How Much Does Appliance Repair Cost?

Highlights

• Appliance repair has a typical cost range of $107 to $247, with a national average cost of $176.
• The cost of appliance repair can depend on the type and location of the appliance, its energy source, and the cost of labor.
• If a resident noticed that their appliance is leaking, making excessive noise, failing to properly function, or using more energy than usual, they may need to hire an appliance repair technician.
• Residents may be able to make minor appliance repairs themselves, but it’s advisable to hire a professional for more difficult repairs. A professional has expertise and access to discounted parts, and can complete the repair safely.

The average two-person household has just under 14 appliances. While this offers plenty of convenience, it also leaves room for expensive repair bills should one or more of them start to malfunction or break down. According to HomeAdvisor, the national average appliance repair cost is $176, with a typical range of $107 to $247. Several factors can influence the final repair bill, including the appliance type, how difficult it is to service, and what energy source it uses.

Homeowners can estimate their own appliance repair cost and break down average appliance repair costs by the most common types of appliances found in American homes today.

Factors in Calculating Appliance Repair Cost

When an appliance is on the fritz, having an estimate of what it will cost to get it back up and running can help a homeowner appropriately budget and, if necessary, plan for a replacement. The following factors have the most impact when trying to determine an appliance repair estimate.

Appliance Type

The type of appliance in need of repair is usually the biggest factor when trying to determine a repair estimate. For example, it might cost only $100 to get a leaky dishwasher back up and running, while a dryer repair could cost as much as $200. An HVAC system is usually the most expensive to repair, coming in as high as $900. There are a few sub-factors to consider when breaking down repair estimates by appliance type.

First, how many functions does the appliance perform? An appliance that does more than one thing can take more time to diagnose than one that has only a single function. The number of components within an appliance can also affect how much it will cost to repair it. With more potential faulty parts, it may take longer to diagnose the problem. Finally, how common is the appliance? Since multiple appliance repair professionals will be familiar with the most common appliance repairs, homeowners should be able to find competitive rates. Parts for typical household appliances are also likely to be easy to find and more affordable compared with rare appliances that have minimal available replacement parts and service providers who charge more as a specialty service.

Appliance Location

The harder it is to access a broken appliance, the more it could cost to repair it. First, there could be more prep work needed before the repair can begin. For example, a refrigerator built into a kitchen’s cabinet layout will be more difficult to move for a repair than a freestanding refrigerator. The same concept applies to a microwave or oven.

The second reason appliance location affects repair cost is how the process is approached physically. While a repair professional can likely repair a dishwasher or air conditioner in a comfortable manner, less accessible appliances can require some flexibility. This is especially true for older homes where modern-day appliances, like water heaters and HVAC systems, have been installed in compact spaces. If an appliance repair professional needs to crouch or cram their way into a space to repair an appliance, the repair estimate is likely to be higher.

Energy Source

Different energy sources can influence an appliance repair service call cost. As a general rule of thumb, electric appliances tend to cost the least to repair. Gas appliances tend to cost about 20 percent more to repair than their electric counterparts. This is because parts tend to be more expensive and technicians need more skill and experience to work on gas, as it carries a higher risk of danger.

Homeowners can expect to pay an average of $240 to have an appliance repaired that uses electricity as its source of energy. For the same appliance powered by gas, the average repair price jumps up to $330. If an appliance uses more than one energy source, the cost to repair it can be higher as well.

How much does it cost to fix an appliance powered by solar energy? Homeowners should know that repair techs tend to charge more in labor when working on solar-powered appliances. In fact, hourly labor fees may be as high as $200 for a solar-powered appliance, making the average repair cost, including labor, around $420.

Labor

Labor costs tend to make up the bulk of appliance repair costs. All appliance repair techs charge for labor, but how they charge can vary. Some may charge by the hour, while others choose to go with a flat fee. Homeowners should also be aware of emergency-repair fees that can quickly grow an appliance repair cost estimate.

When it comes to hourly labor fees, repair techs typically charge between $50 and $150 per hour. This isn’t including service charge fees, which typically cost homeowners between $50 and $100 and cover travel time and gas.

