Deciding whether to replace or repair an appliance is an annoyance at best; an anxiety attack at worst. You have to walk the tightrope between cost and practicality. Repairing can save money, but if the appliance is old enough to remember when MTV actually played music, it might be time for retirement. On the other hand, replace too soon, and you might be wasting money by tossing out an appliance that just needed a tune up. Let’s walk through the pros and cons of each, and how to determine whether it’s time to repair or replace.

When should each appliance be repaired?

You should consider a repair if:

• The appliance has not yet reached its lifespan

• You haven’t already had to repair it several times 

Or, apply the 50-50 rule. If the appliance has reached 50% of its lifespan and the cost to repair is 50% more than a replacement, then it may be time to start fresh. Newer appliances may be less expensive to repair than an older model, because the necessary parts are readily available. 

Before you do any repairs, contact your manufacturer to see what repairing services they offer, and check your warranty. 

Refrigerator/Freezer 

On average, expect to pay between $200 to $300, but prices could climb to $1000 depending on how severe the problem is. If you know what part of the appliance is giving you trouble, you can zero in on what the cost might be. The most common issues with refrigerators are insufficient cooling, the ice maker not working, leaking, and noise. Refrigerator repairs tend to peak in July when the weather is hot. If your fridge is giving you trouble in April, don’t wait until you can cook an egg on the pavement to get it repaired. 

Part	Average Cost
Coils	$100 – $440
Compressor	$200 – $450
Control Board	$80 – $800
Defrost Motor	$100 – $440
Door Seal	~ $50
Drip Pan	$20 – $40
Ice Maker	$60 – $330
Thermostat	$100 – $440

Microwave

Compared to your fridge, microwaves cost a lot less to replace. On average, repairs will come in at around $175. Most people end up spending between $100 and $200 on labor and parts. 

Weigh the cost of the repair against the quality and lifespan of your microwave: if it’s still relatively new, and the cost of parts and labor won’t set you back too much, then consider a repair. If the cost of parts and labor exceed the cost to replace, then fling the current microwave out your window and start over.

Repair Type	Average Cost
Magnetron Replacement	$100 – $200
Diode Replacement	$55 – $130
Microwave Fuse Replacement	$75 – $200
Microwave Fan Repair	$75 – $200
Touch Panel Repair or Replacement	$100 – $300
Transformer Repair	$100 – $200
Door Switch Repair	$50 – $100
Microwave Filter Replacement	$50 – $125
Microwave Door Glass Replacement	$150 – $400
Glass Plate Replacement	$50 – $230
Door Replacement	$200 – $500

Stovetop Oven  

It will cost you anywhere between $100 and $600 to repair your oven, although the average cost sits around $220. Price depends on the type of oven you have, and the issue you’re addressing. If you notice that it’s taking longer than usual for your oven to heat up, it may be time for a fix.

Part	Average Cost
Thermostat	$150
Oven Door	$175
Oven Paint	$175
Igniter	$200
Control Board	$225
Heating Element	$275
Oven Door Glass	$200
Door Switch	$150
Gas Valve	$150
Sensor	$175
Fan Motor	$190
Insulation	$300
Thermal Fuse	$200

Dishwasher

It usually costs between $160 and $300 to repair a dishwasher. The age of your dishwasher will impact cost. Same with what parts need to be fixed: replacing a pump can cost around $150 – $350, but a motor will make a $400 – $600 dent in your wallet.

Repair Type	Average Cost
Pump Replacement	$150 – $350
Motor Replacement	$400 – $600
Heating Element Replacement	$150 – $250
Filter Replacement	$50 – $100
Sprayer Arm Replacement	$75 – $100
Rubber Gasket Replacement	$50 – $100
Door Latch Replacement	$150 – $250
Water Inlet Valve	$80 – $125

When should each appliance be replaced?

If your appliance has reached its lifespan or it’s no longer cost-efficient to repair, then it’s time to look for a replacement. Keep in mind, some broken appliances are a nuisance — others can be dangerous. A broken microwave sucks, but an oven with old or faulty wiring is a fire hazard. Saving money is great, but don’t prioritize a few extra bucks over your own safety. 

Refrigerator/Freezer

Lifespan: 10-12 years

Warning signs: Your fridge will make it pretty obvious that it needs to be replaced. Food will either spoil quickly, or take too long to defrost, meaning it's having trouble maintaining the necessary temperature. If the back of your fridge feels warm, the coils might be in trouble. Once your refrigerator hits the 10-year mark, keep a look out for any indication of appliance failure. 

Microwave Oven

Lifespan: 10-12 years

Warning signs: If food isn’t heating up correctly or the microwave is shooting out sparks like it’s the 4th of July, then it’s time to toss it. Even though it’s not a safety issue, a broken control panel is pretty critical to actually using the microwave, given that we can’t tell it to heat up popcorn using telepathy. 

Stovetop Oven/Cooking Ranges

Lifespan: 10-15 years

Warning signs: Taking too long to heat up is a yellow flag. A gas stove that doesn’t turn on, an electric stove with cracked glass, and anything with faulty wiring is a fire hazard. 

Dishwasher 

Lifespan: 10-13 years

Warning signs: Not having to wash dishes is right up there with the Polio vaccine as one of the greatest breakthroughs in the 21st century. If your dishwasher makes a lot of noise, leaks, or requires a “pre-wash” in order to remove all traces of midnight snacks, then it’s likely time to replace. 

What is the benefit to replacing all of your appliances at the same time?

There are advantages to going rogue and replacing everything at once. If you were already planning on getting one or two new appliances, a kitchen package bundles everything and costs far less than if you were to buy each item piece-meal.

It also streamlines the shopping experience. You don’t have to go blind reading product descriptions of everything offered at Lowes. Think of a kitchen package like a personal shopper. You tell them what you need, and they come back with solutions.  

Replacing everything at once also creates a cohesive look and feel. You can choose finishes, knobs, and sheen color to complement your kitchen design. And, it can be easier to finance. You’ll have one price to budget and pay for, not several from varying retailers. 

It might not be the solution for everyone, but if you want a complete kitchen makeover or you have several appliances that are likely to burn out in the next couple years, consider replacing everything at once. 

Replace Your Appliances with Hisense!

When it comes to quality, longevity, and appearance, Hisense can’t be beat. Shop our full lineup of kitchen appliances and take comfort in knowing that our 2-Year Full Warranty has got you covered.