How much does appliance repair cost?
How much does appliance repair cost?
$100 – $400 average cost to repair an appliance
$70 – $130 average call-out fees
$50 – $125 average hourly rates
Appliance repair cost
Appliance repair costs $100 to $400 on average according to the parts needed and job complexity. Appliance repair labor costs $50 to $125 per hour. An appliance repair service call costs $70 to $130 for diagnostics and 1 hour of labor. Annual kitchen-appliance maintenance plans are $200 to $500.
| Appliance | Average repair cost* |
|---|---|
| Washing machine | $100 – $400 |
| Dryer | $100 – $300 |
| Refrigerator | $125 – $500 |
| Freezer | $100 – $400 |
| Oven | $150 – $350 |
| Stove | $100 – $300 |
| Microwave | $100 – $250 |
| Dishwasher | $100 – $300 |
| Garbage disposal | $100 – $250 |
| Ice maker | $100 – $225 |
| Water heater | $150 – $700 |
| Water softener | $150 – $600 |
| Water filtration system | $100 – $500 |
*Prices include parts and labor.
Appliance repair cost estimator
The following table shows the average cost of appliance repair:
| National average cost | $200 |
| Minimum cost | $70 |
| Maximum cost | $700 |
| Average range | $100 to $400 |
Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.
Appliance repair service call cost
An appliance repair service call costs $70 to $130. This fee typically includes travel time in the standard service area, diagnostics, and the first hour of labor. Some technicians use these flat rates for basic repairs, and others charge a flat rate plus labor time on all jobs.
| Call-out fee type | Average labor cost* |
|---|---|
| Standard call-out fee | $70 – $130 |
| Emergency call-out fee | $140 – $400 |
*Prices excluding parts and labor for more than 1 hour.
Appliance repair cost per hour
Appliance repair costs $50 to $125 per hour, excluding the minimum service fee to come to the house and run diagnostics. Hourly rates for appliance repair vary according to the technician’s skill level. The hourly rate can also apply to travel charges over long distances.
Annual appliance maintenance plan prices
Annual appliance maintenance plans cost $200 to $500, depending on the number of devices covered. This service includes cleaning, inspections, and tune-ups. Some companies offer repair discounts too.
Home warranty plans include appliance repair coverage in some cases.
Cost to repair appliances by type
Washing machine repair
Washing machine repair costs $100 to $400 on average for simple fixes like replacing the bearings, pump, shock absorbers, lid switch, or drive belt. For more expensive repairs on washers older than 10 years, consider buying a new washer.
A new washing machine costs $700 to $1,300 for the unit only.
Dryer repair
Dryer repair costs $100 to $300 on average. The most commonly replaced parts are the heating element, thermal fuse, belt, and start switch. Replacing the drum or control board can cost up to $500 for parts and labor.
A new dryer costs $800 to $1,200 for the unit alone. Most dryers last 6 to 10 years.
Refrigerator repair
Refrigerator repair costs $125 to $500 to fix door dents or the evaporator and condenser fan motors. Replacing a compressor costs $700 to $1,250 total due to the welding labor and recharging in this sealed-system repair.
A new refrigerator costs $600 to $2,300 for the unit alone, and it’s often worth replacing one more than 10 years old.
Freezer repair
Freezer repair costs $100 to $400 on average. Easier common fixes include replacing the evaporator fan motor or start relay. Replacing coils or compressors costs nearly as much as buying a new freezer. Most freezers last 12 to 20 years.
New chest or deep freezer prices are $350 to $1,100 for the unit alone.
Oven repair
Oven repair costs $150 to $350. Common repairs include replacing the igniter, heating elements, or control board. Electric oven repair typically costs less than fixing a gas oven. Replacing the oven is often more cost-effective if it’s more than 10 to 20 years old.
A new oven and stove costs $700 to $1,600 to replace an old range.
Stove repair
Stove repair costs $100 to $300 on average, depending on the size, model, and energy source. Common repairs include replacing the igniter and heating elements. Replacing a glass stovetop and radiant-induction surface elements are the most expensive repairs.
Microwave repair
Microwave repair costs $100 to $250. Common repairs include replacing the diode, fuse, or the door switch. Deluxe built-in microwaves are typically worth repairing, but countertop microwaves are often cheaper to replace than repair. Most microwaves last 7 to 10 years.
A new microwave costs $100 to $600, depending on the type.
Microwave installation costs $100 to $580 for built-in models.
Dishwasher repair
Dishwasher repair costs $100 to $300. Commonly replaced parts include the dishwasher pump, heating element, and the motor. Consider replacing the dishwasher if it’s more than 5 to 8 years old or if repairs are more expensive.
New dishwasher prices are $400 to $1,200 for the unit alone.
Dishwasher installation costs $200 to $500 for replacement labor.
Garbage disposal repair
Garbage disposal repair costs $100 to $250. Replacing a garbage disposal costs $200 to $550. Most repairs include disassembling the disposal to fix clogs, leaks, or jams. Consider a replacement if the unit is more than 12 years old or has above-average repair costs.
