Repair or Replace? A Guide for Killeen Homeowners

When an appliance breaks, the real question is whether the repair is worth it or you're throwing good money after bad. A simple rule handles most cases.

The 50% rule

If the repair costs less than half the price of a comparable new unit and the appliance is within its normal lifespan, repair almost always wins. Over that, replacement starts to make sense.

Typical lifespans

• Refrigerators: 10–13 years
• Washers and dryers: 10–13 years
• Dishwashers: 9–12 years
• Ranges and ovens: 13–15 years

So a 4-year-old dryer that won't heat is almost always worth a $150–250 fix. A 14-year-old fridge needing a major repair is usually time to replace. When it's a close call, a diagnosis gives you the real repair number so you're deciding with facts, not guesses.