Appliance repair costs $150–$400 on average in the US, including a diagnostic fee of $50–$100 that's typically applied toward the repair. Refrigerator repairs average $200–$500, washer repairs $150–$400, and oven repairs $100–$400. The general rule: if the repair costs more than 50% of a new appliance and the unit is past half its expected lifespan, replacement is usually the better investment.
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Average appliance repair costs[1,2,3]
| Appliance | Typical repair cost (USD) | Expected lifespan |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | $200–$500 | 10–18 years |
| Washer | $150–$400 | 10–14 years |
| Dryer | $100–$400 | 10–13 years |
| Dishwasher | $150–$350 | 9–12 years |
| Oven/Range | $100–$400 | 13–20 years |
| Microwave | $75–$200 | 7–10 years |
| Garbage disposal | $100–$250 | 8–15 years |
What affects the cost?
- Appliance type — refrigerators and washers cost more to repair due to complex parts
- Part costs — a refrigerator compressor ($300–$600) costs far more than a dryer heating element ($40–$80)
- Brand — premium brands (Sub-Zero, Miele, Thermador) have more expensive parts and may require authorized technicians
- Diagnostic fee — $50–$100 just to diagnose; most companies apply this toward the repair
- Warranty status — manufacturer warranties (1–5 years) cover parts and labor at no cost
- Age of appliance — older units have harder-to-find parts, increasing cost
Costs by country
Appliance repair costs in the United States
US homeowners pay $150–$400 for most appliance repairs. A service call including diagnosis runs $50–$100. The most common repairs are refrigerator thermostat/fan motor ($150–$300), washer pump replacement ($150–$350), dryer heating element ($100–$250), and dishwasher pump/motor ($150–$350). Compressor replacement ($300–$600 parts + $200–$400 labor) is the most expensive common repair — often not worth it for fridges over 10 years old.
The 50% rule: if the repair costs more than 50% of a new appliance and it's past half its expected lifespan, replace it. Always check the warranty first — many manufacturers offer 5–10 year compressor and motor warranties.
Repair vs. replace: when to decide
- Repair if: the cost is under 50% of a new unit AND the appliance is less than halfway through its expected lifespan
- Replace if: the repair costs 50%+ of new AND it's past half its lifespan, or if it's had multiple repairs in the past year
- Always replace: appliances with refrigerant leaks (R-12 or R-22 — banned), rusty tubs in washers, or cracked oven interiors
- Check energy savings — a new ENERGY STAR washer uses 25% less energy and 33% less water than models made 10+ years ago
Learn about the trade
How to become an appliance repair technician: EPA Section 608 certification, manufacturer training, salary expectations, and career paths in the US, Poland, and the Netherlands.
How to become a appliance repair technician