How Much Does Appliance Repair Cost?

Cost to Repair Appliances by Type

Every household appliance is different, with differing repair and maintenance needs. Take a look at some price ranges to conduct repairs on several common household appliances.

Garbage Disposal

Garbage disposal repair costs around $70 to $250. The overall price primarily depends on the underlying issue, as repairing a simple garbage disposal jam costs closer to the low end of this range while fixing a leak falls closer to the high end. This comes down to labor since local garbage disposal repair pros must first find the leak before fixing it, which can be a time-consuming task. Replacing a garbage disposal with a new one costs an average of $150 for materials only. 

Dryer

Repairing a dryer costs around $100 to $400. Some of the least expensive dryer repair tasks include replacing a broken belt or putting in new bearings. In contrast, some more costly tasks include replacing the actual motor or installing a brand-new heating element. It's typically easier for dryer repair pros near you to find parts for newer dryers than older models, so you can expect a slight cost increase when repairing older dryers. 

Microwave

Fixing a microwave costs around $50 to $400, including parts and labor. Traditional countertop microwaves are the easiest and least expensive to repair, while over-the-range models are the most time-consuming and costly to fix. Some budget-friendly microwave repairs include installing new fuses and putting in a new turntable, while more expensive repairs include replacing the door, motor, and magnetron. Replacing a microwave costs around $60 to $200, depending on the model and location of the unit. 

Dishwasher

Repairing a dishwasher costs $50 to $500 on average. These costs vary according to several factors, such as the dishwasher's age, the make and model, warranty status, and the type of repair needed. Less expensive repairs include replacing seals and springs and removing blockages, while more costly repairs include replacing the heating element and repairing a failed motor. A dishwasher replacement costs more than repairs, at $370 to $1,500.

Freezer

Fixing a freezer costs around $90 to $500 and is more expensive to fix than fridges since its technology is more complicated. Some budget-friendly freezer repairs include replacing the thermostat and fixing a ding in the door, while more expensive tasks include installing a new control panel. 

Ice Maker

Replacing an ice maker is relatively costly since it requires replacing the entire refrigerator unit unless you can acquire a suitable replacement part. Repairing an ice maker costs around $90 to $250. Inexpensive repairs include fixing damaged sensors, repairing broken arms, or clearing out clogged lines. On the other end, more expensive tasks include finding and sealing up leaks and repairing damaged thermostats. 

Washing Machine

Fixing a washing machine costs around $50 to $450. Simple fixes, such as repairing the loading door and replacing seals or bearings, fall on the lower end of this spectrum, while tasks like replacing the clutch, pump, or transmission cost the most. Modern washing machines last 10 to 14 years but begin experiencing repair issues after approximately five years of consistent use. 

Stove

Stoves cost around $100 to $500 to repair. These prices fluctuate depending on the make and model of the stove, its energy source, and the specific repair task. The least expensive repairs include replacing the burner coil or a faulty switch, while more costly repairs include replacing or repairing a glass stovetop and installing brand-new burners. 

Oven

Fixing an oven costs around $100 to $430. More straightforward and inexpensive repairs include replacing the door or oven sensor, while more complicated and expensive tasks include replacing the heating element or the control board. Repairing a gas oven is 10% to 20% more expensive than fixing an electric one, and in-wall models are more costly to repair than freestanding units. 

Refrigerator

Repairing a fridge costs around $40 to $350. The most expensive repair job here is replacing or repairing the control board, while less costly tasks include fixing dents, sealing up doors, and repairing or replacing the thermostat. Mini-fridges are less expensive to fix than full-size units, at $40 to $250. Generally, refrigerator experts charge $45 to $120 per hour to conduct a service call.

Appliance Repair Service Call Costs

Another primary cost factor includes the service call itself. On top of an hourly fee, many pros charge a service fee. Go with a local appliance repair company to minimize these charges. 

There are other labor-related costs worth considering: 

• Hourly rate for labor: Repair technicians charge $50–$150 per hour, with master technicians charging up to $200 per hour. 

• Service charges: Some pros charge a service fee of $50–$100 per job to account for travel expenses. 

• Flat appliance repair costs: Other contractors charge a flat fee per appliance to conduct minor repairs. Flat fee repair costs range from $50–$200, including both labor and materials. This service, however, is only available for small tasks like changing out filters or repairing a washing machine’s door catch. 

• Emergency repairs: If an appliance breaks down and you need it fixed immediately, an emergency service fee of $50–$200 can apply. This price fluctuates depending on the time, day, and complexity of the repair task. For example, you'll pay more for repairs on holidays, weekends, or after business hours. 

Appliance Repair Cost Factors

Several factors impact the overall appliance repair cost, with some accruing extra fees and others reducing the total. 

Energy Source

The energy source powering your appliance factors into the overall repair price. For instance, electric appliances are less expensive to repair than gas or solar ones. Generally, gas appliances cost 20% more to repair than their electric counterparts, with solar appliances costing even more. This is due to the price of parts and the complexity of repair tasks with solar and gas items. 

Here are price ranges for repairing appliances powered by electricity, gas, and solar.

Other Cost Factors

• Maintenance: Like anything else in the home, appliances require regular maintenance to ensure peak efficiency and a long life span. Annual appliance maintenance plans cost about $100–$300 and cover laundry, kitchen, and more devices. These plans also include cleaning, regular inspections, and tune-ups and may also pitch in for some repairs.

• Refinishing: If you're looking for a way to give old appliances a face-lift, refinishing is the answer. Refinishing appliances costs around $60–$1,500, with most projects coming out to about $140–$570. This process refreshes and updates the look of machines throughout the home, though it isn't the best choice for items approaching the end of their life span.

• Extended warranties: When you buy expensive appliances, extended warranties are offered to help offset repair costs. For many appliances, purchasing an extended warranty covering parts and labor for five years makes sense. They cost around $200–$400, depending on the appliance and coverage details.

Appliance Repair vs. Replacement 

While repairing an appliance is often the most cost-efficient solution, it truly depends on the machine itself and the issue at hand. For instance, a no-frills countertop microwave is often inexpensive to replace than repair, while the reverse is true when dealing with larger appliances like freezers, refrigerators, and dishwashers. Also, depending on the issue, garbage disposals and dryers are often budget-friendly to replace. 

Consider the weight and accessibility as well. It’s much easier to bring in and install a new countertop microwave, for example, than hauling a dishwasher out from the basement.

FAQs

Do appliance warranties transfer to new owners?

In most cases, appliance warranties don't transfer to new owners. However, certain plans are transferable, so check before selling any appliance or buying a used appliance. It's always a good idea to familiarize yourself with the terms of any appliance warranty. 

How much does it cost to fix a dishwasher that won't drain?

It costs between $50 and $500 to fix a dishwasher that won't drain. However, this price range fluctuates according to the cause of the drainage issue, appliance accessibility, and dishwasher's age. 

What causes an oven to stop heating?

This largely depends on the energy source. With gas ovens, a faulty igniter is the likeliest culprit. With electric ovens, it's most likely the heating element itself. In either case, your appliance repair pro will check out the root cause, source replacement parts, and repair the issue.