Is It Worth Repairing? Appliances Overview

When one of your appliances stops working or a problem appears, one of the first things you wonder is is it worth repairing? It’s a valid question to ask! New appliances can be really expensive. And if your appliance has suddenly broken down, it’s also a big unexpected cost.

In this article we’ll cover the basic fifty percent rule which gives you a good idea on when it’s time to repair or replace. We’ll also discuss other variables to consider, such as energy efficiency, underperforming appliances, and safety.

If you need specific advice about your particular appliance, we’ve got you covered there too. There are signs to look out for in each appliance to know if it’s worth repairing or not. If you need more advice, you can call our friendly appliance experts on 0115 965 1937.

The Fifty Percent Rule

The fifty percent rule is a helpful guide to follow when deciding if it’s worth fixing your appliance or not. If the cost of your repair is more than 50% of a new appliance, or your appliance is over 50% of its lifespan, it’s usually best to replace it.

Many experts agree that the repair cost should be below 50% of the price of a new appliance. Any more than this and the repair cost isn’t worth it. 

The fifty percent rule also applies to the age of the appliance. If the age of your appliance is over half of it’s expected lifespan and facing problems, it’ll usually be more cost-effective to replace it. One of the reasons for this is because it may be getting to the point where more and more things will need to be repaired or replaced. So, although the initial repair may seem worth the cost, other things may start to go wrong too. All of these repair costs will soon add up!

Related Blog: How Long Should It Last? Appliances Overview

Energy Efficiency

Although the initial cost may be higher, replacing your appliance is likely to save you money long-term thanks to advancements in energy efficiency. This is particularly true if the appliance you’re replacing is older.

Manufacturers are continuously working to improve the energy efficiency of their appliances. Thanks to this, newer appliances are much more efficient than older appliances, which will save you money on your energy bill. These savings will eventually offset their upfront costs.

Underperforming Appliances

Underperforming appliances refers to an appliance that is functional, but doesn’t work as well as it once did. If this has happened suddenly, it’s likely because something very specific has gone wrong. If this is the case, it could be a simple repair. However, if this has happened slowly over a long period of time, a replacement will usually be best.

Replacing an underperforming appliance offers many advantages. Newer appliances are not only more efficient, but often more user-friendly and may have more features. You will therefore have an appliance that offers you more value for the money you’ve paid.

Appliance With Safety Risks

If your appliance becomes a safety risk, you should stop using it immediately. Smoke, burning smells, or leaks of any kind are examples of these. These problems could have a simple fix, however you should always contact a professional to inspect and diagnose the problem first. If the problem isn’t an easy fix, a replacement is recommended. This way you are assured that it won’t happen again.

Appliance Warranties

If your appliance is still under warranty, the manufacturer will take care of the repair or replacement. It’s always recommended to check that your appliance is still under warranty before you start repairing or replacing anything yourself!

If you can’t find the number to call for your warranty, it’s best to contact the retailer whom you bought the appliance from. Don’t contact a retailer you didn’t buy the appliance from as they won’t be able to help with any warranty enquiries.

See below for more information on your specific type of appliance

The appliances that we cover in this article are:

Is it worth repairing a cooker?

Should you repair or replace a cooker?

It is recommended that you follow the fifty percent rule when deciding to repair or replace your cooker. If the repair cost is more than 50% of a replacement cooker, or your cooker is over 50% of its expected lifespan, it will usually be more cost-effective to replace it.

Signs that you should replace a cooker:

• It’s beginning to rust
• Your cooker is underperforming
• The glass is cracked
• The interior is uncleanable
• There are cracks on the hob (glass top hob)
• Your cooker emits strange smells (even when clean)
• The control panels are malfunctioning
• Repair quotes are very expensive
• It’s continuing to experience issues after several repairs
• It’s approaching it’s expected lifespan

If you’ve decided it’s time to replace your cooker then you can shop our full selection of range cookers here.

Need help with your purchase? Call our friendly appliance experts on 0115 965 1937.

Is it worth repairing an oven?

Should you repair or replace an oven?

