How Much Are Average Appliance Repair Costs? [2024]

When an appliance breaks, is it best to chuck it out or pay for repairs? There's no simple answer, as it will vary depending on the type of appliance, how old it is and how much the appliance repair costs.

This guide should give you an idea of how much fridge repair and other appliance repairs cost so you'll know what to expect when getting quotes for the job. Read more about:

• How much does appliance repair cost?
• How much does it cost to repair different appliances?
• How much does fridge repair cost?
• How much does washing machine repair cost?
• How much does dryer repair cost?
• How much does oven repair cost?
• How much does dishwasher repair cost?
• Why repair appliances?
• How to save money on appliance repairs
• Getting quotes from appliance repair services

How much does appliance repair cost?

Appliance repair services calculate rates in different ways. A local service might charge by the hour, plus parts, or they may charge a flat labour rate to fix specific problems. In general, expect to pay around:

• $45 per hour, plus a call-out fee up to $90
• $100 - $500 as a flat rate, depending on the repair

While a flat rate may sound expensive, it's often the most cost-effective choice for major repairs that could cost more at an hourly rate. According to some estimates, the average cost to have a major appliance repaired is about $360.

If your appliance is still under warranty, you may not have to pay anything for the repair. In other cases, you may have to pay for parts or labour only.

Depending on the issue, you may also need to call an electrician for appliance repairs, especially for in-built appliances.

Read more: How much does an electrician cost

How much does it cost to repair different appliances?

Appliance repair costs will vary depending on what type of appliance you need fixed – a fridge is going to cost a lot more than a toaster, for instance. A serious problem will also cost more than minor repairs, and quotes will also depend on the cost of parts and labour.

Expect to pay anywhere from:

• Fridge repair cost: $50 - $500
• Washing machine repair: $80 - $500
• Dryer repair: $100 - $400
• Oven repair: $50 - $150
• Dishwasher repair: $100 - $300
• Small appliance repair (microwave, garbage disposal): $100 - $200

With so many different appliances that might need fixing over their lifetime, it's hard to estimate exactly how much a repair job will cost. The easiest way to find out is to get quotes from appliance repair services near you, making sure to provide as much detail about the problem as you can.

How much does fridge repair cost?

Fridges are one of the most common large appliances that need repairing. For this reason, many companies offer a flat rate for small repairs, rather than charging for time and parts. However, this depends on what's wrong – if it's a big problem, you’ll still have to pay more.

For a normal combo fridge and freezer, be prepared to pay between $200 and $400 for most repairs. For an ice maker or wine fridge, repairs may cost $350 or more.

Common problems and fridge repair costs are:

• Fridge not cooling properly: Compressor repair can cost $50 - $100, while replacement can cost $200 - $450
• Leaking refrigerant: Freon leak repair costs $200 - $400. Regassing is not normally needed unless there's been a serious leak.
• Damaged fridge seal: Seal replacement costs $50 - $60 per part, plus labour

Consider the age and efficiency of your fridge when making repairs. If it's less than 10 years old, it's usually worth getting it repaired. If it's more than 10 years old, the efficiency boost of a modern fridge might be enough to consider replacing it.

How much does washing machine repair cost?

The cost to repair a washing machine depends on its size and the nature of the problem. A portable washing machine costs $80 - $150 to repair on average, while a top loader costs in the range of $150 - $250 and a front loader $200 - $300.

Common fixes and prices are:

• Leaking washing machine: $75 - $100 to repair a leak or replace a hose
• Water not draining: $150 - $300 to replace a pump, drain switch or other component
• Machine not spinning: $175 - $500 to replace a damaged pump, agitator or other component
• Machine won't start: $200 - $400 to fix an electrical or mechanical problem

How much does dryer repair cost?

The cost of dryer repairs ranges from $100 - $400 on average, but can be more expensive if you have an older dryer with hard-to-source parts or if you need to replace a major component such as a door. In these situations, it could be more affordable to buy a new dryer.

Common dryer repairs and costs include:

• Noisy dryer: From $80 - $160 to repair a drum glide or up to $800 to replace a drum seal and blower wheel
• Dryer doesn't turn on: $100 - $280, depending on whether you need to replace a control board or thermostat
• Dryer overheating or not heating enough: $120 - $350 to repair a faulty thermal fuse, timer, igniter or heating element

How much does oven repair cost?

Oven repairs cost between $50 - $150 on average, or around $70 per hour. Gas ovens generally cost more to repair than electric ovens. If a heating element is faulty, it's generally more cost-effective to replace the oven than replace individual elements.

Common oven repair costs include:

• Noisy oven: $100 - $135 to replace a fan or fan motor
• Oven not heating properly: $55 - $80 to clean the heating element or recalibrate a thermostat. Replacing a faulty thermostat will cost more.
• Baking element not working: Replacing the appliance is more cost-effective than replacing the element.

How much does dishwasher repair cost?

Dishwasher repair costs $100 - $300, but it can cost up to $1,000 to fix an exhaust system. In this case, it's usually more cost-effective to replace an older appliance.

Expect to pay around:

• Dishwasher not draining: $240 - $1,000 to repair a faulty exhaust system
• Dishes are not clean: Up to $360 to replace a filter with original parts
• Dishwasher not working: $150 - $330 to fix a motor start relay, door latch or lock

Why repair appliances?

Is it always better to repair than replace an appliance? That depends on how serious the fault is and how expensive to fix. Properly disposing of old white goods can be a hassle, and buying a new appliance whenever something goes wrong isn't very sustainable. Here are some good reasons to consider appliance repairs:

Cost

Modern appliances generally have a lifespan of around 8 - 15 years. Most appliance repairs cost a few hundred dollars or less, and can avoid the greater expense of buying a new appliance any time something goes wrong. On the other hand, if your appliance is on the way out, or a repair is more expensive. it can be more cost-effective to replace it with a new, energy-efficient appliance.

Convenience

White goods and other electronics need to be disposed of properly. Having a fridge or other appliance repaired saves you the trouble of getting rid of the old appliance and buying and installing a new one.

Nachhaltigkeit

Extending the life of older appliances helps to reduce waste and pollution from manufacture and transport, reducing your carbon footprint. Choosing energy-efficient appliances can also save energy and money in the long term.

How to save money on appliance repairs

Most repair services charge a call-out fee, which is the minimum you can expect to pay. If your repairer charges a flat rate, check whether that includes parts, labour and the call-out fee. If you think the problem is relatively minor, paying a technician who'll charge these separately instead of a flat rate might be the better option.

If your appliance is still under warranty, it needs to be repaired by an authorised technician. Most reputable appliance repairers have arrangements with multiple appliance brands, but make sure you specify the brand of your appliance and the warranty details when you request a quote.

If it sounds like your repair will cost more than it's worth, a good appliance repair professional may offer to replace your appliance with a reconditioned unit from their stock. In many cases, reconditioned appliances even come with warranties. You may be able to get a better appliance for only slightly more than the cost of a repair.

Getting quotes from appliance repair services

While these are ballpark figures for appliance repairs, you can't know for sure how much the repair will cost until the repairer has the chance to inspect the appliance. The more information you can give the repair company about the problem, the more reliable your quote will be.

Make sure you get multiple quotes from specialists in your area, as some local businesses might be a cheaper option than bigger appliance repair companies.

 

 

*Costs and prices in this article are indicative and should only be used as a guide. They also vary locally and are subject to market forces.