Recently, a Reddit user asked: How do you decide whether to repair or replace a broken appliance?
The user’s 10 years ago’s lead range was not working properly, but replacing it is expensive. Still, they like the range and they were hesitant to buy new ones as it fits perfectly in their home.
Reddit users have suggested they find repair manuals, investigate DIY solutions and look for licensed repair personnel in the factory.
If you find yourself in a similar situation, here are some recommended home and appliance experts:
1. Try a low-cost fix
According to Keith Flamer, Home and Appliances writer at Consumer Reports, owner manuals may contain troubleshooting tips that lead to faster than expected fixes.
If you can’t find the original, you can often find the digital version on the manufacturer’s website.
Some appliance manufacturers offer diagnostic systems that can identify specific issues. Manufacturers may provide solutions through their website or through their customer service lines, Flamer says – especially if it is a common problem.
If you’re still stuck, you can crowdsource ideas. “Start with YouTube and a message board,” Flamer says.
In many cases, other users share useful tips specific to their experience with a particular appliance.
2. Please check your purchase history
Depending on when you purchased the appliance, it may still be under warranty, says Angie Hicks, co-founder of Angi, a website that provides information about home services.
The typical appliance warranty lasts for a year, but consumers often have the option to buy an extended warranty. Searching for original receipts and paperwork will often help you see the warranty period.
3. Do math
Determine the age of the appliance and measure it against the expected lifespan, making the decision easier.
“If the appliance is mid-life, mostly between 10 and 15 years and it takes half the time to repair it than replacing it, it’s going to replace it entirely,” says Hicks.
4. Decide how much you like the appliance
If you have a favorite appliance – if your cooktop works well and your oven gets hot quickly or likes how it looks and feels, it’s worth exploring the full potential fix, says Ethan O’Donnell, digital editor at FamilyHandyman.com, a website about the Home Improvement project.
When the handle breaks in his white dishwasher and a matching replacement takes an outrageous amount, O’Donnell decides to replace it with a cheaper black one.
It doesn’t match, but he still has his trusty dishwasher and the fix only cost him about $20.
5. Turn to experts
If repairs include potential safety hazards like gas lines and electronics, it makes sense to look at professional repairs, says O’Donnell.
“Capacitors can hold the fees and cause serious shock to you,” he warns.
In some cases, disassembling the appliance yourself could also void the warranty, O’Donnell adds.
Sometimes you can learn useful tricks from looking at workplace experts. After O’Donnell observed that the washing machine repairman had removed the socks stuffed with the washing machine, he was able to fix the clog next time.
6. Take advantage of summer sales
Summer shopping events such as Prime Day and July 4th sales offer deep discounts during the hottest months of the year. This makes summer the ideal time to replace your appliance and save money.
“If you can hit weekend sales, you can get a better price,” says Hicks.
When shopping online, make sure you’re getting the best possible price using coupons and comparison tools such as PayPal Honey and the CameLizer browser extension.
If you are purchasing a new appliance, fill out your registration information to verify your warranty and make it easier to find in the future.
7. Don’t forget to do regular maintenance
Remove lint from the dryer vents, clean the air conditioner coils, and perform other types of regular maintenance can lead to longer lifespans for your appliance, says Hicks.
“It helps them to run more efficiently and expand their lives,” she says. Whether it’s a brand new model or a broken favorite.
Reddit is an online forum where users share their thoughts in “threads” on a variety of topics. Popular sites contain a lot of discussion about financial subjects like preservation and shopping, so I sifted through the Reddit forum and got a pulse check. People post anonymously, so they cannot check their individual experiences or circumstances.
Kimberly Palmer writes for Nald Wallet. Email: kpalmer@nerdwallet.com. Twitter: @kimberlypalmer.
Article asked on Reddit: Should I repair or replace a broken appliance? It originally appeared in Nerdwallet.
Original issue: June 25th, 2025, 12:35pm EDT
