Is it Better to Repair or Replace Appliances?| Don's Appliances | Pittsburgh, PA (2024)

At a Glance:

Should I Repair or Replace It?

Refrigerator Repairs

Range Repairs

Cooktop Repairs

Wall Oven Repairs

Dishwasher Repairs

Washer Repairs

Dryer Repairs

FAQs

Why Trust Us?

If you have an appliance that is not functioning properly, sometimes it's hard to know if you should repair or replace. If you decide to repair it, then can you do it yourself? Should you call a professional? If you have been looking to get an appliance repaired or even called local repair companies, you might be asking “Why are appliance repairs so expensive?”

When you choose to repair your appliance, you can expect to pay an hourly labor cost plus pay for the repair part if one is needed. Most of the time, repairmen charge between $75-$100 an hour, except for emergency repairs, which could cost up to $200 an hour, so depending on the time it takes to repair and the cost of the replacement part/parts, it's no wonder why repair bills can be quite hefty.

Many different factors go into whether you should repair or replace a new appliance, so let’s discuss the ins and outs to help you make the right decision, including common appliance problems, kitchen appliance repairs, when to try and fix appliances yourself, and when to replace appliances.

Should I Repair or Replace It?

Generally, homeowners should go by the “fifty percent rule”, which simply means that if your appliance is more than 50% of its lifespan, or the appliance repair is going to cost more than 50% of what replacing the appliance would be, then going ahead and replacing the appliance is usually the more cost-effective decision. Other factors to consider include:

• The severity of the damage (can it still function properly without a repair or replacement?)
• The availability of replacement parts
• The cost of replacement

Pros of Appliance Repair vs. Replace:

✅ Cost Savings: In a lot of cases, the repair of an appliance is cheaper than replacing the entire unit.

✅ Familiarity: Repairing your appliance means that you get to keep with the same unit you have been familiar with, instead of replacing and having to learn to operate a new appliance.

✅ Quality Parts: When you choose to get an appliance professionally repaired, you can trust that your appliance will be fixed with the best parts if you choose a professional appliance service.

Cons of Repair vs. Replace

✖ Cost: Sometimes, the cost of the repair could be as much or more than just replacing your appliance.

✖ Problem Continues: With some bad luck, or poor repair service, sometimes after you get an appliance repaired, it can still cause issues whether related or unrelated to the original issue, causing you to put more money into repairs, once again.

✖ Parts Availability: The pandemic was a clear demonstration of the struggle when appliance parts are unavailable. Sometimes, it can take weeks for parts to deliver, which many homeowners might not have the time to wait for.

What Appliances Need the Most Repair?

We know appliances bring convenience and functionality to everyday living, but when they break, they can throw quite a wrench in our days, especially if it's an appliance that we heavily rely on. Thankfully, a lot of things can be fixed after some quick appliance troubleshooting and appliance repair, but there are five main appliances that most commonly need the most repair, causing a hole to burn into our pockets. Let’s take a quick look at what those appliances are:

• Refrigerators
• Washers and Dryers
• Dishwashers
• Stoves/Ovens
• A/C Units

Which Appliances Cost the Most to Repair?

While most appliance repairs can cost you an average of $200 in repair services, oftentimes you will see yourself spending the most money to repair dishwashers, washers and dryers, and/or freezers/refrigerators.

Refrigerator Repairs

When it comes to repairing fridge setups, some easy repairs can most of the time be done at home, like an ice maker that isn’t working, a refrigerator creating puddles, or a fridge or freezer won’t cool. If you end up fixing refrigerator units yourself, make sure to follow professional DIY videos or instructions. When paying a professional to repair your fridge, expect to pay between $95-$650.

Common Problems That Require Professional Repair:

✔ Unusual noises

✔ Refrigerated food is freezing

✔ The fresh food compartment is getting warm

✔ The utility bill is higher than normal

Recommended Pick to Replace Your Fridge: Bosch 800 Series 20.5 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator

Shop This Bosch French Door Refrigerator

Replacing refrigerator units can be nerve-wracking, but not with this beautiful stainless-steel French door refrigerator by Bosch. With plenty of interior capacity and storage shelves/bins, this refrigerator will keep food fresh for longer.Plus, Bosch is known for its quality engineering, meaning this family-size refrigerator is designed to last busy households for years of use.

Additional Features

• SuperFreezing Function
• Extra-Deep Frozen Food Drawer
• EcoMode
• MultiAirFlow™

Featured Bosch B36CL80ENS review: “Ratings for so many refrigerators are pretty dismal so since we already have a Bosch dishwasher and love it we decided to try one of their refrigerators. If anyone had told me I would one day be in love with a refrigerator I would have thought they were crazy. I love everything about this refrigerator--beautifully designed both outside and inside. It's counter depth but is so well designed that we seem to have so much more room. Water dispensor on inside is genius. Ice maker speed is unbelieveable--we will never be able to use as much as it makes. We are Bosch customers for life.”

