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Written By Roger Marx
Your home’s appliances can naturally deteriorate over time, eventually leading to failures that interrupt your ability to cook, do laundry, and keep your household running smoothly. The good news is that you have another option that protects you against these unexpected costs.
A home warranty plan can save the day when appliances like your fridge, oven, microwave, dishwasher, or washer and dryer inevitably suffer failures that disrupt your routine. These policies require a minimal monthly expense and deliver the coverage needed for repair or replacement when appliances break down.
When considering purchasing a home warranty plan, even cheap home warranty plans, it is recommended that you research the cost of replacing the older things you’ll be covering and the cost of repair of the other items. When appliances and systems are maintained properly, they can last for many years and minimize the possibility of breakages.
When those appliances or systems in your home quit working, there are two choices to make: Buy new or repair. you have two alternatives. You could either substitute it or repair it. Before you make that decision, there are several factors to consider, with one being the age of the item and if it is still under warranty. If the appliance or system is old, appliance repair prices may make it unfeasible to repair, making replacement the better option.
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No one wants to shell out hundreds or thousands of dollars on the spot to replace an expensive appliance, but if you’re facing high average appliance repair costs, you might feel like it makes more sense to pay a little more for something new.
If the appliance or system is out of warranty, appliance repair cost could be expensive. You should get 2 or 3 quotes and the price to replace it with new. If the repair cost is 50% or less than the cost of replacing it with a new appliance, then the repair is worthwhile. If it is over 50%, then it is time to replace it with a new one.
In some cases, it can be difficult, even impossible, for parts being available for repairing, which would make your decision for you. Sometimes, a technician will recommend substitute parts if the OEM part is no longer available. In most cases, this type of repair doesn’t work for long. You should also take into consideration the appliance repair service call cost if you decide not to replace the item or system because the chance it will break down is greater as it ages.
How much does appliance repair cost exactly? Repair service for appliances and system is usually charged by the hour, which can start as low as $50 per hour and run upward to $75 or more per hour, plus the parts. The average dishwasher repair cost can be a two-hour service call and the parts, in addition, meaning a repair service call could run your $200 easily. If you can take the appliance in, the service call is less, but for electrical or plumbing systems, it isn’t possible to take to the service center.
While a home warranty plan will cost from $250 to $500 a year, depending on the coverage you choose, it has proven to be much less expensive than those unexpected average house repair costs, which is in addition to the average home repair costs per month that every homeowner should expect.
Typically, when purchasing a pre-owned home, the seller includes a home warranty plan as part of the price. It is considered a level of protection for both the buyer and the seller. If one isn’t offered, the buyer can request one to make the deal or purchase one on their own. Home warranty plans can vary, but most will have coverage for the basics like refrigerator, stove, oven, electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems.
Here, we offer an appliance repair cost estimator, which should be verified when getting quotes, as these prices are not the most current and vary from state to state. This appliance repair pricing guide may or may not include the cost of delivery, any special components, finishes, or materials. Also not included is any clean up after the work is completed for repair or installing replacement or any need for the service technician to purchase or rent additional machinery or tools.
New appliances can set you back thousands of dollars. Repairing an appliance can help you get back on track for less in many cases. Here are a few major appliances you may have to repair at some point, along with the average prices for doing so.
The cost to repair refrigerator parts may be higher than some other appliances, but that cost is nowhere near the price of replacing this essential appliance outright. Several things can go wrong with your refrigerator over time.
One common issue is that the ice maker in your freezer stops working. This could be due to a seized motor module, a clogged inlet valve, or a failed mold heater. Another major issue is a fridge that won’t get cold. The problem could be as simple as an incorrect temperature setting, which you can easily adjust, but it could also be a dirty or failing condenser.
If your fridge isn’t working at all, the control board may be on the fritz. While minor fixes could set you back as little as about $200 for parts and labor, a major component failure might cost $1,300 or more to fix.
