How old is too old to repair?

There is no fixed age. A modest repair on a sound appliance is usually worth it even later in life.

Is a new appliance more efficient?

Often, especially refrigerators and washers. Efficiency gains can tip the decision on very old units.

Do you sell appliances?

We repair and install. If you replace, we can install the new unit and haul the old one away.

Is a built-in refrigerator worth repairing?

Almost always. Built-ins are designed for repair and cost far more to replace.

What if two things are failing at once?

That is a common sign to consider replacement, and we tell you when we see it.

Repair or Replace an Appliance? A Jacksonville Guide

Quick answer

Repair an appliance when the failed part is modest and the rest of the machine is sound; consider replacing when the repair approaches half the price of a comparable new unit, the appliance is near the end of its expected life, or it needs a second major repair soon after the first.

Start with what actually failed

A dryer that needs a belt and a dryer that needs a motor and a drum bearing are different decisions, even if they are the same age. The first is a small repair on a machine that still has years in it. The second may be the start of a run of repairs. That is why a real diagnosis matters before deciding anything.

When we diagnose, we tell you the failed part, the price to fix it and anything else we noticed that is wearing out. That last part matters: a washer with a failed pump and worn bearings is a different proposition from one with only a failed pump.

Typical lifespans to keep in mind

Lifespans vary by brand, model and use, but rough ranges help. Refrigerators commonly last 10 to 15 years, washers and dryers around 10 to 13, dishwashers about 9 to 12, ranges and ovens often 13 to 15 or longer, and tank water heaters about 8 to 12.

An appliance in the first half of its life is almost always worth a reasonable repair. One past its expected life still may be, if the repair is small and the rest of the machine is in good shape.

Worn washer drain pump beside an open front-load washer

The half-the-price rule of thumb

A widely used rule is to replace when a repair would cost more than about half the price of a comparable new appliance, especially once the appliance is past the middle of its life. It is a starting point, not a law.

It works well for standard appliances. It works poorly for built-in and high-end ones, which cost far more to replace and are designed to be repaired many times over.

Not sure which way to go? Call. We diagnose and give you the repair price so you can compare.

Call (904) 907-8788

Failures that usually tip it toward replacing

A compressor or sealed-system failure on an older standard refrigerator, a cracked dishwasher tub, a rusted-through water heater tank, worn bearings on an older budget front-loader and a failed main control board on an appliance whose board is no longer made are the common ones.

On the other side, belts, pumps, valves, switches, igniters, elements, fans, door locks and relays are almost always worth repairing.

Do not forget the install side

Replacing an appliance is not only the purchase price. Refrigerators need a working water line and a fit in the opening; wall ovens must match the cutout; dishwashers and gas ranges need new connections. In older Jacksonville homes, a new appliance sometimes means cabinet or connection work that a repair would have avoided.

If you need a hand