It is recommended that you follow the fifty percent rule when deciding to repair or replace your oven. If the repair cost is more than 50% of a replacement oven, or your oven is over 50% of its expected lifespan, it will usually be more cost-effective to replace it.

Signs that you should replace an oven:

• It’s beginning to rust
• Your oven is underperforming
• The glass is cracked
• The interior is uncleanable
• Your oven emits strange smells (even when clean)
• The control panels are malfunctioning
• Repair quotes are very expensive
• It’s continuing to experience issues after several repairs
• It’s approaching it’s expected lifespan

If you’ve decided it’s time to replace your oven then you can shop our full selection of built-in ovens here.

Need help with your purchase? Call our friendly appliance experts on 0115 965 1937.

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Is it worth repairing a hob?

Should you repair or replace a hob?

It is recommended that you follow the fifty percent rule when deciding to repair or replace your hob. If the repair cost is more than 50% of a replacement hob, or your hob is over 50% of its expected lifespan, it will usually be more cost-effective to replace it.

Signs that you should replace a hob:

• It’s beginning to rust
• Your hob is underperforming
• There are cracks on the glass top (if applicable)
• Your hob emits strange smells (even when clean)
• The control panels are malfunctioning
• Repair quotes are very expensive
• It’s continuing to experience issues after several repairs
• It’s approaching it’s expected lifespan

If you’ve decided it’s time to replace your hob then you can shop our full selection of hobs here.

Need help with your purchase? Call our friendly appliance experts on 0115 965 1937.

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Is it worth repairing a microwave oven?

Should you repair or replace a microwave?

It is recommended that you follow the fifty percent rule when deciding to repair or replace your microwave. If the repair cost is more than 50% of a replacement microwave, or your microwave is over 50% of its expected lifespan, it will usually be more cost-effective to replace it.

Signs that you should replace a microwave:

• It’s beginning to rust
• Your microwave is underperforming
• It’s making funny noises
• Your microwave emits strange smells (even when clean)
• The control panels are malfunctioning
• Repair quotes are very expensive
• It’s continuing to experience issues after several repairs
• It’s approaching it’s expected lifespan

If you’ve decided it’s time to replace your microwave then you can shop our full selection of microwaves here. Learn what to do with your old microwave here.

Need help with your purchase? Call our friendly appliance experts on 0115 965 1937.

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Is it worth repairing a dishwasher?

Should you repair or replace a dishwasher?

It is recommended that you follow the fifty percent rule when deciding to repair or replace your dishwasher. If the repair cost is more than 50% of a replacement dishwasher, or your dishwasher is over 50% of its expected lifespan, it will usually be more cost-effective to replace it.

Signs that you should replace a dishwasher:

• Your dishwasher is underperforming
• It no longer closes
• Your dishes don’t feel hot after a cycle
• It’s beginning to rust
• Repair quotes are very expensive
• It’s continuing to experience issues after several repairs
• It’s approaching it’s expected lifespan

If you’ve decided it’s time to replace your dishwasher then you can shop our full selection of dishwashers here.

Need help with your purchase? Call our friendly appliance experts on 0115 965 1937.

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Is it worth repairing a cooker hood?

Should you repair or replace a cooker hood?

It is recommended that you follow the fifty percent rule when deciding to repair or replace your cooker hood. If the repair cost is more than 50% of a replacement cooker hood, or your cooker hood is over 50% of its expected lifespan, it will usually be more cost-effective to replace it.

Signs that you should replace a cooker hood:

• The lights don’t work (even after changing the bulbs)
• Your cooker hood is underperforming
• It turns on by itself for no reason
• It’s beginning to rust
• Repair quotes are very expensive
• It’s continuing to experience issues after several repairs
• It’s approaching it’s expected lifespan

If you’ve decided it’s time to replace your cooker hood then you can shop our full selection of cooker hoods here.

Need help with your purchase? Call our friendly appliance experts on 0115 965 1937.

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Is it worth repairing a washing machine?

Should you repair or replace a washing machine?

