Should you replace or repair your appliance?

Deciding whether to fix a broken appliance or buy a new one can be tricky—whether you have a washer that smells funny or a refrigerator that doesn't keep your food cold. There are a lot of factors to consider, like age and repair cost, and our experts can help you weigh each one.

Here at Asurion, we help people protect, repair, and learn more about their tech and appliances every day. Here's advice from our experts to help you decide whether to repair or replace an appliance.

Is your appliance under warranty?

Check the owner's manual to check if your appliance is still under warranty, in which case repairs may be covered for the first year or two. If you have a home warranty, call your provider and see if it will pay for the repair or the cost of a new appliance.

How old is your appliance?

Using the average lifespan for appliances is a good reference point—but keep in mind that it can vary based on maintenance and usage. If you have a recurring problem with a newer appliance, for instance, it may mean you want to consider replacing it sooner.

Here's the average life span for some of the most common household appliances:

• Dishwasher: 10 years
• Refrigerator: 13 years
• Washer: 10 years
• Dryer: 13 years

How much will it cost to repair vs. replace?

Repair costs will change depending on the issue, but you can weigh the cost of the repair against the cost of replacement. If an appliance is more than halfway through its lifespan and the repair costs more than 50% of the price of a new one, you should consider replacing it. But if fixing it is less than half the cost of buying something new—and it's not that close to the end of its life—a repair is probably the better option.

What do you need out of your appliance?

Even if it's several years old, you may want to keep your appliance if it still gets the job done. If all you need is a dishwasher that cleans your dishes, or a refrigerator that keeps your food fresh, you can keep using your appliance well past the 10–15-year mark. If you want to take advantage of new features, a sleeker look, or energy efficiency, consider getting a new one.

Is it possible to extend the lifespan of your appliance?

Whether you buy a new appliance or keep the one you have, try these tips to make it perform better and potentially last even longer:

• Keeping vents clear is an important part of making sure your machines run smoothly.
• Whether it's the coils on the back of your refrigerator or the inside of your oven, clean your appliances to keep them free of food and dust that can build up over time and cause harm.
• If your appliance uses filters, be sure to replace them regularly.

If you're still not sure whether you should repair or replace your appliance, get a diagnostic from an appliance expert who can help you figure out the issue and advise you on next steps.