What does appliance repair cost?
$150 – $450 covers most appliance repairs including parts and labor — the service call itself typically runs $75 – $150 and applies toward the repair.
The 50% rule: if the repair quote is more than half the cost of a comparable new unit — and the appliance is past half its expected life — replace it. An honest tech will tell you which side you're on.
Cost breakdown
| Job | Typical cost | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|
| Diagnostic / service call | $75 – $150 | Usually credited toward the repair |
| Dryer repair | $125 – $350 | Heating elements, belts, thermal fuses |
| Washer repair | $150 – $450 | Pumps, valves, control boards |
| Refrigerator repair | $200 – $600 | Sealed-system work runs higher — ask before approving |
| Oven / range repair | $150 – $450 | Igniters, elements, sensors |
Preview figures — production pricing will be regionalized from per-market research.
What moves your price
The 50% rule
Repair > 50% of replacement on an appliance past half its lifespan = replace. Under that = repair. It really is that simple.
Age of the unit
Washers and dishwashers last ~10 years, fridges 12–15, dryers 13. A $300 repair on a 12-year-old washer is a bad bet.
Parts availability
High-end and older units can have long part lead times — sometimes the repair is fine but the wait isn't.
What failed
Belts and elements are cheap. Compressors and control boards are where the 50% rule kicks in.
Want the exact number for your house?
A local appliance repair pro can look at your exact situation and quote it — free, no obligation, and your info goes to one pro, not a call list.