When it comes to making meals, a functional stove, oven, or range is critical to ensuring food is properly cooked to prevent food poisoning. But what if your burners malfunction or your oven won’t heat to the correct temperature?
Bad controls, broken wiring, or igniter problems could be to blame, depending on whether your appliance runs on gas or electricity. Oven repairs aren’t usually quite as steep as fridges, but you can still expect to pay somewhere between about $100 and $600 to get cooking again.
When the meal is done and you’re full and satisfied, the last thing you want to face is a sink full of dishes. This is where a dishwasher adds ease to your life — unless it’s broken. Drainage issues could be attributed to a food clog or a malfunctioning pump. You might also experience leaks from time to time.
If your machine stops running in the middle of a cycle or won’t start at all, you could be looking at mechanical failures. The price range for dishwasher repairs is similar to ranges; you can expect to spend roughly $150to $220.
A century ago, a tub, a washboard, and elbow grease were the solution to a pile of dirty clothes. Today, you can toss garments in a machine and set it to run. What if your washer won’t spin, though? The problem could be a worn drive belt, a failing clutch, or a broken motor coupler.
If your front-load washer throws error codes when you try to start your machine or in the middle of a wash cycle, the cause might be as simple as an unbalanced load. Alternatively, you could have issues with the main electronic control board.
Generally, you can expect to spend anywhere from about $125 to $250 on repairs, but that amount could be more for modern washing machines with newer technologies.
If your dryer won’t heat up, the timer stops working, or the machine simply won’t turn on, you might be looking at problems with failed heating elements, faulty wiring, or bad controls. Repairing common dryer issues can cost between about $100 to $450 on average, which could be more than the cost of a new dryer, in some cases.
Appliance | Repair Cost Range |
Refrigerator | $200-$1300 |
Oven/Stove | $100-$600 |
Dishwasher | $150-$220 |
Washing Machine | $125-$450 |
Dryer | $100-$450 |
When getting quotes for repair, clarify if the price includes parts, are the part OEM and covered under warranty, as well as the service itself under warranty. Get a time frame job will be completed and get the quote in writing that states all of this.
Home warranty plans offer the best way to protect your home’s most valuable systems and appliances. Get a quote for your preferred Liberty Home Guard plans and policies today.
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The general rule of thumb is the 50% rule: if the repair cost is 50% or less of the replacement cost, it's worth repairing. Also consider the age of the appliance - if it's over 10 years old and requires major repairs, replacement might be more cost-effective.
Several factors influence repair costs including labor rates (which have increased to $50-$125),parts availability, complexity of the repair, your location, and whether you need emergency or weekend service. Supply chain issues can also affect parts costs and availability.
Typically, homeowners insurance doesn't cover appliance repairs due to normal wear and tear. However, if an appliance is damaged due to a covered peril (like a power surge from lightning),it might be covered. A home warranty plan is specifically designed to cover appliance repairs and replacements.
Simple repairs like replacing a thermostat or heating element can be completed in 1-2 hours. More complex repairs involving multiple components or hard-to-find parts may take several days to weeks, especially if parts need to be ordered.
While some minor maintenance tasks are DIY-friendly, most appliance repairs require specialized tools and knowledge. Attempting repairs on your own can void warranties, create safety hazards, and potentially cause more expensive damage. It's generally recommended to hire certified technicians.
Regular maintenance is key to preventing costly repairs. Clean filters, check hoses and connections, and follow manufacturer guidelines. Getting multiple quotes, considering refurbished parts when appropriate, and maintaining a home warranty plan can also help reduce costs.
Consider replacement when repair costs exceed 50% of replacement cost, the appliance is over 10-15 years old, requires frequent repairs, has poor energy efficiency, or when parts are no longer available. Energy-efficient newer models may also provide long-term savings.
Home warranty plans typically cost $300-$600 annually and can provide significant savings on unexpected repairs. They're particularly valuable for older homes with aging appliances or for homeowners who want predictable maintenance costs. Compare coverage options and read reviews before choosing a plan.
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