It is recommended that you follow the fifty percent rule when deciding to repair or replace your washing machine. If the repair cost is more than 50% of a replacement washing machine, or your washing machine is over 50% of its expected lifespan, it will usually be more cost-effective to replace it.

Signs that you should replace a washing machine:

• The spin cycle has stopped working
• The water isn’t draining
• It’s louder than normal
• The washing machine is too small for your needs
• It’s underperforming
• Repair quotes are very expensive
• It’s continuing to experience issues after several repairs
• It’s approaching it’s expected lifespan

Learn how to clean your washing machine here.

If you’ve decided it’s time to replace your washing machine then you can shop our full selection of washing machines here.

Need help with your purchase? Call our friendly appliance experts on 0115 965 1937.

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Is it worth repairing a tumble dryer?

Should you repair or replace a tumble dryer?

It is recommended that you follow the fifty percent rule when deciding to repair or replace your tumble dryer. If the repair cost is more than 50% of a replacement tumble dryer, or your tumble dryer is over 50% of its expected lifespan, it will usually be more cost-effective to replace it.

Signs that you should replace a tumble dryer:

• Clothes aren’t coming out as dry as usual
• It’s underperforming
• It’s louder than normal
• The tumble dryer is too small for your needs
• Repair quotes are very expensive
• It’s continuing to experience issues after several repairs
• It’s approaching it’s expected lifespan

If you’ve decided it’s time to replace your tumble dryer then you can shop our full selection of tumble dryers here.

Need help with your purchase? Call our friendly appliance experts on 0115 965 1937.

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Is it worth repairing a fridge?

Should you repair or replace a fridge?

It is recommended that you follow the fifty percent rule when deciding to repair or replace your fridge. If the repair cost is more than 50% of a replacement fridge, or your fridge is over 50% of its expected lifespan, it will usually be more cost-effective to replace it.

Signs that you should replace a fridge:

• Food isn’t staying as fresh as it used to
• It’s not cold
• There’s condensation on the outside
• There’s frost
• It’s louder than normal
• It’s quieter than normal
• There are cracks in the exterior shell
• Repair quotes are very expensive
• It’s continuing to experience issues after several repairs
• It’s approaching it’s expected lifespan

If you’ve decided it’s time to replace your fridge then you can shop our full selection of fridges here.

Need help with your purchase? Call our friendly appliance experts on 0115 965 1937.

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Is it worth repairing a freezer?

Should you repair or replace a freezer?

It is recommended that you follow the fifty percent rule when deciding to repair or replace your freezer. If the repair cost is more than 50% of a replacement freezer, or your freezer is over 50% of its expected lifespan, it will usually be more cost-effective to replace it.

Signs that you should replace a freezer:

• Food isn’t freezing
• It’s not cold
• There’s condensation on the outside
• There’s excess frost
• It’s louder than normal
• It’s quieter than normal
• There are cracks in the exterior shell
• Repair quotes are very expensive
• It’s continuing to experience issues after several repairs
• It’s approaching it’s expected lifespan

If you’ve decided it’s time to replace your freezer then you can shop our full selection of freezers here.

Need help with your purchase? Call our friendly appliance experts on 0115 965 1937.

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Is it worth repairing a fridge freezer?

Should you repair or replace a fridge freezer?

It is recommended that you follow the fifty percent rule when deciding to repair or replace your fridge freezer. If the repair cost is more than 50% of a replacement fridge freezer, or your fridge freezer is over 50% of its expected lifespan, it will usually be more cost-effective to replace it.

Signs that you should replace a fridge freezer:

• Food isn’t staying as fresh as it used to
• Food isn’t freezing
• It’s not cold
• There’s condensation on the outside
• There’s excess frost
• It’s louder than normal
• It’s quieter than normal
• There are cracks in the exterior shell
• Repair quotes are very expensive
• It’s continuing to experience issues after several repairs
• It’s approaching it’s expected lifespan

If you’ve decided it’s time to replace your fridge freezers then you can shop our full selection of fridge freezers here.

Need help with your purchase? Call our friendly appliance experts on 0115 965 1937.

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Is it worth repairing a wine cooler?

