Comparisons · 4 min read · Updated 6 November 2026
Repair or replace? When an old washing machine or fridge is worth it
Typical lifespans
| Appliance | Typical lifespan | Usually worth repairing until |
|---|---|---|
| Washing machine | 8 to 12 years | About 6 to 7 years |
| Tumble dryer | 8 to 12 years | About 6 years |
| Fridge or fridge freezer | 10 to 15 years | About 8 to 10 years |
| Chest freezer | 12 to 20 years | About 10 years |
| Dishwasher | 8 to 12 years | About 6 to 7 years |
| Electric cooker or oven | 12 to 18 years | About 10 years |
These are broad guides. Build quality, how heavily the appliance is used and whether it has been maintained make a big difference.
Faults that are usually worth fixing
- Blocked filter or drain pump on a washing machine or dishwasher
- Worn door seal on a fridge, freezer or washing machine
- Faulty door lock or interlock
- Broken oven element or fan motor
- Failed thermostat on a fridge or oven
- Snapped drive belt on a dryer
These are relatively cheap parts with straightforward labour, and a repair can add several years of use.
Before calling anyone out, check the simple things: the plug fuse, the circuit breaker, the water supply valve, the filter and whether the door is properly shut. A surprising number of call-outs are for appliances that only needed a filter cleaned or a child lock switched off. The manual often lists error codes and what they mean.
Faults that usually mean replacing
- Compressor failure or a refrigerant leak on a fridge or freezer
- Worn drum bearings on a sealed-tub washing machine
- Main control board failure on an older appliance
- Rust through the cabinet or base
- Repeated faults within a short period
Many modern washing machines have sealed drums, so replacing the bearings means replacing the whole tub, which often costs nearly as much as a new machine.
Running costs matter too
An old fridge freezer can use two or three times as much electricity as a modern efficient model. As a rough example, the difference between an older unit using around 400 kWh a year and a new one using around 150 kWh is about 250 kWh, which at typical 2026 electricity prices of around 25p per kWh is roughly £60 or more a year. Over a ten-year life, that saving can cover a large part of the price of a new fridge.
Washing machines and dishwashers have improved in water and energy use as well, but the savings are usually smaller than for fridges and freezers, which run all day, every day.
Check the energy label on any replacement. Since 2021 labels in Great Britain use an A to G scale, with A the most efficient, and they show the annual energy use in kWh so you can compare models directly. A cheap appliance with a poor rating can cost more over its life than a slightly dearer efficient one.
Spare parts and the right to repair
Ecodesign rules introduced in 2021 require manufacturers of washing machines, dishwashers and fridges sold in Great Britain to make certain spare parts available for a number of years, typically 7 to 10 years after a model stops being sold. Many of these parts are only supplied to professional repairers, so a qualified engineer is often the best route. Always check whether the appliance is still under warranty or extended cover before paying for a repair.
If you decide to replace
Arrange disposal of the old appliance at the same time as buying the new one. Ask the retailer about take-back on delivery and book it with the order. If the old appliance still works, consider selling or donating it. If it is broken, make sure it goes to a licensed recycling facility, not a scrap collector who cannot tell you where it is going.
Avoid paying for a repair and then replacing the appliance a few months later. If you are already thinking about a new kitchen or a house move, it may make sense to hold off on major repairs and replace at the same time.
A quick decision checklist
- Is it still under warranty or extended cover? If so, claim before anything else
- Is the fault a cheap part such as a seal, pump, filter or belt? Usually repair
- Is the appliance past about two-thirds of its typical life? Lean towards replacing
- Does the repair cost more than half the price of a comparable new model? Replace
- Is it a fridge or freezer more than ten years old? Replacing often saves money on electricity
- Has it already been repaired in the last year? Consider replacing
If you are unsure, ask a repair engineer for a diagnosis and quote, which some charge a call-out fee for. A good engineer will tell you when a repair is not worth it.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a typical appliance repair cost?
As a guide, a call-out with a simple part such as a pump, seal or element typically costs around £80 to £180, while major repairs such as control boards or motors can run to £150 to £300 or more. Compressor or refrigerant repairs on fridges are often uneconomic. Prices vary by area and brand, so get a fixed quote before work starts.
Is it worth repairing a 10-year-old washing machine?
Usually only for small, cheap faults such as a blocked pump, worn seal or door lock. At around ten years old, a washing machine is near the end of its typical life, and a major repair such as bearings or a control board is rarely good value. A new efficient model will also use less water and electricity, which helps offset the cost.
Can a fridge with a gas leak be repaired?
Sometimes, but it is often not economic for domestic fridges. Repairing a refrigerant leak means finding the leak, fixing the pipework and recharging the system, which needs specialist equipment and qualifications. For most household fridges over five to seven years old, replacing is the better option, and the old unit must go to an approved treatment facility.
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