When an appliance breaks, the real question usually isn't "what's wrong with it" but "is it worth fixing?" There's no single rule, but there is a sensible order to think it through. Work down this checklist once you know what failed, and the answer usually becomes clear.
If you haven't had the machine diagnosed yet, start there. Deciding without a diagnosis is the most expensive mistake in this whole process, because a warm refrigerator could need a coil cleaning or a compressor. Our guide to what affects the cost of a repair explains what drives the quote and how to prepare for the visit.
The checklist
Answer each question honestly. A "repair" answer on most of them points one way; a "replace" answer on most points the other.
1. How old is it, compared with how long it should last?
Your owner's manual or the manufacturer can tell you the expected service life for your type of appliance. A machine in the first half of that life is usually worth repairing. Near the end, the chance of another failure soon after this one goes up.
Age isn't a hard cutoff, though. A well-built, well-maintained appliance can outlast a cheaper one by years.
- •Leans repair: relatively young, or older but well maintained
- •Leans replace: near or past its expected life
2. What failed: a wear part or the heart of the machine?
Wear parts are designed to be replaced: gaskets, igniters, fan motors, drain pumps, belts, door locks. Replacing one often restores the appliance to good health. Core components are different: a compressor or sealed-system leak on a refrigerator, a transmission or cracked tub on a washer, a main control board on some models.
- •Leans repair: a wear part
- •Leans replace: a core component on an older or basic machine
3. Is this the first repair, or the latest in a series?
One failure on a machine that has otherwise been reliable is often just bad luck. Several failures in a short time, especially of different parts, suggest the whole machine is wearing out.
- •Leans repair: first real failure
- •Leans replace: the third breakdown this year
4. Are parts available?
Parts for current and recent models from major brands are usually easy to get. Parts for older, discontinued or less common imported models can be slow or unavailable. A repair that depends on a part nobody makes isn't really an option. Ask the technician about availability during diagnosis.
5. What does the rest of the machine look like?
Look past the failed part. Rust on the cabinet, a cracked door liner, noisy bearings, a worn control panel or a torn gasket all mean more repairs are coming. Fixing one thing on a machine where several are failing buys less time.
6. Would a replacement fit?
This one is easy to overlook and often decides the matter. Built-in refrigerators, wall ovens, panel-ready dishwashers and over-the-range microwaves are sized to their openings. A new one may need different trim, new cabinetry or countertop work. In older LA homes, a modern appliance may not fit an original alcove at all, or may need electrical or gas changes. The same goes for compact 24-inch laundry and dishwashers in ADUs and small apartments.
- •Leans repair: built-in, panel-ready, or an unusual size
- •Leans neither way: a standard freestanding size
7. How does the repair compare with the replacement cost?
A common rule of thumb: if the repair costs more than about half the price of a comparable new appliance, and the machine is past the middle of its life, replacement often makes more sense. Treat it as a starting point, not a verdict. A high-end built-in with years left can justify a significant repair; a basic countertop microwave rarely justifies much of one.
Remember to count what replacement actually involves: delivery, installation, any cabinet or trim work, and disposal of the old unit.
8. Does energy or water use change the math?
Newer refrigerators, washers and dishwashers generally use less energy and water than models from many years ago. The yellow EnergyGuide label and the ENERGY STAR mark let you compare. Efficiency alone rarely justifies replacing a machine that works, but it can tip the balance when you're already facing a big repair, particularly for an old second refrigerator running hard in a hot Valley garage.
Quick summary
| Usually repair | Usually replace |
|---|---|
| Young or well-maintained machine | Near or past expected life |
| Wear part failed | Core component failed on a basic model |
| Parts readily available | Parts discontinued or unavailable |
| Built-in or hard-to-fit unit | Several parts wearing out at once |
| First significant failure | Repeated breakdowns |
If you decide to replace
Check for rebates first
Utilities and agencies in California sometimes offer rebates or incentives for efficient appliances, and occasionally programs to recycle old refrigerators and freezers. Programs change often, so check current terms before you buy:
- •Your electric utility: LADWP, Southern California Edison, or a municipal utility such as Burbank Water and Power, Glendale Water & Power or Pasadena Water and Power
- •SoCalGas, for gas appliance programs
- •Your water supplier, for water-efficient appliances
Many programs require a qualifying model, a purchase within a set window or proof that the old unit was recycled.
Dispose of the old one properly
Refrigerators, freezers and wine coolers contain refrigerant that has to be recovered. Many retailers haul the old unit away on delivery. City of Los Angeles residents can request a free bulky-item pickup through MyLA311, and most other cities in the area run similar programs. Don't leave an appliance on the curb without arranging a pickup.
Measure before you shop
Measure the opening, the door swing, the path in from the street, and any stairs or elevator. Note the gas, electrical and water connections. It saves a return trip for a unit that won't go through the door.
Questions to ask the technician
- •Is this a wear part or a core component?
- •Is anything else showing wear that's likely to fail soon?
- •Are parts available, and for how long is this model likely to be supported?
- •If I replace it, will a standard model fit this space?
- •Did the installation cause this failure, and would it affect a new machine too?
A good technician will answer these plainly, including when the honest answer is "replace it." For a worked example of how the decision changes by type, see our microwave guide, where countertop and built-in units usually land on opposite sides.
How we help
We diagnose first and tell you what we found, whether we think the repair is worth it, and why. You can see the appliances we repair and book a visit online.
Frequently asked questions
Is it worth repairing a 10-year-old refrigerator?
It depends on the model and what failed. A fan or defrost repair on a solid refrigerator is often worth it. A sealed-system repair on a basic model often isn't. A built-in unit is more often worth repairing because replacing it means cabinet work.
Are new appliances really more efficient?
Generally yes, especially compared with models from many years ago. Compare the EnergyGuide labels for the old and new models to see the difference for your situation.
Where can I find current appliance rebates?
Check your electric utility, SoCalGas and your water supplier directly. Programs change, so confirm the terms before you buy.