How Much Do Appliance Repairs Cost?

Appliance Repair Cost Factors

A few major factors will play into your appliance repair cost. Here’s a quick breakdown of what goes into your budget.

Labor

As for the labor involved, most local appliance repair experts charge $50 to $150 per hour. Master technicians may charge as much as $200 per hour for their additional level of expertise.

Parts

Labor is expensive but depending on the appliance you’re repairing, parts can end up being even more. For example, a control board for a dryer might only take 10 minutes to install but can cost over $250 for the board alone. A fridge can stop working suddenly and although changing a condenser is quick, those parts can cost between $200 to $450. 

Service Fees 

In addition to their hourly rate, some pros may charge a service fee of around $50 to $100 per job. This expense accounts for the technician’s travel fees to get to the job site.

Energy Source

The energy source powering an appliance can impact that appliance’s repair cost. For example, electric appliances typically cost less to fix than gas or solar-powered ones. Gas appliances cost about 20% more than electric, while solar-powered appliances cost even more.

Emergency Repair Fees

If your oven breaks down the night before a big dinner or your busy household can’t make do without a washing machine, emergency repairs may incur an extra service fee of $50 to $200. Prices vary based on the task complexity and the timing, with after-hours, weekends, and holidays costing the most.

Repair Costs by Appliance

Your highest appliance repair cost variable is the repair type and appliance model. Smart appliances are the most expensive to fix, while more basic models will be the least expensive. Here’s what your budget could look like for these appliance repairs.

Refrigerator Repair

A typical refrigerator repair costs $200 to $300 on average, with prices ranging anywhere from $40 to $350. Your fridge may need a repair if it’s leaking, has a broken ice machine, isn’t keeping your food cold, or if you hear an odd buzzing, humming, or rattling sound. If you suspect something is wrong with your fridge, hire an appliance repair technician to inspect it before the issue gets worse.

Freezer Repair

Freezer repairs typically run anywhere from $90 to $500. Since the inner mechanics of a freezer are more complex than refrigerators, the appliance repair cost for a freezer tends to be higher. Simple repairs such as fixing a thermostat or repairing a ding in the door are usually more budget-friendly, while larger tasks, such as installing a new control panel, will be more expensive.    

Cooktop, Range, and Oven Repair 

Cooktop, range, and oven repairs cost between $100 to $500. Prices vary considerably based on the model of the stove, its energy source, and the nature of the repair. Replacing burner coils is usually the least expensive, while costlier repairs include broken glass top or control panel failure.

Microwave Repair

The typical microwave repair costs between $50 and $400. However, considering that brand-new microwaves generally cost between $50 and $2,000, this appliance repair cost won’t always be worth it. Generally, if you’ll pay more than half of what a new unit costs for repairs, consider buying new instead.

Dishwasher Repair

A dishwasher repair usually costs between $160 and $300, or about $200 on average. Common dishwasher repairs involve the motor and the pump, or there could be a smaller issue, like the valve or filter. A dishwasher can also have a problem draining properly, which means you’ll likely need a local plumber to assess the situation.

Garbage Disposal Repair

Most garbage disposal repairs cost between $70 and $250. Like with microwaves, this is another appliance repair cost that might not be worth it, given that replacing a garbage disposal costs $150 to $950. For lower-end models or disposals reaching the end of their lifespan (usually between 5 to 10 years), it may be a better investment to replace it.

Washing Machine Repair

A washing machine repair can cost anywhere from $50 to $450, depending on the nature of the fix. A minor repair, such as replacing seals or fixing the loading door, will cost less, while replacing the transmission, clutch, or pump will be the most expensive. Although most washing machines last around 10 years, it’s common to need repairs after five years of consistent use.

Dryer Repair

Repairing a dryer usually costs between $100 and $400. Simple repairs like installing new bearings or replacing a broken belt will be on the lower end of the cost spectrum. Major fixes, such as replacing the motor or installing a brand-new heating element, will be the most expensive.

Cost of Common Add-Ons

Maintenance Plans

An appliance maintenance plan costs an average of $100 to $300, and it typically includes cleaning, tune-ups, and regular inspections. Some plans may also cover some of the appliance repair costs if something goes wrong. 

Warranties

Most new appliances include a manufacturer’s warranty that covers defects within a set timeframe after the purchase. Appliance extended warranties vary by plan, but they usually cost between $200 and $400. 

Refinishing

If you’re concerned about your appliance’s aesthetics, refinishing an appliance costs $350 on average, with most projects falling between $150 and $750 for labor and materials. Refinishing can refresh the look of dated, scratched, or worn-out appliances without the cost of a replacement.

Repairing vs. Replacing Appliances

The payoff for investing in appliance repair costs depends on several factors, including the extent of damage and the appliance’s age. High-value appliances in need of a minor fix are worth repairing, while you may be better off replacing worn-out or inexpensive appliances. 

When deciding between repairing or replacing an appliance, a good practice is to follow the 50% rule. That means that if an appliance repair will cost 50% or more of the price to replace it, you’re better off replacing it. This is especially true if your appliance is nearing the end of its useful lifespan. 

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