By Project Genie Editorial Team ·
September 24, 2026
Appliance repair costs vary a lot by which appliance is broken and what's actually wrong with it -- a dryer not heating and a refrigerator not cooling are both "appliance repairs," but they're not close in cost or urgency. Here's what typical repairs run, when repairing makes more sense than replacing, and how to get a Service Professional to bid accurately without a wasted diagnostic-only visit.
Quick answer: Most appliance repairs run $100-$450, with an overall average around $179. Refrigerators are the outlier -- typically $300-$1,000, averaging around $650, since sealed-system and compressor issues cost more to diagnose and fix than a simple part swap. Expect a service call fee of $50-$200 on top of the repair itself, which most pros apply toward the final bill if you go ahead with the repair.
Every figure here is a general, typical range, not a quote for your specific appliance -- get a real bid for your actual problem rather than budgeting around averages alone.
Typical Cost by Appliance
| Appliance | Typical Cost |
|---|
| Dryer | $100-$430 (avg. ~$180) |
| Washing machine | $125-$450 (avg. ~$180) |
| Oven / range | $130-$310 (avg. ~$200) |
| Dishwasher | $160-$300 (avg. ~$200) |
| Refrigerator | $300-$1,000 (avg. ~$650) |
Refrigerators cost more to repair mainly because more of what can fail on one (compressor, sealed refrigerant system, control boards) requires specialized diagnosis, while a dryer or washer's common failures (belts, igniters, pumps, switches) are more straightforward parts swaps.
What Counts as a Routine Repair (vs. an Emergency)
Most appliance problems -- a dryer not heating, a dishwasher not draining, an oven running hot or cold -- can wait for a scheduled appointment. It becomes urgent when food is actively spoiling in a warm refrigerator or freezer, or there's an active water leak; for that kind of situation see our emergency appliance repair page instead. This guide covers the routine case, which is most appliance repairs.
What Helps a Repair Pro Bid Accurately
A vague description ("my dishwasher isn't working") forces a Service Professional to guess, which usually means an extra diagnostic-only visit before any real bid. Giving this upfront gets you a far more accurate quote before anyone comes out:
Brand and model/serial number -- usually on a sticker inside the door or on the back panel; parts availability and cost vary significantly by brand and age
The exact symptom -- not just "not working" but specifically what it does and doesn't do (won't start at all vs. starts but doesn't heat/cool/drain, unusual noise, error code displayed)
When it started and whether it's consistent -- an intermittent problem points to different causes than one that fails every time
The appliance's age -- directly feeds the repair-vs-replace decision below
Repair vs. Replace: What to Weigh
A commonly used rule of thumb: if the repair cost is close to or more than half of what a new appliance would cost, replacing is usually the better value, especially on an older unit where another failure is more likely soon after. This isn't a fixed formula -- a high-end refrigerator might still be worth repairing well past that threshold, while a lower-cost unit might not be worth repairing even under it. Age matters too: a repair on an appliance already near the end of its typical lifespan carries more risk of another failure soon, while the same repair on a newer unit is a safer bet. If the appliance is still under manufacturer warranty, check that first -- a repair covered under warranty changes the math entirely.
What to Expect From an Appliance Repair Visit
A Service Professional will typically diagnose the specific cause, quote the repair (parts plus labor), and in many cases can complete straightforward repairs same-visit if the part is common and in stock. Less common parts sometimes require a second visit once ordered. Ask upfront whether the quote includes parts or if those are billed separately, so you're comparing full costs, not just labor rates, against any other bid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth repairing an old appliance?
Depends on the repair cost relative to replacement cost and the appliance's remaining expected lifespan -- a cheap, straightforward fix is usually worth it even on an older unit, while an expensive repair on a unit already near end-of-life often isn't.
Why is refrigerator repair more expensive than other appliances?
Refrigerators have more components that require specialized diagnosis when they fail -- compressors and sealed refrigerant systems in particular -- which costs more to diagnose and fix than a straightforward parts swap.
What information should I give when requesting a repair quote?
Brand, model/serial number, the exact symptom (not just "broken"), when it started, and the appliance's approximate age -- this lets a Service Professional bid accurately instead of guessing, and often avoids a separate diagnostic-only visit.
Does a repair quote usually include parts?
It varies by pro -- always ask whether a quote is labor-only or includes parts, so you're comparing the full cost against any other bid, not just one piece of it.
Get a Fair Quote, Not a Guess
Appliance repair costs vary by appliance and by what's actually wrong, but the surest way to get a fair price is a Service Professional bidding on your specific problem, not a guess based on a vague description. See our guide to hiring a specialist vs. a generalist if you're unsure who to call, and once you have bids, here's how to compare them. Post your appliance repair job free and let Service Professionals bid for it.