Range Repairs

Replacing stove setups can cost homeowners between $100-$430 when fixing stove models professionally. Consider the age and model of your range, or if any of the repairs could be done yourself, like a clouded oven door, broken burner, and other simple fixes.In many cases, the problem is either the oven or the cooktop, but it’s rare both have issues. If that’s the case, replacing with a better model might be worth the hassle of repairs that are likely to happen in the future.

Common Problems That Require Professional Repair:

✔ Unusual odor or noise

✔ Faulty gas burner

✔ Preheat is taking longer than usual

✔ The oven door is not shutting all the way

Recommended Pick to Replace Your Range: Café™ 30" Stainless Steel Slide-In Gas Range

Shop This Cafe Gas Range

Replace your current range with this beautiful number by Café. With a beautiful stainless-steel finish, and brushed stainless handles, you can make a bold new statement in your kitchen.It features many upgrades you won’t find on an average 30” range, including six burners instead of five and European convection—a unique baking technique that uses an extra fan for even more heat distribution. Wi-Fi integration means users can run this range wherever a smart device is, and the system regularly upgrades cooking modes, so this range grows with you on your cooking journey.

Additional Features

• No-Preheat Air Fry
• True convection
• Temperature probe
• Built-In Wi-Fi

Featured Cafe CGS700P2MS1 review: “I'll make it short and sweet. This range is worth every single penny. It cooks quickly and beautifully and has a high amount of range with the pilots. The oven roasts and bakes to perfection. The app is easy to learn and the product screams quality through and through.

Cooktop Repairs

Repairing a cooktop professionally could cost you between $100-$430, but there are some easy do-it-yourself repairs like simply replacing an electric element and so forth, but most of the time, a glass or gas cooktop should be repaired professionally.

Common Problems That Require Professional Repair:

✔ Coils won’t heat

✔ Cooktop won’t turn on

✔ Creates a spark when turned on

Recommended Pick to Replace Your Cooktop: LG 30" Stainless Steel Gas Cooktop

Shop This LG Cooktop

This beautiful gas cooktop by LG provides 30 inches of continuous heavy-duty cast iron grates that are perfect for keeping pots and pans steady and sturdy.Typically, cooktops have around 15,000 BTUs, but this model goes beyond the regular with 17,000 BTUs for faster boiling and serious sears.

Additional Features

• Powerful Superboil™
• Continuous heavy-duty cast iron grates
• 5 burners

Featured LG LCG3011ST review: “We are enjoying our new LG gas cooktop. It is a 5-burner unit with controls centered in front. This allows plenty of space for the burners and easy access to the controls. The cooktop is quite shallow and we were able to put in an additiona drawer below it (for flat utensils). The burners light quickly and burn smoothly and efficiently.”

Wall Oven Repairs

Fixing wall oven with a professional can cost between $100-$400, with the average cost coming in at $300. Easy DIY repairs like the door not unlocking and replacing the control thermostat can be done at home.

Common Problems That Require Professional Repair:

✔The oven is not at the temperature you set it to
✔Won’t heat/broil
✔The oven doesn’t work

Recommended Pick to Replace Your Wall-Oven: LG 30" Stainless Steel Single Electric Wall Oven

Shop This LG Wall Oven

Replacing oven setups is easy with this LG 30"electric wall oven. Choose from stainless or black stainless steel and enjoy features like true convection cooking and more.LG put a lot of work into this wall oven to ensure it lasts as long as possible, including its signature blue interior. The look is not only stunning, but its specially designed surface is easier to clean for easier cleanup without the use of harsh oven cleaners that can deteriorate the lining.

Additional Features

• EasyClean®
• Arched Handles
• Brilliant Blue Interior

Dishwasher Repairs

Fixing dishwasher centers can easily cost around $200, with the average price starting at around $160-$300. However, depending on the severity of the problem, repairing dishwasher issues can reach up to $600. Luckily, ma repairs can be a DIY project, like a clogged filter, or food or mineral build-up somewhere else in the appliance.

Common Problems That Require Professional Repair:

✔Your dishwasher is leaking
✔Not draining properly
✔The dishwashing machine is louder than usual
✔A dishwasher won’t turn on
✔The dishwasher tub doesn’t fill properly during operation

Recommended Pick to Replace Your Dishwasher: KitchenAid® 24" Stainless Steel with Printshield Built-In Dishwasher

Shop This KitchenAid Dishwasher

KitchenAid makes replacing dishwasher problems ease with models that are built to take on any dish you throw at it. From casseroles and wine glasses to pots or soiled plates, this PrintShield dishwasher can handle it all.Load with ease using the adjustable middle rack and third level utensil rack with 13 place settings.

Additional Features

• Prewash
• Rinse aid
• Control Lock

Featured KitchenAid KDFE204KPS review: “This KDFE204K has so many excellent new features, the additional 3red basket/tray for larger utensils, the bottom larger utensil basket is great. This unit has 39 decibel rating, it is so quiet, so don't hear it running. So happy with overall the overall purchase.”

