When to replace
When to replace your major appliances
Major appliances typically last 10–15 years. When a repair approaches half the cost of a new unit on an older appliance, replacement usually wins.
- Typical lifespan
- 10–15 years
- Replacement cost
- $500–$3,000
Signs it's time to replace
- A repair costs more than half the price of a new unit
- The appliance is past 10 years and failing
- Rising energy use from an inefficient older model
- Repeated breakdowns of the same component
- Parts are hard to find for the model
Extend its life
Cleaning coils and filters and not overloading appliances helps them reach the high end of their lifespan.
Repair or replace?
When a major appliances is aging, the question is whether to keep repairing it or replace it. A useful rule of thumb is the 50% rule: if a repair costs more than half the price of a new unit and the major appliances is past the midpoint of its 10–15 year lifespan, replacement usually wins. Frequent repairs and efficiency gains push the same direction.
For the full decision framework, see our guide on whether to repair or replace major home systems.
When to replace major appliances: FAQ
How long does major appliances last?+
Major appliances typically last 10–15 years. When a repair approaches half the cost of a new unit on an older appliance, replacement usually wins.
What are the signs I need to replace my major appliances?+
Common signs include: a repair costs more than half the price of a new unit; the appliance is past 10 years and failing; rising energy use from an inefficient older model; repeated breakdowns of the same component.
Can I extend the life of my major appliances?+
Cleaning coils and filters and not overloading appliances helps them reach the high end of their lifespan.
Should I repair or replace my major appliances?+
A common guideline is the 50% rule: if a repair costs more than half the price of a new unit and the major appliances is past the midpoint of its expected life, replacement usually makes more sense. See our full repair-or-replace framework for the details.