping fabrics fresh longer. Consider a new washer like the Electrolux Front Load Perfect Steam™ Washer (Model: ELFW7437AG).

Upgrading Dryers:
Choose electric dryers (or gas, depending on your laundry room hookups) with moisture-sensing technology, specialized drying cycles like sanitizing and wrinkle control, and options specifically designed to remove pet hair. You'll save energy and get perfectly dried clothes every time. 

Does Replacing Appliances Increase Home Value?

Absolutely, and it’s one of the smartest upgrades you can make before selling your home! Think of new appliances as your home's "wow factor"—they grab attention, boost desirability, and make buyers imagine themselves living stress-free.

Here's why upgrading appliances is a game-changer for your home's value:

• Buyers Love Move-In Ready Homes: Modern, stylish appliances instantly signal that your home is updated and well-maintained.

• Energy Efficiency = Money in the Bank: Energy-efficient models scream savings to potential buyers. Who doesn’t love smaller utility bills?

• Competitive Edge: In today's market, a sparkling new kitchen or sleek laundry room makes your listing stand out against the competition.

• Boosts Perceived Value: Buyers often equate updated appliances with overall home quality, potentially driving higher offers.

• Faster Sales: Homes with upgraded appliances generally spend less time on the market because buyers don’t have to budget for immediate replacements.

Ready to Upgrade? Visit Mountain High Appliance

Deciding whether to repair or replace comes down to costs and convenience. Frequent repairs and high operating costs often make replacement the smarter, more economical choice.

Ready to upgrade your appliances and start saving money? Explore Mountain High Appliance’s extensive range of refrigerators, cooking ranges, outdoor grills, and more at one of our appliance showrooms in Colorado! Our friendly team is ready to help you make the best choice with helpful advice. Contact us now for online assistance!

Related readings from our blog:

• 8 Common Kitchen Appliance Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

• Tips for Buying Luxury Appliances on a Budget

• How to Avoid Kitchen Design Disaster

FAQ: Repairing vs. Replacing Appliances

1. Should I repair or replace my 12-year-old refrigerator?

If repairs cost over half the price of a new fridge or it breaks down often, replacement is typically more cost-effective.

2. How often should you replace household appliances? 

Every 10-15 years on average, depending on use and maintenance.

3. Do more expensive appliances last longer? 

Generally, yes. Higher-quality appliances typically use better materials, leading to longer lifespans.

4. Does homeowners insurance cover replacement costs?

It depends on your policy. Some plans cover sudden damage but not normal wear and tear.

5. How much repair cost is too much?

If a repair costs more than 50% of a new appliance, it’s usually better to replace it.