A flat fee typically runs between $50 and $200. However, most repair techs only use this type of fee if the job is smaller or very specific. Repair jobs with a larger scope are more likely to be charged by the hour.

Additional Costs and Considerations

While the previously listed factors have the most influence on the final cost of appliance repair, there are a few other variables homeowners should take into account. These include potential emergency-repair fees, maintenance costs, and whether it’s more cost efficient to replace an appliance rather than repair it.

Emergency-Repair Fees

Emergency-repair fees are reserved for those middle-of-the-night scenarios or when an appliance needs to be immediately fixed, such as when an air conditioner goes out in the middle of a heat wave or over the weekend. These fees can raise the cost of an appliance repair significantly. Emergency-repair fees are typically between $50 and $200, depending on time and day. For example, an emergency repair at 2 p.m. on a Tuesday is likely to have a lower emergency fee than a 1 a.m. emergency repair over a weekend.

Repair vs. Replacement

Repairing an appliance can save a homeowner money—most of the time. But sometimes replacing an appliance makes more financial sense. While it may seem like replacing a unit would cost more than a repair, there are a few factors homeowners should consider.

First, continually fixing an old appliance that just can’t keep up can add up to more in repairs than a new appliance would cost brand new from the store. There’s also the cost to operate the appliance. One that keeps breaking down is likely outdated and probably costs more to operate than a new energy-efficient or water-saving appliance.

Another potential possibility to consider is when a repair costs more than a replacement from the get-go. As an example, a difficult repair to a microwave could end up costing more than a replacement appliance. It only makes sense in this scenario to go with a replacement, and a good repair tech should be transparent about the cost difference between the two.

On the other hand, replacing appliances built into a custom space can be difficult. Built-in double ovens or refrigerators may not conform to a standard size. In these situations, repairing a malfunctioning appliance can make more sense since it won’t require renovations to accommodate a replacement in a different size.

As a good rule of thumb, homeowners should strongly consider repair when the cost is less than half of the cost of a new appliance.

Refinishing

Refinishing an appliance is an optional process that can breathe new life into an old appliance. It’s not an ideal choice for an appliance that’s starting to show signs of breaking down, but when it comes to a cosmetic face-lift, refinishing is an option that should be considered (though it will increase the price of a standard repair job).

It costs between $150 and $1,300 to refinish an appliance, depending on the appliance type, materials used, and whether the upgrade requires the appliance to be removed. Homeowners may consider this option when bringing an appliance up to date with their decor, making an old appliance look brand new, or changing the appearance of an appliance to match the others in the home. Some homeowners choose to refinish their appliances for eco-friendly reasons. If an appliance is still in good shape, choosing to refinish it can keep it out of a landfill without compromising the decor of a room.

Refinishing can be an affordable option for homeowners in search of an upgrade, as long as the unit is in good condition. But if an appliance is struggling or needs major repairs, replacement could be the better choice.

Maintenance

Choosing a maintenance plan is an additional up-front cost for homeowners, falling between $100 and $300 a year. This type of plan provides service for laundry and kitchen appliances, which are some of the most important in a home. With routine cleaning, inspections, and tune-ups, appliances are more likely to last to at least or beyond their expected lifetime.

Under some maintenance plans, the cost of labor for repairs is also covered. With a maintenance plan, homeowners may extend the life of appliances, spot the need for repairs before serious issues (like water damage) happen, and save money when repairs are necessary.

Warranties

How much does appliance repair cost? It depends on whether or not an extended warranty was purchased for the unit in question. An extended warranty is an additional up-front cost when purchasing an appliance, but having a valid warranty can minimize repair costs should an appliance break down.

It may help homeowners to know that some appliances benefit more from a warranty than others. Appliances that are used the most and would have the biggest impact on a family’s daily routine should have a warranty when possible, including the refrigerator, dishwasher, and washing machine.

Home warranty policies are also an option when appliances were originally purchased by someone else (e.g., previous homeowners). The average annual home warranty cost is $600. A general rule of thumb for homeowners to remember about warranties is to choose options from some of the best home warranty companies (such as American Home Shield or AFC Home Club) that cover both parts and labor for at least 5 years of an appliance’s life.

