This question is usually asked too early — and answered too simplistically.
People want a rule like:
- “If it costs more than £X, replace it”
- “If it’s over Y years old, don’t bother repairing”
Real decisions aren’t that clean.
This article gives you a practical way to think, not a sales-driven rule.
Why the usual advice is misleading
You’ll often hear:
- “Never repair old appliances”
- “It’s cheaper to replace than fix”
- “Modern appliances aren’t worth repairing”
These statements ignore:
- how the appliance is actually performing
- what part has failed
- what replacement really costs (beyond the sticker price)
Age alone is a poor decision metric.
The three costs that actually matter
To decide properly, consider three separate costs.
1.
Cost of repair
This includes:
- callout
- parts
- labour
But also:
- how likely the repair is to fully resolve the issue
- whether it restores normal performance or just delays replacement
A cheap repair that doesn’t last is still expensive.
2.
Cost of replacement
Replacement cost isn’t just the appliance price.
It often includes:
- delivery
- installation
- removal of the old unit
- modifications or fitting issues
- time and disruption
These hidden costs are why replacement feels “suddenly expensive”.
3.
Cost of living with the problem
Sometimes overlooked, but important.
This includes:
- higher energy use
- food waste
- repeated inconvenience
- safety risk
- stress and uncertainty
Living with a failing appliance has a cost too.
When repair is usually the better option
Repair often makes sense when:
- the appliance still performs well overall
- the problem is isolated and clear
- performance decline is recent
- repair restores full function
In these cases, repair often:
- extends life meaningfully
- avoids unnecessary replacement
- costs less over time
When replacement is usually the better option
Replacement is often justified when:
- multiple functions are failing
- performance keeps degrading
- repairs only partially help
- parts are expensive or unavailable
- safety or reliability is compromised
At this point, repair becomes maintenance of decline.
Why “age rules” don’t really work
A well-performing older appliance can:
- outlast a newer replacement
- be cheaper to run
- be more predictable
A poorly performing newer appliance can:
- cost more in repairs
- fail unexpectedly
- create ongoing frustration
Condition beats age.
The simple decision framework
Ask yourself:
- Does the appliance still do its main job reliably?
- Would this repair restore normal performance — or just delay replacement?
- Is replacement solving a real problem, or just ending uncertainty?
If repair restores reliability, it’s often worth it.
If replacement is the only way to regain reliability, it’s justified.
The calm conclusion
There’s no universal repair vs replace rule.
The right decision depends on:
- outcome, not age
- reliability, not hope
- total cost, not headline price
Clarity beats rules of thumb.