Repair or Replace Appliance

Repair or Replace? A 7‑Step Decision Guide for Major Appliances

A dead fridge, a washer that won’t spin, a silent oven—do you repair it or buy new? This practical, brand‑agnostic guide helps Bay Area homeowners decide quickly and confidently. If you want a professional opinion after working through the steps, Hotline offers same‑day service, uses original parts, and backs work with a repair & parts warranty across San Jose and nearby cities.

Step 1 — Make it safe & define the failure

• Safety first: Unplug the unit; close gas/water valves if you smell gas, see leaks, or hear arcing/buzzing.
• Scope the symptom: “no cool,” “no heat,” “no drain,” “no start,” or “error code.” Snap a photo of the control panel and any codes.
• When to skip DIY: burning smell, tripped breaker, active water leak, or gas odor → call a pro.

Step 2 — Age vs. typical lifespan

If an appliance is near the end of its expected life, replacement becomes more attractive.

• Typical lifespans (ballpark):
  • Refrigerator: 12–15 years (built‑ins can last longer)
  • Washer: 10–14 years
  • Dryer: 10–13 years
  • Dishwasher: 8–12 years
  • Oven/Range/Cooktop: 13–20 years
  • Microwave: 7–9 years
• If your unit’s age is under ~⅔ of these numbers, it usually has enough runway to justify a repair.

Step 3 — The 50% cost rule (with a Bay Area twist)

• If the repair estimate is < 50% of a comparable new unit and the appliance is under ⅔ of its lifespan, repair is typically the smart move.
• If the estimate is ≥ 50% or the unit is older, lean toward replace—unless the model is built‑in/panel‑ready and expensive to swap.
• Local note: delivery, haul‑away, permits, cabinetry/vent changes, and long wait times for premium models can add real costs to “just replace it.” Include those in your math.

Step 4 — Reliability history & break frequency

• Repair if this is the first failure or if prior work was minor.
• Replace if you’ve had 2+ major repairs in 18–24 months, or if multiple systems are degrading (e.g., washer bearings + control issues).

Step 5 — Parts availability & lead time

• Green light to repair: parts in stock locally or deliverable in 2–5 business days.
• Gray zone: specialty components with 1–3 week lead times; acceptable if you can tolerate downtime.
• Red flag:NLA (no longer available) parts or repeatedly back‑ordered items—consider replacement.

Step 6 — Efficiency, bills, and incentives

• Newer refrigerators, dishwashers, and front‑load washers can cut energy/water costs meaningfully.
• If your unit is old and inefficient, replacement can pay back over time—especially with frequent use.
• For gas ranges/dryers, proper venting and maintenance often restore performance at a lower cost than full replacement.

Step 7 — Fit, features, and timeline

• Built‑ins / panel‑ready: replacements may require cabinetry work; repair can be more practical.
• Tight alcoves or stacked laundry: double‑check dimensions and vent/electrical specs before deciding to replace.
• Feature needs: if you want modern features (Wi‑Fi, better racks, quiet wash), a modestly higher replacement cost could be worth it—otherwise, a repair is typically more economical.

Quick decision shortcuts

Repair now if:

• Estimate < 50% of new, age < ⅔ of lifespan, and parts are available within a week.
• The unit is built‑in/panel‑ready or a premium model that fits your space perfectly.
• The issue is isolated (e.g., drain pump, valve, belt, igniter) and the rest of the machine is healthy.

Replace now if:

• Multiple major issues or sealed‑system refrigerator failure on an older unit.
• NLA parts, heavy rust, cracked tub, or warped door/frame.
• Repeated breakdowns are disrupting your schedule (laundry for a family, rental turnovers, etc.).

Real‑world scenarios

• Warm refrigerator, clean coils, fans OK: If sealed‑system work is diagnosed and the fridge is 10+ years, consider replacement; otherwise repair common components (fans, defrost parts, sensors).
• Washer not draining: Filter/hoses/pump are good repair candidates, even on mid‑age machines.
• Dryer no heat but strong airflow: Fuses/elements (electric) or coils/igniter (gas) are straightforward repairs; replace only if the unit is very old or motor is failing.
• Dishwasher leaves film: Cleaning + inlet valve or circulation pump often restores performance; replace if racks/cabinet fit/door are failing.

Bay Area notes

• Condos & high‑rises: parking/permits and elevator windows can delay replacement delivery; fast repairs minimize downtime.
• Older homes: limited circuits or tight cabinetry make like‑for‑like replacement tricky—repair can bridge until a remodel.

Need a professional estimate?

A quick diagnostic narrows the true repair vs. replace math. Our techs arrive with common parts and provide clear pricing before any work.

Hotline Appliance Repair – San Jose
📍 665 Nido, Campbell, CA 95008
📞 +1 408-915-6865
📧 hotlineappliancerepair@gmail.com
🕒 Mon–Sun: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Book online same‑day service • Original parts • Repair & parts warranty

Recommended internal links:

• Appliance Repair in San Jose
• Refrigerator Repair in San Jose
• Washer Repair in San Jose
• Dryer Repair in San Jose
• Dishwasher Repair in San Jose

Service area mention: San Jose, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Cupertino, Milpitas, Campbell, Los Gatos, Saratoga, Redwood City, Menlo Park, and nearby cities.