How Much Do Home Appliances Cost?

How much should I budget for home appliances?

Is your refrigerator running? No, this isn’t a bad joke. But running appliances do come with certain costs. From regular maintenance to repairs and replacement, here are some common expenses to consider for your major household appliances.

Refrigerator prices

Average annual maintenance cost:

$120-$140

Most common fridge repairs and cost to fix:

• Ice maker failure: $275-$325

• Main control board failure: $260+

• Clogged drain line: $109+

Should I repair or replace my fridge?

Depending on brand, consider buying a new fridge if estimated repair costs exceed $700. Take into consideration your current fridge’s age and performance history. A compressor failure almost always signals it’s time for replacement due to the cost and involvement of the repair.  

Average lifetime of fridge:

 6-15 years

How much should I budget for a new fridge?

$900-$8,000

Range and oven prices

Average annual maintenance cost:

There’s no average annual maintenance cost. Everything on the stove is accessible. Keep it clean and use with care.

Move common range/oven repairs and cost to fix:

• Igniter cleaning or failure: $110-$200

• Broken control board: $260+

• Bake element problems: $160+

Should I repair or replace my range/oven?

You might look into replacement options when your repair costs get into the $400 to $700 range, or when you’re investing more than half the price of the unit into a repair.

Average lifetime of range/oven:

10-15 years

How much should I budget for a new stove?

 $650-$2,000

Washer prices

Average annual maintenance cost:

$85-$100, but you can save money by checking the hoses yourself.

Most common washer repairs and cost to fix:

• Rubber door gasket replacement: $200-$300

• Lid switch failure on top-loading machine: $140+

• Water inlet valve issues: $160+

Should I repair or replace my washer?

If washing machine repair costs exceed $500, you might consider replacement options. Major failures, such as the motor or transmission, signal the washer’s demise.

Average lifetime of washer:

8-12 years

How much should I budget for a new washer?

Top-loading washers start out around $350. Front-loading washers range from $700-$1,000.

Dryer prices

Average annual maintenance cost:

$85-$100

Most common dryer repairs and cost to fix:

• Coils: $170

• Thermostats: $130+

• Belts: $180+

Should I repair or replace my dryer?

If dryer repair costs go beyond $500, consider replacement options.

Average lifetime of dryer:

8-12 years

How much should I budget for a new dryer?

$400-$1,000

Dishwasher prices

Average annual maintenance cost:

There’s no average maintenance cost. Keep it clean and clear of food debris.

Most common dishwasher repairs and cost to fix:

• Drain pump cleaning: $100-$300

• Water inlet valve: $160+

• Control board failure: $190+

Should I repair or replace my dishwasher?

If there’s rust, rot or corrosion in your unit, or if you’re looking at a repair equaling or exceeding half the cost of the dishwasher, you should replace it.

Average lifetime of dishwasher:

8-10 years

How much should I budget for a new dishwasher?

$400-$700

Editor's note: This is an updated version of an article that was originally posted on May 12, 2014.

Sources: Krystle McConnell, general manager of Lake Appliance Repair in Orangevale, California; and Bonnie Woolsey, owner of All American Appliance Service in Springfield, Virginia.

Hiring for Appliance Repair?

Do you need a new refrigerator or do you think it needs a repair? If you are hiring for repairs be sure to check all online resources and find local appliance repair companies on Angi. Do your homework and hire the best pro!