Repair Cost by Type of Appliance

With so many variables and factors to consider when trying to estimate the repair cost of a broken-down appliance, it can be difficult for homeowners to come up with an accurate range. To make it easier to budget for potential repairs, here are average appliance repair costs by type.

Refrigerator

A refrigerator on the fritz can be a serious problem. If food is spoiling quickly, not staying cold, or getting too cold, it’s likely in need of repair. Other signs of a malfunctioning refrigerator include water pooling around the unit, loud noises, or a compressor that won’t shut off.

Refrigerator repair costs an average of $350. There are multiple areas and components within a refrigerator that can need repair, though. Fixing a door seal or thermostat can cost around $200. Pulling out a dent will also run about $200. Units with automatic ice makers in need of repair typically rack up a repair bill between $150 and $250.

Another factor to consider is whether the refrigerator is a stand-alone model or built into a kitchen design, especially when a replacement is needed. It can be difficult to find a replacement that’s exactly the right size with a built-in.

In general, side-by-side refrigerators should be replaced rather than repaired once they reach 8 years old. The good news is that new models are typically more energy efficient. So despite the up-front costs of replacing a refrigerator, there are savings on energy bills for homeowners to enjoy.

Freezer

A freezer that’s building up excess ice, making loud noises, or not running properly needs the expertise of an appliance repair tech.

A typical freezer repair bill runs between $100 and $300, depending on the type and size of the freezer and what the issue is. Homeowners should know that portable freezers tend to be the least expensive to repair, while a drawer or display model with glass doors tends to cost more.

Less expensive issues include thermostat replacement or small dent fixes. But if a freezer needs a new control panel, the repair cost is likely to be much higher. The most common issue with freezers is a broken evaporator fan motor. These cost between $200 and $250 to repair.

The good news is that freezers tend to last longer than refrigerators and many other kitchen appliances since they tend to be opened less (compared to a refrigerator or microwave).

Ice Maker

Rather than a refrigerator with an ice maker for ice, some homeowners opt to have a portable ice maker. These units can make ice anywhere there’s an outlet. They also work quickly with no draining or water line installation needed. With room for storage and the option to make a variety of ice types, they’re ideal for those who don’t want to replace a refrigerator without an ice dispenser or add a water line to a kitchen or space without one. They’re also perfect for those who need to make a lot of ice very quickly, like after a surgery, or when cold drinks are a must but aren’t easy to accomplish.

But like all appliances, an ice maker can break down. The average repair cost is $200, but it depends on the issue. For example, repairing a water inlet valve can cost between $150 and $200. Repairing a motor can be a bit more expensive and can run up to $350. An ice maker that’s producing odd-tasting ice might need a new filter, which can be as low as $85 to replace.

Stove

There are several reasons that a stove might not be working as expected. Burner problems, a natural gas smell throughout the kitchen, or meals that take longer than usual to cook are all signs of a stove in need of repair.

The typical cost to repair a stove is $250, but of course this depends on the brand, type of stove or range, and what the issue is. Homeowners should know that stovetops are one of the more affordable appliances to repair. The least expensive repairs are faulty burner switches, while more expensive repairs tend to involve broken burners or glass stovetop replacements, coming in as high as $400.

Oven

An oven isn’t an appliance that’s used every day, but it can quickly throw off a routine when it goes haywire. An average oven repair costs $270, with a range between $150 and $400. The most common parts that need to be replaced include gaskets, heating elements, and the oven door.

A simple repair, like replacing the door or repairing an oven sensor, can be on the lower end of the price range. Replacing a control board is a more complex repair and tends to be more expensive at $400.

One factor homeowners should take into account when trying to determine how much it will cost to repair an oven is whether or not the appliance is built-in. Repairs to an oven built into a cabinet design can be more difficult because this type of oven can’t simply be slid away from the wall for access, especially if walls, trim, or tile need to be replaced after a repair.