Washer Repairs

Fixing washer issues through easy DIY videos for smelly or moldy drums, leveling the washer, and replacing control switches is easy enough, but if you do find yourself needing to call a repairman, expect to spend around $100-$650.

Common Problems That Require Professional Repair:

✔Loud thumping, bumping, scraping, or grinding
✔Undrained water in the drum after the cycle
✔The drum stops spinning
✔Leaking water
✔Won’t turn on

Recommended Pick to Replace Your Washer: GE® 4.8 Cu. Ft. White Smart Front Load Washer

Shop This GE Front Load Washer

Replace your current washer with this beautiful model by GE. The large 4.8 Cu. Ft. interior is a friend to any busy household that needs to wash large loads all the time. High-end features like Microban technology and Wi-Fi will make you forget those stressful laundry days.Best of all, with over 5,500 5-star reviews, this washer is sure to satisfy both in user experience and durability, so you can trust you won’t be dealing with washer issues.

Additional Features

• Dynamic Balancing Technology (dBT™)
• UltraFresh Vent System with OdorBlock
• Quick Wash Cycle

Featured GE GFW550SSNWW review: “It has so many features that we like. Wi-Fi , venting to help keep inside of washer dry after use. The microban gaskets and hoses are a plus also. Different wash cycles. But having it connected to our phone and Alexa is the best!”

Dryer Repairs

Professionally fixing dryer problems can run you anywhere from $100-$650. The most common types of problems that can be fixed at home are fixing a dryer door that won’t shut, the dryer isn’t properly drying clothes, or the dryer doesn’t rotate.

Common Problems That Require Professional Repair:

✔It runs but it doesn’t heat up
✔The dryer won’t turn on at all
✔Clothes are burning in the dryer
✔The dryer is moving around when a cycle is running

Recommended Pick to Replace Your Dryer: GE® 7.8 Cu. Ft. White Smart Front Load Electric Dryer

Shop This GE Dryer

Pair this beautiful dryer with our recommended GE washer for the perfect laundry day duo. Enjoy the large 7.8 Cu. Ft. interior capacity for all your drying needs, as well as convenient features like Quick Dry, PowerSteam, and more.Modern convenience is built into this smart dryer, from the four-way venting that allows homeowners to install this dryer in virtually any laundry room layout to the Wi-Fi compatibility for the power to start, stop, and monitor loads from a smart device.

Additional Features

• Reduce Static
• Sanitize Cycle
• Vent Sensor

Featured GE GFD65ESSNWW review: “This dryer does a good job of getting the clothes dry without roasting them. I have the setting on dry but could move it to more dry if I wanted. I really like the smart feature that sends an alert to my phone when the dryer will be done in 5 mins and again when it is done. I also like the wrinkle release steam options.”

If your DIY repairs haven’t worked, or you’re tired of constantly calling a repairman, then it's best if you part ways with that old appliance, and take the step toward better things with new appliances from Don’s. If you have to replace an old appliance, and are wondering how to save money on appliances, at Don’s, we have you covered with many different types of promotions, clearance items, appliance packages, and more. We also offer special financing, which allows our customers to leave with an appliance they are proud of.

With Buy Now, Pay Over Time options, our special financing makes it easy for consumers to finish much-needed home repairs, with no guilt. Shop in-stock appliances online or in-store, today!

FAQs

Is it worth it to repair an appliance?

If the appliance is over half of its lifespan, or the repair is going to cost more than half of what a new appliance would cost, then replacing the appliance is the better option.

Is it better to repair or replace a refrigerator?

If your refrigerator is over 10 years old and has multiple faulty parts or problems, it is recommended to just replace your refrigerator.

Is it better to repair or replace a stove?

If the repair costs are low, you are better off paying for the repair than replacing it, even if your stove is over twenty years old.

Why Trust Don’s Appliances?

Founded in 1971,Don’s Appliancesis a family-owned, independent appliance retailer based out of Pittsburgh, PA. Don’s has since expanded to 10 locations selling, delivering, installing, and servicing allmajor appliance brands. Large enough to offer competitive pricing yet small enough to continue offering the “white glove” service we pride ourselves on, our focus is always on the customer experience — from the first step into a showroom to the purchase transaction to well after your new appliance has been installed.

When our customers are remodeling or building a new house, Don’s has all the expertise, product knowledge, inventory, brands, displays, and services to meet and exceed your needs. And in the event an appliance breaks, we are there, right on time and with the right product, delivery, installation, and service.

Shop New Appliances at Don’s

Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today, andshop appliances onlineat Don’s Appliance. Our friendly experts are always happy to help you find the best over the range microwave for your kitchen — whether you call us at866-544-1711,email us, or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by any of our Don’s Appliances Pittsburgh, PA warehouse locations.Visit ustoday!

Learn More:Over the Range Microwave or Countertop Microwave- Which one is for You?

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