Should you repair or replace a wine cooler?

It is recommended that you follow the fifty percent rule when deciding to repair or replace your wine cooler. If the repair cost is more than 50% of a replacement wine cooler, or your wine cooler is over 50% of its expected lifespan, it will usually be more cost-effective to replace it.

Signs that you should replace a wine cooler:

• There are temperature fluctuations
• It’s not cooling properly
• It’s louder than usual/vibrating
• Control panel malfunctions
• It’s running out of space
• Repair quotes are very expensive
• It’s continuing to experience issues after several repairs
• It’s approaching it’s expected lifespan

If you’ve decided it’s time to replace your wine cooler then you can shop our full selection of wine coolers here.

Need help with your purchase? Call our friendly appliance experts on 0115 965 1937.

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Is it worth repairing a boiling water tap?

Should you repair or replace a boiling water tap?

It is recommended that you follow the fifty percent rule when deciding to repair or replace your boiling water tap. If the repair cost is more than 50% of a replacement boiling water tap, or your boiling water tap is over 50% of its expected lifespan, it will usually be more cost-effective to replace it.

Signs that you should replace a boiling water tap:

• It’s not dispensing boiling hot water
• Water leaks
• Issues with water pressure
• It’s beginning to rust
• Repair quotes are very expensive
• It’s continuing to experience issues after several repairs
• It’s approaching it’s expected lifespan

If you’ve decided it’s time to replace your boiling water tap then you can shop our full selection of boiling water taps here.

Need help with your purchase? Call our friendly appliance experts on 0115 965 1937.

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Is it worth repairing a waste disposal unit?

Should you repair or replace a waste disposal unit?

It is recommended that you follow the fifty percent rule when deciding to repair or replace your waste disposal unit. If the repair cost is more than 50% of a replacement waste disposal unit, or your waste disposal unit is over 50% of its expected lifespan, it will usually be more cost-effective to replace it.

Signs that you should replace a waste disposal unit:

• It won’t turn on
• Water leaks
• It keeps getting clogged
• It’s beginning to rust
• It’s really slow
• It emits bad smells
• It’s making noise but not grinding up any food
• Repair quotes are very expensive
• It’s continuing to experience issues after several repairs
• It’s approaching it’s expected lifespan

If you’ve decided it’s time to replace your waster disposal unit then you can shop our full selection of waste disposal units here.

Need help with your purchase? Call our friendly appliance experts on 0115 965 1937.

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Is it worth repairing a blender?

Should you repair or replace a blender?

Although a smaller appliance, it is still recommended that you follow the fifty percent rule when deciding to repair or replace your blender. If the repair cost is more than 50% of a replacement blender, or your blender is over 50% of its expected lifespan, it will usually be more cost-effective to replace it.

Signs that you should replace a blender:

• It’s underperforming
• You can’t find replacement parts
• Repair quotes are very expensive
• It’s continuing to experience issues after several repairs
• It’s approaching it’s expected lifespan

If you’ve decided it’s time to replace your blender then you can shop our full selection of blenders here.

Need help with your purchase? Call our friendly appliance experts on 0115 965 1937.

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Is it worth repairing a coffee machine?

Should you repair or replace a coffee machine?

It is recommended that you follow the fifty percent rule when deciding to repair or replace your coffee machine. If the repair cost is more than 50% of a replacement coffee machine, or your coffee machine is over 50% of its expected lifespan, it will usually be more cost-effective to replace it.

Signs that you should replace a coffee machine:

• It’s underperforming
• Your coffee tastes or smells unpleasant
• It takes too long to brew
• It’s becoming increasingly difficult to clean and maintain
• Repair quotes are very expensive
• It’s continuing to experience issues after several repairs
• It’s approaching it’s expected lifespan

If you’ve decided it’s time to replace your coffee machine then you can shop our full selection of coffee machines here.

Need help with your purchase? Call our friendly appliance experts on 0115 965 1937.

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Is it worth repairing a juicer?

Should you repair or replace a juicer?

