Most appliance repairs cost between $108 and $250, depending on the level of damage and price of replacement parts.
After so many grocery hauls, microwave burritos, clean dishes, and fresh loads of laundry, even the hardest-working appliances break down. And the thought of fronting the cash for a replacement might make you want to do the same.
Luckily, if they haven’t reached the end of their lifespan yet, appliance repairs typically cost between $108 and $250, or around $179 on average. Here’s how to budget for your appliance repair cost.
A few major factors will play into your appliance repair cost. Here’s a quick breakdown of what goes into your budget.
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.
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.
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.
| Appliance | Average Repair Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | $200 – $300 |
| Freezer | $90 – $500 |
| Cooktop, Range, Oven | $100 – $500 |
| Microwave | $50 – $400 |
| Dishwasher | $160 – $300 |
| Garbage Disposal | $70 – $250 |
| Washing Machine | $50 – $450 |
| Dryer | $100 – $400 |
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.
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.
"When it comes to appliances, you have to consider the extent of the issue. If it is minor problems or something that simply requires maintenance, then it might be more cost-effective to do a repair. If the failure is a major component of the appliance, then it will likely be easier and more affordable in the long run to just replace it and get peace of mind."
— Josh Rudin, Owner at ASAP Restoration LLC, Tempe, AZ
| Appliance | Average Repair Cost |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | $200–$300 |
| Freezer | $90–$500 |
| Cooktops, Ranges, and Ovens | $100–$500 |
| Microwaves | $50–$400 |
| Dishwashers | $160–$300 |
| Garbage Disposals | $75–$250 |
| Washing Machines | $50–$450 |
| Dryers | $100–$400 |
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
DIY appliance repair is sometimes an option, but it’s not always safe or feasible. Costs vary based on the replacement parts and tools needed, with smaller fixes being doable for the handy homeowner. For safety reasons, a professional plumber or electrician should handle anything involving plumbing or electrical work.
Hiring a local appliance repair technician can cost $50 to $200 an hour, or anywhere between $40 and $500. If you don’t have the tools or expertise necessary to repair your appliances, hire a pro or consider replacing the appliance versus repairing it. On the other hand, DIY-ing repairs typically cost less but the risk of making the problem worse or sustaining a personal injury increases.
Appliance repairs can get pricey, especially if it’s a major fix. However, there are a few ways you can reduce or even forgo the expense altogether. Here are the best ways to save on appliance repair costs:
Keep your appliance warranty information in a safe place in case the appliance’s warranty is still in effect.
Vet your appliance repair service beforehand and get multiple quotes to find the best deal.
Check for clogs, cracks, burns, and other visible signs of damage before calling in a pro—replacing a small part can be DIY-friendly.
Prolong the lifespan of your appliances by cleaning them regularly, changing filters when necessary, and not straining or overloading them.
Invest in high-quality appliances that will last longer without the need for repairs.
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The payoff for investing in appliance repair costs depends on the situation. 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 which option — repairing vs. replacing an appliance — offers the most bang for your buck, consider the overall value versus the price of the repair and how long the appliance will last afterward.
Most appliances generally last between 10 to 15 years. Gas ranges, dryers, and refrigerators are among the longest-lasting, averaging around 13 to 15 years. Dishwashers and microwaves tend to last the least amount of time, typically quitting around the 10-year mark. Remember that these are only ballpark estimates—an appliance’s true lifespan will depend on factors such as quality, design, and frequency of use.
The appliances that frequently experience problems are the appliances that get used the most and have to deal with strong forces. These forces, like doors slamming, are a common cause of issues with washers, dryers, ovens, and dishwashers. Couple that with the fact that these are usually the most used appliances in a house, issues can compound quickly. Fridges, clothes washers and dryers, and dishwashers are appliances that see the most issues.
Most appliance warranties do not transfer to new owners, but some exceptions exist. When buying a used appliance, it’s always a good idea to familiarize yourself with the warranty terms before you commit.
Every home warranty is different but a majority of them cover appliance repair and replacement, provided the issue arises from normal wear and tear. Make sure you check your plan however as some will only cover new appliances which can be aggravating, as new appliances usually come with their own product warranty, whereas the warranty for an older appliance may have long since expired. Check with your home warranty company to see if an old appliance is covered before calling a professional appliance repair person.
