It is good practice to evaluate the refrigerator repair cost and compare it to the cost of a replacement when an appliance is on the fritz. While a repair is often the most cost-effective way to get the appliance up and running, in many cases, a replacement also makes sense.

 

Keep reading to learn more about the cost of common repairs and when to repair or replace them.

 

How much does it cost to repair appliances?

Technology is changing at a rapid pace, and due to smart technology, things we used to maintain for 15 or 20 years are being replaced earlier. Due to more energy-efficient brands coming to the market, new technology should be a portion of your repair or replacement analysis for any appliance.

 

The good news about having to replace any device is that, in general, new models are more energy-efficient and are used 24/7. You will therefore save money on energy that could immediately begin to pay for your new appliance.

 

For most appliance repairs, the average cost is $175, and the typical range is from $50-$500. Three common components influence how much you pay for labor, service fees, and parts.

 

Although repair technicians usually charge $50-$150 per hour, it takes less than one hour to repair most small appliances. You will therefore pay their minimum service fee most often.

 

Cost Factors for Repair or Replacement

Obviously, if repairing an appliance is more costly than replacing it (unless there is some sentimental value), then replacement is a no-brainer. It is quite likely that the new device will be more energy-efficient and cost less to operate. It is not always that cut-and-dried, however.

 

It may be difficult in some cases to find a replacement unit that fits a custom opening. For built-in ovens, ranges, and refrigerators that do not conform to a standard size, this is particularly true. In these cases, to avoid expensive repairs and renovation to the surrounding decor, repair makes a lot of sense.

 

If the cost of repair is less than the cost of replacement, considering a fix when the price is less than half the cost of a new unit is a good rule of thumb.

 

In any case, prior to moving forward, making a decision will require an estimate of the repair cost.

 

Cost of Common Appliance Repair

Although there are many appliances in the average home, and any of which might require repair, we’ll take a look at some of the more frequent and expensive repairs.

 

Fridge-Freezers

Freezers with built-in fridges are almost always cheaper to repair than to replace. Finding another of the same size is often difficult, so replacement may require repairs to surrounding walls, floors, and ceilings.

 

Consumer Reports suggest that a refrigerator should be replaced if the repair price is more than half the price of a new refrigerator, or if the unit is more than ten years old.

 

It may be less costly to replace a side-by-side refrigerator-freezer than to repair it after eight years and those with a freezer on the bottom, after seven years, despite what Consumer Reports suggests.

 

As new models are much more energy-efficient, refrigerator-freezers with a top freezer are also economically better replaced after seven years. Homeowners should still, however, compare the cost of repair versus replacement.

 

$230-$300 is the average repair price range. Although the actual price will rely on the required repair, the brand, and the cost of local labor. You may have a defective compressor if you hear clicking buzzing or humming noises or the refrigerator is not cooling. Generally, these parts are $20-$200.

 

The most common repairs are for automatic ice makers and the repair costs are between $200 and $350.

 

Freezers

The evaporator fan motors are the most frequent problems with freezers. Typically, those repairs cost $200-$250. In general, freezers last much longer than refrigerators because the door is opened fewer times than a refrigerator; it stays colder longer, therefore.

 

Food Disposals or Dishwashers

For dishwasher repairs, the average price is $160, and for food disposal, $150. The reason for this is that almost all of them charge a minimum fee for service. Prior to your service call, be sure to check the circuit breaker. You don’t want to pay $150-$160 for someone to come and flip a switch.

 

In some instances, you may have a bigger plumbing problem when a dishwasher is not working, and you may need to hire a plumber. For details, check our plumbing cost guide, but the typical price per hour is $ 50- $ 150.

 

Washing Machine

The faster your washing machine gets fixed, the cheaper it will be. Trips to the laundromat and lots of quarters are likely to require procrastinating on repairs.

 

Based on what went wrong, repairs usually cost between $125 and $250. A typical service call fee is $50-$150, so even the service call, the belt, and labor will cost something as trivial as replacing a belt.

 

Dryer

Repairs run between $150 and $350 for an electric dryer, but gas dryers will cost $50-$100 more. As you paid much less to run it than the homeowner with an electric dryer, you should not worry about the additional cost of repairing a gas dryer. Igniters, gas valves, flame sensors, and thermal fuses are gas dryer parts that frequently break.

 

For a professional replacement, electric dryer belts cost about $200. Ask the repair staff about using pre-owned parts when your budget is tight, especially for older models that you plan to replace in a year or two.

 

Electric/Gas Range

During the time you own it, you could come across any number of problems with a range. Typically, the oven doesn’t heat up, a burner is out, a gauge stops working, or it gets too hot, the door won’t open/close.

 

Many of these problems are easily diagnosed and fixed, so usually you will end up paying only the service fee and parts. The average repair is $100-$200, depending on the broken or damaged part, a gas grill, range and oven, or electric cooktop.

 

Oven Built-in

It is often difficult to replace built-in ovens because the opening in the cabinet is made specifically for the current unit, requiring the replacement of the cabinet in many cases.

 

When they require removing the unit from the cabinet, repairs are more challenging. The average repair expense is $100-$200.

 

Heating elements, gaskets, and the door are the most prevalent parts that need to be replaced.

 

Water Heater

Another common home appliance that has a specific repair cost guide is water heaters. Although the national average for repairing water heaters is $500, that’s far less than the average cost of replacing water heaters of $1,100.

 

Getting Estimates on Repair

Whenever you have an appliance problem, first check the obvious: Is there power? Check the power cord, circuit breaker, shut-down of the water, etc. Check the warranty when you know it is the device. The repair could be free if your appliance is still under regular or extended warranty.

 

If you’ve decided to repair the unit, then by asking the manufacturer, asking your network for referrals, or making an internet for highly reviewed technicians in your area, you can often find appliance repair technicians.

 

All pricing information on this page is based on average industry costs, and for project-specific materials, labor rates, and requirements it is subject to variance.

 

This article is paraphrased. Original source: inchcalculator.com