Microwave

Microwaves are a smaller kitchen appliance, but they get plenty of use. This makes them more susceptible to developing issues. Signs of a microwave in need of help include buttons on the keypad no longer working, food that takes longer than it should to heat up, a door that won’t close or latch, the tray no longer rotating, or loud and unusual noises. Finally, a microwave that won’t shut off or turn on is also in need of service from a repair tech.

Countertop microwaves tend to be more affordable to repair than microwaves mounted over a range. Common parts of a microwave that need to be replaced include the transformer, touch pad, and magnetron (the power source inside the microwave). The average appliance repair cost of a microwave is between $100 and $200. For many homeowners, it can make more financial sense to simply replace a faulty microwave than it would to troubleshoot and repair it.

Dishwasher

Besides a sink full of dishes, there are a few common signs of a malfunctioning dishwasher. These include leaking water outside of the unit, water that won’t drain out of the bottom level of the appliance, loud or unusual noises during operation, and dishes coming out nearly just as dirty as they went in.

The average range for dishwasher repair is $100 to $300. More affordable repairs include damaged seals and springs, while more expensive repairs tend to involve failed motors or damaged control panels.

It’s not uncommon for a dishwasher on the fritz to require multiple parts. This is why homeowners should consider replacing their dishwasher over repairing it if the dishwasher is approaching the end of its average lifespan of about 10 years. Not only could this be the cheaper approach, it’s also likely to save on energy and water bills, as newer models tend to be more eco-friendly.

Garbage Disposal

Garbage disposals have a low average repair cost at $130. But more complicated repairs could cost closer to $200. A garbage disposal in need of repair may be making odd or loud noises during operation. When water and food scraps seem to be draining slower than usual, or a unit won’t turn on despite being plugged in and on an active circuit, it is definitely in need of an experienced repair technician. A serious sign of a broken garbage disposal is water pooling underneath the unit. When a homeowner sees a leak, a total replacement is usually necessary.

A simple jam in the machine is usually the fastest and most affordable repair for homeowners, costing as little as $70. As with other smaller appliances in the kitchen, replacing the unit should always be considered if it’s nearing the end of its average lifespan of 10 years. It should also be noted that homeowners should avoid a DIY approach to garbage disposal repair. Even with the power to the unit shut off, working with malfunctioning blades can be dangerous for those without experience.

Washing Machine

Washing machines are another appliance most homeowners don’t ever want to find themselves without. Luckily, the average washing machine repair cost is on the lower end at $220. Common signs of a washing machine in need of repair include standing water in the unit after a cleaning cycle, washing cycles that won’t complete, a drum that won’t agitate or spin, or loud banging or squealing noises during operation. Finally, a control board failure or a burnt-out motor would prevent the unit from turning on at all.

Sometimes a simple part replacement is all it takes to get a unit back up and running. Common washing machine parts needed during repairs include new motors, hoses, valves, and belts. Determining a more accurate estimate of how much it will cost to repair a washing machine requires an accurate diagnosis and pricing for the replacement parts, along with expected labor. Replacing seals or rebalancing the drum tend to be more affordable repair jobs, while motor repair tends to be the most expensive type of washing machine repair.

Acting quickly to get a technician out to repair a broken washing machine can save money in the end. Trips to the laundromat, along with rolls of quarters, can quickly add up when both time and money are considered.

Dryer

Signs of a dryer in need include extended drying times, loud noises, a drum that won’t spin, or a unit that turns off intermittently. A drum that won’t spin often indicates a broken belt, while a unit that won’t stay on could be a sign of a broken thermostat. Common dryer parts that are replaced include thermal fuses, thermostats, and drum belts. An electric dryer belt alone can cost as much as $200 for a repair tech to replace.

The biggest factor when trying to determine an appliance repair hourly rate for a dryer is its energy source. A dryer that uses electricity to run will cost between $150 and $350 to repair, while a dryer that runs on gas will be more affordable with a repair range of $50 to $100.

Do I Need Appliance Repair?

Some appliances slow down or weaken with age and use. But does this mean a repair is necessary? Here are some of the top signs it’s time to stop ignoring a sputtering or sluggish appliance and call one of the best appliance repair services for a repair estimate.