The cost to remove a garbage disposal is $125 to $350 for a permanent conversion back to a plain drainpipe under the sink.
Ice maker repair
Ice maker repair costs $100 to $225. Replacing an ice maker in a fridge-freezer costs $250 to $600 installed. Repairs are typically cheaper than a replacement if the ice maker is less than 5 years old. Common fixes include replacing the water-supply line or water-inlet valve.
Water heater repair
Water heater repair costs $150 to $700 on average, depending on the water heater type and issue. A tankless water heater system repair costs $300 to $1,300. The most common problems to fix are electric or gas connections, thermostat failure, and ignition systems.
Water heater replacement costs $600 to $3,100+, depending on the type. Consider replacing units more than 10 years old with multiple leaks.
Water softener / filtration
A water filtration system repair costs $100 to $500, depending on the type and which parts need replacing. Installing a new whole-home water filtration system costs $850 to $5,400 for a replacement if the repairs require more than a simple leak fix or hose changes.
Water softener repair costs $150 to $600, depending on the system size and complexity. Typical repairs include fixing a jammed valve, an empty brine tank, or parts that need cleaning.
Water softener replacement costs $700 to $3,000. Most units last 10 to 15 years.
Price factors of appliance repair
Price factors for appliance repair include:
Labor – Technician hourly rates and service fees vary according to the geographic location, travel distance, and season.
Damage severity – Minor repairs like replacing a door switch are much cheaper than extensive internal repairs like replacing refrigerator coils.
Brand and model – High-end brands have more expensive part prices.
Accessibility – Labor costs increase for appliances installed in tight spaces, for built-in units, or in difficult working conditions.
Part availability – Extra costs apply when the technician comes a second time to install a special-order part.
Warranty – Extended warranties costs $100 to $300 for an added 3 to 5 years of coverage. A warranty typically covers the part costs, but not the labor.
Refinishing – Appliance refinishing costs $175 to $600.
Electrical repairs – An electrician costs $50 to $130 per hour.
Outlet upgrade – The cost to replace an electrical outlet is $80 to $200.
Plumbing repairs – Plumber rates are $45 to $150 per hour to fix pipe connections.
Appliance repair prices by energy source
Electric appliance repair costs $100 to $400 on average. These appliances are the most common and cheapest to repair.
Gas appliances typically cost 10% to 20% more to repair because of the higher part prices, higher safety risks, and more experienced technicians needed.
Solar appliances cost the most to repair. These appliances are rare, have the highest part prices, and require the highest level of technical expertise.
Appliance repair vs. replacement costs
Whether to repair or replace an appliance depends on the device type, age, issue, and whether it’s still under warranty. Appliances more than 10 years old or with repairs costing more than 50% of a replacement typically aren’t worth repairing.
The cost of a new home appliance is $250 to $1,300 on average.
Appliance installation costs $150 to $350 for labor.
| Factor | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Appliance repair | $100 – $400 |
| Appliance replacement | $400 – $1,650 |
Appliance repair FAQs
Who does appliance repair?
A plumber, electrician, handyman, or manufacturer-trained technician does appliance repairs. Home improvement stores like The Home Depot, Best Buy, Lowe’s, and Sears also offer appliance repair services.
Do appliance warranties transfer to new owners?
Extended appliance warranties from large retailers do transfer to new owners. However, many manufacturer warranties are only for the original buyer and don’t transfer to anyone else. Check the terms and conditions of the warranty for more details.
Does the landlord have to repair appliances?
The landlord typically has to repair appliances if they were originally part of the rental property amenities. Coverage varies according to the lease agreement. Check state laws to see which appliances the landlord is responsible for.
If the broken appliance directly affects the health or safety of the tenant, most laws require a landlord to repair it.
Getting free estimates from appliance repair services
Before hiring an appliance repair service near you, be sure to:
Compare 3+ bids and beware of the cheapest quotes for low-quality service.
Check that technicians have manufacturer certifications or receive ongoing training on repairing the latest appliance models.
Verify that the company has licenses, bonds, and insurance.
Hire a company with 5+ years of experience.
Read their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Get a detailed repair estimate in writing before work starts.
Don’t give a full payment before the job is complete.
Questions to ask
How long have you been repairing appliances?
Do you give free estimates on appliance repairs?
Can I see your references list?
What does your minimum service fee include?
Do you have the replacement part I need, or will you charge extra for ordering it?
How long will it take to fix my appliance?
Which appliance brands do you work on?
Do you offer a labor or parts guarantee?
Am I within your standard service area, or will you charge more to come here?
Do you offer ongoing maintenance plans for my appliances?
How much extra is an emergency or same-day service?
Would it be more cost-effective to repair or replace this unit?
Do you offer financing on expensive repairs or replacements?
What can I do to prevent these damages in the future?
Are all labor, parts, and cleanup fees in this estimate?