Although a smaller appliance, it is still recommended that you follow the fifty percent rule when deciding to repair or replace your juicer. If the repair cost is more than 50% of a replacement juicer, or your juicer is over 50% of its expected lifespan, it will usually be more cost-effective to replace it.

Signs that you should replace a juicer:

• It’s underperforming
• You can’t find replacement parts
• Repair quotes are very expensive
• It’s continuing to experience issues after several repairs
• It’s approaching it’s expected lifespan

If you’ve decided it’s time to replace your juicer then you can shop our full selection of juicers here.

Need help with your purchase? Call our friendly appliance experts on 0115 965 1937.

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Is it worth repairing a kettle?

Should you repair or replace a kettle?

Although a smaller appliance, it is still recommended that you follow the fifty percent rule when deciding to repair or replace your kettle. If the repair cost is more than 50% of a replacement kettle, or your kettle is over 50% of its expected lifespan, it will usually be more cost-effective to replace it.

Signs that you should replace a kettle:

• It’s underperforming
• You can’t find replacement parts
• Repair quotes are very expensive
• It’s continuing to experience issues after several repairs
• It’s approaching it’s expected lifespan

If you’ve decided it’s time to replace your kettle then you can shop our full selection of kettles here.

Need help with your purchase? Call our friendly appliance experts on 0115 965 1937.

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Is it worth repairing a toaster?

Should you repair or replace a toaster?

Although a smaller appliance, it is still recommended that you follow the fifty percent rule when deciding to repair or replace your toaster. If the repair cost is more than 50% of a replacement toaster, or your toaster is over 50% of its expected lifespan, it will usually be more cost-effective to replace it.

Signs that you should replace a toaster:

• It’s underperforming
• You can’t find replacement parts
• Repair quotes are very expensive
• It’s continuing to experience issues after several repairs
• It’s approaching it’s expected lifespan

If you’ve decided it’s time to replace your toaster then you can shop our full selection of toasters here.

Need help with your purchase? Call our friendly appliance experts on 0115 965 1937.

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Is it worth repairing a vacuum cleaner?

Should you repair or replace a vacuum cleaner?

It is recommended that you follow the fifty percent rule when deciding to repair or replace your vacuum cleaner. If the repair cost is more than 50% of a replacement vacuum cleaner, or your vacuum cleaner is over 50% of its expected lifespan, it will usually be more cost-effective to replace it.

Signs that you should replace a vacuum cleaner:

• It’s underperforming
• Your vacuum isn’t picking anything up, or as much
• There’s problems with overheating
• It’s emitting unpleasant or strange odours
• It’s louder than normal
• You can’t find replacement parts
• Repair quotes are very expensive
• It’s continuing to experience issues after several repairs
• It’s approaching it’s expected lifespan

If you’ve decided it’s time to replace your vacuum cleaner then you can shop our full selection of vacuum cleaner here.

Need help with your purchase? Call our friendly appliance experts on 0115 965 1937.

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Conclusion

Various factors should be considered when making the decision to repair or replace an appliance. The fifty percent rule provides a practical guideline: if the repair cost exceeds 50% of a new appliance or the appliance is over 50% of its expected lifespan, replacement is generally the more cost-effective choice.

Energy efficiency is another crucial consideration. Although newer appliances may have a higher initial cost, advancements in energy efficiency resulta in long-term savings on energy bills. Underperforming appliances can usually be repaired if the issue is sudden and specific, but gradual declines in performance over time may warrant replacement. This will offer improved efficiency and additional features.

Safety should never be compromised. If an appliance poses a safety risk, stop using it immediately. While some issues may have simple fixes, consulting a professional is essential. If the problem persists, replacement becomes the recommended course of action.

Warranties can be a saving grace, covering repair or replacement costs. Always check the warranty status before deciding to repair or replace an appliance.

The specific signs that it’s time your appliance should be replaced are laid out in this article. However, keep in mind that these are signs only. It may still be possible to repair your appliance for a low cost. Ultimately, the choice to repair or replace will depend on your individual circumstances. Consider not just the immediate costs, but the long-term benefits and efficiency gains.