Broad planning ranges
RefrigeratorAbout 10–15 years
DishwasherAbout 8–12 years
WasherAbout 8–12 years
DryerAbout 10–15 years
RangeAbout 10–15 years
These are broad planning ranges, not guarantees. A specific appliance can fail earlier or remain useful longer.
SPOT'S QUICK WIN
Age is only one input. One isolated failure on a well-kept appliance can be very different from repeated failures on a damaged machine.
What changes the repair decision?
- Complete repair cost: diagnosis, parts and labor.
- Overall condition: rust, leaks, cabinet damage and repeated symptoms.
- Parts and service: availability can affect downtime and value.
- Replacement cost: include delivery, installation and required accessories.
- Household fit: capacity, accessibility and daily-use needs.
Repair tends to make more sense when
The appliance is reasonably early in its service life, the failure is isolated, the rest of the machine is in good condition, and the completed repair is comfortably below the cost of a suitable installed replacement.
Replacement becomes more compelling when
Failures are repeating, major systems or the cabinet are deteriorating, parts are unavailable, or a replacement would solve a real capacity, fit, accessibility or efficiency problem.
THE BEST FIRST NUMBERA real diagnosis is more useful than an online repair-price average because model, failure, access and parts vary.