This calculator gives estimates for education and planning. It is not investment, tax or legal advice; for decisions about your own situation, talk to a qualified financial professional.
When a washer, a fridge or a furnace breaks, the choice between repairing it and buying new is often made in a hurry. This calculator gives you a quick, rational answer by comparing the repair quote with the value of the life the appliance still has left.
The value of the remaining life
An appliance loses value as it ages. If a new one costs $800 and lasts about 13 years, each year of life is worth about $61.54. An 8-year-old machine has about 5 years left, worth 5 × $61.54 ≈ $308. A $300 repair costs less than that, so repairing makes sense: you pay $60 per remaining year, against $61.54 per year for a new machine.
If the repair cost more than $308, buying new would give you more years for your money.
The 50% rule
A popular shortcut says: replace when the repair costs more than half the price of a new appliance, especially when the appliance is past half its expected life. In the example, the repair is 37.5% of the new price, below the threshold, even though 62% of the lifespan is used. The calculator shows both figures so you can use whichever rule you prefer.
Typical lifespans
These are rough averages; quality and use make a big difference:
- Dishwasher: about 9 to 10 years.
- Washer and dryer: about 10 to 13 years.
- Refrigerator: about 10 to 15 years.
- Range or oven: about 13 to 15 years.
- Furnace: about 15 to 20 years; central air: about 12 to 15 years.
- Water heater: about 8 to 12 years for a tank model.
Other things to weigh
- Energy use: a new, efficient fridge, washer or furnace can save money every month, which favors replacing very old units.
- Reliability: if this is the second big repair in a short time, more may follow.
- Warranty: check whether the repair or the appliance is still covered.
- Parts: parts for older models can become hard to find.
- Waste: repairing keeps a working machine out of the landfill.
Ask for a written quote that includes the diagnostic fee, parts and labor before you decide.