Leaking

An appliance that is leaking requires immediate attention. First, water and electricity don’t mix. Standing water can also seriously damage flooring and walls. Finally, standing water, either within an appliance or around it, can lead to mold and mildew and potentially serious health problems.

Standing water around an appliance, like a washing machine, dishwasher, or garbage disposal, is often the result of a damaged seal. This is typically a fast and affordable repair. But if the leaking water is due to a damaged or broken part, repair costs are based on the price of a new part and how long the job will take. Internal leaks can be the most serious, as they can cause a domino effect of other issues. That’s why it’s recommended that homeowners act immediately when noticing water from an appliance. The best actions to take include shutting off the appliance, cutting off its water supply if possible, cleaning up standing water as best as possible, and calling a professional to inspect the appliance and diagnose the problem.

Excessive Noise

Most household appliances are designed to operate quietly. So when an appliance starts to pop, crackle, or crunch, it’s a good indicator that something isn’t functioning as designed. For example, a loud bang that happens when a home’s furnace kicks on could just be inflation within the air ducts due to the change in temperature. But it could also be a sign of contaminated gas burners, which can lead to holes in the appliance’s heat exchanger.

It’s normal for a dishwasher to buzz when water is going down its drain system, but if this noise suddenly gets louder, it could be an issue with the pump. A humming microwave could have a problem with the magnetron, which is part of its high-voltage circuit. It’s easy to see that an appliance making noise that it shouldn’t almost always signals a serious issue.

If the appliance only makes the noise on occasion, try to record it. This way a professional repair tech can hear the noise without having to turn on the appliance and risk further damage, helping them diagnose and repair the appliance quickly and accurately.

Failure to Turn On

An appliance that won’t turn on is unusable. But homeowners don’t need to call for professional help right away; it may be possible to remedy the situation. First, make sure the appliance is plugged in. If it is, check the breaker next. Some appliances are designed to not turn on if there is another issue; look for standing water or clogs in vents or hoses that may have triggered an appliance to stop operating.

If there are no obvious signs for why the appliance won’t turn on, a professional repair technician may be able to quickly diagnose the problem. But sometimes when an appliance won’t turn on, a replacement may be required. This is especially true when a repair would end up costing more than a new appliance.

Increased Energy Bill

When an appliance is struggling or in need of repair, it tends to pull more power from its energy source. If the electric or gas bills seem to be climbing without an obvious explanation, a malfunctioning appliance could be to blame. If an appliance uses water, such as a dishwasher or washing machine, look out for high water bills as well.

One common misconception for homeowners is that by putting off an appliance repair, they’re keeping more money in their pockets. But if a struggling appliance is causing higher utility bills, putting off a repair may be costing more than scheduling a repair job.

Besides saving money in the long run, there is an even more important reason to not put off a call to a repair tech if there is reason to believe an appliance is hiking up energy bills. If an electrical system is consistently being overloaded, the circuit breaker can trip and shut off power to the entire circuit. But what’s even more dangerous is that overloads can cause wiring to overheat. Melting wire insulation can lead to a fire. Leaking gas can also be a fire hazard. When an energy bill goes up, always search for the cause.

Appliance Repair: DIY vs. Hiring a Professional

Many homeowners believe that taking a DIY approach to repairing an appliance is the best way to save money. What they don’t realize is that there are many misconceptions when it comes to tackling an appliance repair job without the help of a pro. After consulting an appliance repair cost estimator tool, homeowners might think they know what they’re going to save if they decide to fix a dishwasher, oven, or air conditioner on their own.

But the truth is that appliance repair often requires years of training and experience to be completed quickly and accurately. Taking apart appliances to reach their inner components can be dangerous with electricity, water, and gas sources involved. While it’s not accurate to say that an appliance repair should always be handled by a professional, the potential to save money shouldn’t be the only consideration when trying to decide between DIY and an appliance repair tech. Consider the following benefits a professional brings to the table.

Expertise

Diagnosing a malfunctioning appliance is half the battle of repair. When taking a DIY approach to home appliance repair, a misdiagnosis isn’t uncommon. This can of course make the repair take longer, but only if the error is caught. Otherwise, an appliance will continue to operate incorrectly until other components start to break down or the entire unit stops working.

