How Much Does Appliance Repair Cost?
Before you haul that broken washer to the curb, it's worth knowing what a repair actually costs. Most appliance service calls run $100 to $400 including parts. Sometimes that's a bargain compared to buying new... and sometimes the repair costs more than the appliance is worth. Knowing the difference saves you money either way.
Average Cost
$100–$400
per visit
What Affects the Price
Type of appliance
Refrigerator compressor repairs are expensive ($300-$600+). A washing machine lid switch replacement is cheap ($100-$175). The complexity of the appliance and the part that failed drive the cost more than anything.
Diagnostic fee
Most companies charge $50-$100 just to show up and diagnose the problem. This usually gets applied to the repair if you proceed. If you don't, you still owe the diagnostic fee.
Brand and availability of parts
Common brands (Whirlpool, GE, Samsung) have readily available parts. European brands (Bosch, Miele) and high-end appliances often need specialty parts that cost more and take longer to arrive.
Age of the appliance
Parts for appliances over 10-12 years old can be discontinued or hard to find. The general rule: if the repair costs more than 50% of a new appliance, replace it.
Warranty status
Many appliances have a 1-year manufacturer warranty. Some parts (like compressors) have extended warranties of 5-10 years. Check before you pay out of pocket.
Common Jobs & Costs
When to Hire a Pro
Call a repair tech when the appliance is under warranty, when it's less than 8 years old, or when the repair is clearly cheaper than replacement. Gas appliances (gas dryer, gas oven, gas water heater) should always be repaired by a qualified tech because gas leaks are dangerous. Also call if you've diagnosed the problem online but the repair requires pulling the unit out and accessing internal parts.
When to DIY Instead
Many common appliance repairs are surprisingly simple. Replacing a dryer heating element, swapping a dishwasher spray arm, changing a refrigerator water filter, and cleaning lint from a dryer vent are all doable with basic tools and a YouTube video. The model number is your best friend... look it up, find the parts diagram, and check repair forums before paying someone $200 to replace a $15 part.
How to Save Money
- ✓Always ask if the diagnostic fee is applied toward the repair. Most reputable companies credit it.
- ✓Look up the problem online before calling. If you can identify the likely part, you'll know if the quote is reasonable. AppliancePartsPros and RepairClinic have great troubleshooting tools.
- ✓Buy the part yourself and have the tech install it. Some technicians are fine with this and you save the parts markup (typically 30-50%).
- ✓Check your manufacturer warranty and any extended warranty you may have purchased. Compressor warranties on refrigerators often last 5-10 years.
- ✓Use the 50% rule: if the repair costs more than 50% of a new appliance, put that money toward a replacement instead.
Red Flags to Watch For
- ⚠They quote a repair without diagnosing the problem first. A technician needs to see the appliance to give an accurate quote.
- ⚠The repair quote is close to the price of a new appliance. A good tech will tell you when replacement makes more sense.
- ⚠They don't carry common parts in their truck. Experienced techs stock frequently needed parts and can finish most repairs in 1 visit.
- ⚠No warranty on the repair work. Reputable companies guarantee their labor for at least 30-90 days.
- ⚠They push for replacing the entire appliance without attempting to diagnose the problem. Some companies get kickbacks for selling new units.
Related Replacement Guides
Refrigerator Replacement Guide
Lifespan, cost, warning signs, and repair vs replace →
Washing Machine Replacement Guide
Lifespan, cost, warning signs, and repair vs replace →
Dryer Replacement Guide
Lifespan, cost, warning signs, and repair vs replace →
Dishwasher Replacement Guide
Lifespan, cost, warning signs, and repair vs replace →
Related Guides
Costs vary by location, complexity, and market conditions. Get at least 3 quotes before hiring.