Repair or Replace? A Practical Guide for DC-Area Homeowners

The 50% rule is the simplest way to decide whether to repair or replace a broken appliance. If the repair costs more than half the price of a new replacement, and the appliance is past two-thirds of its expected lifespan, replacement usually wins.

This guide gives you the numbers you need to make that decision confidently.

The 50% Rule Explained

Here's how it works:

1. Get a repair quote. 2. Look up the cost of a comparable new appliance. 3. If the repair is more than 50% of replacement cost AND the appliance is more than 66% through its expected lifespan, replacement makes more sense.

In this case, it's borderline. If the fridge is otherwise in good shape, repair makes sense. If it's already had multiple repairs or has other issues, replacement is the better investment.

Appliance Lifespan Reference

Use this table to see where your appliance falls in its expected life:

These are averages. Quality, usage patterns, and maintenance all affect how long an appliance lasts.

When Repair Makes Sense

Lean toward repair when:

The appliance is under 5 years old. Modern appliances should last at least a decade. A failure in year 3 or 4 is often a single component issue worth fixing.

The repair is a single component failure. A burnt heating element, a failed door latch, a worn belt. These are straightforward repairs with predictable outcomes.

The repair is well under 50% of replacement cost. A $150 repair on a $1,500 appliance is almost always worth it.

The appliance is a premium brand. Sub-Zero, Viking, Wolf, Miele, and Thermador appliances cost 2-4x as much as standard brands and are built to last longer. A $500 repair on a $6,000 Sub-Zero is different math than a $500 repair on a $1,200 Samsung.

You like the appliance. Sometimes the current model fits your kitchen, your workflow, or your preferences better than what's available new.

When Replacement Makes Sense

Lean toward replacement when:

The appliance is past its expected lifespan and facing a major repair. A 14-year-old refrigerator needing a $600 compressor has already lived a full life.

You've had multiple repairs already. If this is the third repair in two years, the appliance is telling you something.

The repair is more than 50% of replacement cost and the appliance is more than 66% through its lifespan. This is the core 50% rule.

Energy efficiency matters to you. A new refrigerator might use 30-40% less energy than a 15-year-old model. Over time, the energy savings add up.

Parts are hard to find. Some older appliances have discontinued parts. If the part requires weeks of searching or aftermarket alternatives, that's a sign.

The Hidden Cost of Waiting

Sometimes the repair/replace decision isn't just about the appliance. Consider these secondary costs:

Food spoilage. A dead refrigerator can mean $200-$500 in lost food. Every day of delay adds up.

Water damage. A leaking washer or dishwasher can cause thousands in floor and subfloor damage if not addressed quickly.

Fire risk. A dryer with a failed thermostat or a stove with electrical issues can be a safety hazard. Don't delay these repairs.

Inconvenience. No washer means trips to the laundromat. No dishwasher means hand-washing. These have real costs in time and frustration.

When weighing repair vs replace, factor in how long you'll be without the appliance if you wait for a new one to be delivered vs getting a same-day repair.

Premium Brands: A Different Math

Premium appliances like Sub-Zero refrigerators, Wolf ranges, Viking cooktops, and Miele dishwashers are built to different standards than mass-market brands.

The repair calculus changes. A $700 repair on a $12,000 Sub-Zero with 15 years of expected life remaining is a very different decision than the same repair on a $1,200 Samsung.

For premium brands, repair almost always wins unless the unit is approaching 20+ years or has had multiple major failures.

How MGM Helps You Decide

At every diagnostic visit, we give you an honest assessment. Not just what's wrong, but whether fixing it makes sense.

Here's what we tell you:

We don't make money if you replace the appliance. We make money if you repair. Despite that, we regularly tell people "this one isn't worth fixing." That's just honest business.

Quick Decision Framework

Not sure where you land? Walk through these three questions:

That's it. Three questions, clear answer.

Want an Honest Second Opinion?

If you're stuck on repair vs replace, call MGM. For $98, you get a full diagnostic, a written repair quote, and an honest recommendation.

No pressure. No upsell. Just a straight answer from a tech who's seen thousands of appliances and knows which ones are worth fixing.

Call (240) 367-3475 or book online. Same-day service across DC, Maryland, and Virginia.