Should I just replace my appliance instead of repairing it?

Deciding whether to repair or replace an appliance typically depends on the appliance’s age and expected repair costs. As a general guideline, if your appliance is over 10 years old and the repair cost is likely to exceed half the price of a new appliance, it often more economical to replace the appliance.

However, if the repair cost is relatively low and your appliance is less than 10 years old, repairing it is typically the more feasible option. Many appliances can run efficiently for years beyond the 10-year mark with the right repairs and regular maintenance, extending their usefulness and saving you the expense of a replacement.

Our technicians can provide a clear estimate of repair costs and help you weigh the pros and cons, so you can make the best choice based on your specific situation.

Was this content helpful?

Repair Resources

Determining the Average Life of a Water Heater

Discover the average life of a water heater at Sears Home Services.

Title image for blog article "How Does a Pressure Relief Valve Work?"

Learn how a pressure relief valve works in a water heater.

Homeowner checking water temperature and finding no hot water at the kitchen sink.

No hot water? Learn 9 common causes, quick troubleshooting steps, safety tips, and when to call Sears Home Services for fast water heater repair.

Modern white front-load washing machine with open door in bright laundry room featuring folded towels on wooden shelves

Washer not working? Learn the most common reasons your washing machine won't start, fill, spin, or drain—plus when to DIY and when to call a pro.

Glossary Terms

The drum is the core part of the washer that holds your laundry and enables the cleaning process through rotation, agitation, and rinsing.

The 608 Certification, mandated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is required for HVAC technicians to legally handle refrigerants. It ensures technicians understand refrigerant types, environmental impact, and proper handling techniques.

A compressor is a mechanical device that increases the pressure of a gas by reducing its volume, essential in various systems including refrigerators, air conditioners, and HVAC units for cooling and refrigeration processes.

A condenser is a component of HVAC and refrigeration systems, responsible for releasing absorbed heat from the refrigerant into the outside air or a water line, thus facilitating the cooling process.

Recent Appliance Symptoms

When your Payne central air conditioner won’t turn on or isn’t cooling, check for power problems, a failed capacitor, or a clogged condensate drain. This guide covers quick, safe troubleshooting steps and explains when to call Sears Home Services for expert central AC repair.

When your ICP central air conditioner won’t turn on or isn’t cooling, check for power problems, a failed capacitor, or a clogged condensate drain. This guide covers quick, safe troubleshooting steps and explains when to call Sears Home Services for expert central AC repair.

When your Heil central air conditioner won’t turn on or isn’t cooling, check for power problems, a failed capacitor, or a clogged condensate drain. This guide covers quick, safe troubleshooting steps and explains when to call Sears Home Services for expert central AC repair.

When your Carrier central air conditioner won’t turn on or isn’t cooling, check for power problems, a failed capacitor, or a clogged condensate drain. This guide covers quick, safe troubleshooting steps and explains when to call Sears Home Services for expert central AC repair.

When your Comfortmaker central air conditioner won’t turn on or isn’t cooling, check for power problems, a failed capacitor, or a clogged condensate drain. This guide covers quick, safe troubleshooting steps and explains when to call Sears Home Services for expert central AC repair.

When your Ruud central air conditioner won’t turn on or isn’t cooling, check for power problems, a failed capacitor, or a clogged condensate drain. This guide covers quick, safe troubleshooting steps and explains when to call Sears Home Services for expert central AC repair.