A professional is less likely to make a diagnosis error when examining an appliance. And if there is more than one possible diagnosis, a professional will know how to determine the proper one or will reach out to another professional in the field who can confirm the issue. This definitely saves time when it comes to appliance repair.

Professional appliance repair techs also have the expertise to notice potential issues with an appliance. For example, they may be fixing a dishwasher seal and notice that water seems to be draining too slowly in the base of the appliance. This can save the homeowner another service call and prevent serious damage a major water leak could cause from a clogged hose or drain.

One final way a repair tech’s expertise can benefit a homeowner is that they are very unlikely to cause further damage to an appliance during the repair. If a homeowner attempts to fix their own appliance, they risk additional damage to the unit, either by repairing it incorrectly or not disassembling the appliance properly. This can end up being a costly mistake.

Access to Discounted Parts

Having appliances professionally prepared can be an affordable home upkeep task, especially when the longevity of an appliance is taken into account. But that doesn’t mean homeowners can’t put forth a little effort to save where they can. This is why many try to repair their appliances on their own. But the truth is that while they may save in labor, they’re likely paying more in parts. This is because appliance repair pros have access to discounted parts. Because they buy high quantities of components to multiple types of appliances, manufacturers are willing to sell them for less to professionals to ensure the repair techs keep coming back for more.

What about older appliances? It can be difficult to track down replacement parts since the corresponding models are rarely sold in stores any longer. But repair techs often know exactly where to look for rare or hard-to-find appliance parts.

When it comes to tracking down parts for an appliance repair, a professional can save both time and money.

Safety and Security

About 10 percent of all at-home electrocutions are caused by large appliances. Working with electrical wires can be dangerous, which is why the power to the appliance should always be disconnected before a repair job is started. But even with this smart approach, faulty wiring can become a fire hazard once the power is turned back on. Hiring a professional who is trained and knowledgeable in safely disconnecting, repairing, and reconnecting an appliance’s electric, water, and/or gas source will ensure the repair is completed safely.

Another security factor to consider is smart technology. Almost 70 percent of American households have at least one smart device. Smart appliances can make tasks like preheating the oven or downloading new cleaning cycles for special items in the dishwasher quick and easy. But they also open up the virtual door to a home if proper security measures aren’t taken. Breaches that control critical household functions like cooling and heating can be dangerous. Hackers can turn on oven broilers in an attempt to start a fire or increase the inside temperature of the refrigerator to try to spoil food. When homeowners repair their own smart appliances, they may not understand all the security functions available, leaving them vulnerable to hackers. A professional will have full knowledge of smart technology and how to keep a home protected during and after a repair.

So while a DIY appliance repair only costs the amount of replacement parts and there’s no drawn-out search for a repair tech to worry about, the job will almost certainly take longer. Any mistakes made along the way can also void an appliance’s warranty. While reaching out to a pro can save time, the cost will certainly be higher. But with this additional cost comes expertise, top-of-the-line tools, and discounted parts.

How to Save Money on Appliance Repair Cost

Repairing an appliance over replacing it can be a wise money-saving decision for homeowners. But once the decision is made, there are even more steps a homeowner can take to reduce their appliance repair cost, including the following.

• Make a note of any and all symptoms. Even if the issue going on with an appliance seems obvious, having a detailed list of sounds, errors, or malfunctions can help a repair tech diagnose the problem faster and more accurately, saving labor costs and unnecessary repairs.
• Research the appliance’s brand, model, and model number. This will be simple if all the paperwork that came with the appliance originally is available and easily accessible. But if not, scanning the appliance itself for the information and following up with an internet search to fill in any missing blanks can shorten the appliance repair cost-estimate process. Also knowing the age of an appliance can help a repair tech diagnose and price out a repair.
• Try to work with a repair company that’s nearby. Most companies charge a service fee that covers gas and travel time. The closer the repair company is to a jobsite, the smaller the associated fee may be.
• Know about any applicable warranties. If an appliance is still under warranty, repair or replacement could be at no cost to the homeowner. Some warranties even cover labor costs. If the appliance’s warranty has expired, a general homeowner’s warranty may help reduce the cost of repair if the appliance is covered.
• Keep appliances on a regular maintenance schedule. The best way to reduce repair costs is to put off their necessity as long as possible, or avoid them all together, through proper maintenance. This varies for every appliance, but in general an appliance should only be used as intended (i.e., stoves should be used for cooking only and never for heating a home), should be regularly cleaned (i.e., lint traps should be emptied in dryers and drains in dishwashers), and should have professional tune-ups when applicable (as is the case for furnaces and air conditioners).

Questions to Ask About Appliance Repair

Hiring a repair technician for a broken appliance can be stressful. Homeowners typically have plenty of service providers to choose from, making it difficult to narrow down the options without delaying the repair process. Below is a list of questions every homeowner should consider asking when looking for an appliance repair technician to ensure they’re hiring a qualified professional at a fair price.

• Are you licensed and insured?
• If part of my home is damaged during the repair process, what will your insurance cover?
• Do you have direct experience with this type of appliance?
• How long has your company been in business?
• Do you have references?
• Do you offer a warranty for new parts or a guarantee for your service? If so, how long is the coverage?
• What’s included in the repair estimate?
• How long will the repair take?
• Do I need to prep the work space before the job can begin, or does your team handle this?
• Is a repair or a replacement in my best interest?
• Do you offer a free appliance repair estimate?

FAQs

The average appliance repair cost is less than $200, though the final number depends on the type of appliance, the issue it’s having, and how difficult the repair process is. Homeowners should also know that, in some cases, replacement is a better option than a repair. The good news is that a professional repair technician can usually repair an appliance quickly and affordably. Before making a call for help, here are a few additional answers to common questions homeowners have about appliance repair.

Q. Do appliance warranties transfer to new owners?

When someone buys a home, the appliances are almost always included in the purchase price. But do any of the appliances’ warranties transfer from the previous owners to the new?

Unfortunately, these warranties generally don’t switch hands. What’s even more unfortunate is that most home buyers don’t realize this until it’s too late (and they’re stuck with a large appliance repair bill). That’s why it’s recommended for new homeowners to have every included appliance, large and small, inspected before entering into a contract. If there is an issue with an appliance while the home is still listed under the appliance’s original owner, they may be able to have it repaired under warranty before the house deed switches hands.

But if this isn’t possible or an issue doesn’t pop up until months or years after closing, some homeowners have found success by taking legal action against the company who originally issued the warranty. Additionally, new homeowners can enjoy some protection against home appliance repair costs by purchasing a warranty for home buyers that limits out-of-pocket expenses.

Q. How much does it cost to fix a dishwasher that won’t drain?

The typical range of costs to repair a dishwasher fall between $50 and $600. For example, a cracked handle can be repaired for as low as $50, while eliminating a foul odor coming from a dishwasher could cost $400. A broken door or repairing a dishwasher that won’t start can be as much as $600. The most common repair is the drain hose, which is more affordable than another common cause, the pump.

So when it comes to fixing a dishwasher that won’t drain, homeowners should know that a dishwasher repair cost estimator puts the cost somewhere between $50 to $600, depending on the cause of the issue.

Q. What causes an oven to stop heating?

There are several issues that could be preventing an oven from heating up. Diagnosing this issue starts with answering the question of an oven’s energy source. The most common reason a gas oven won’t heat is a faulty igniter, while an electric oven that won’t heat typically has a faulty heating element. It’s possible to replace either without the help of a pro, but it depends on a homeowner’s experience and whether the placement of both are easily accessible or hidden.

It should be noted that when it comes to a gas oven, if both the oven and burners aren’t functioning properly, the issue is likely with the gas line. This requires professional repair.

Sources: Angi, HomeAdvisor, Fixr, This Old House, Thumbtack, Inch Calculator, Puls, Hippo, Cullen Law, Consumer Reports

 

Practical Gifts They'll Love

Our editors take pride in their gift-giving skills—and these are their top suggestions for DIYers, plant parents, new homeowners, and more.

FIND THE PERFECT GIFT