Pick your appliance and the issue, and get a ballpark cost range for parts and labor — DIY or hiring a pro.
Use this repair cost estimator to get a ballpark price range before you call anyone. Pick your appliance and describe the issue, and it returns a cost range for DIY parts and for hiring a professional — plus what a new replacement typically costs — so you can compare all three options side by side.
Check your appliance's serial number for warranty coverage first — many parts and labor issues within 1–2 years of purchase are covered free. Look up your model number on the manufacturer's site or call their support line before booking a paid repair.
Estimates are based on typical U.S. parts and labor pricing reported by readers and technicians — actual cost varies by brand, model, and region.
Parts only, DIY repair
Most moderate refrigerator issues are fixable in under an hour with basic tools.
See refrigerator guides →Each specific symptom carries its own real-world parts and labor price range and repair time — a stuck turntable is priced nothing like a dead magnetron, even though both are “microwave” repairs. That base range is then adjusted for brand tier (budget 0.85x, mainstream 1x, premium 1.3x) and your area’s cost of living. DIY estimates show parts only; hiring a pro adds typical labor cost for the job.
The tool also flags when repair cost is approaching the “50% rule” — once the repair estimate reaches roughly half the price of a new unit (adjusted for age), replacing the appliance is usually the better value.
All three options side by side, so you can see the full picture at a glance.
A common rule of thumb: if the repair cost exceeds 50% of the price of a new unit, or the appliance is past half its expected lifespan (10+ years for most major appliances), replacement is usually the better value.
It can. Many manufacturers void remaining warranty coverage if a non-authorized person opens the unit. Check your warranty terms and consider calling the manufacturer before attempting a repair on a newer appliance.
It's a starting-point ballpark based on typical U.S. parts and labor pricing, adjusted for brand tier, age, and regional cost of living. Actual cost depends on your specific model, local labor rates, and what a technician finds once they diagnose it.
Any repair involving gas lines, sealed refrigerant systems, high-voltage components (like a microwave's capacitor), or your home's electrical panel should be handled by a licensed technician for safety and code-compliance reasons.
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This calculator gives a rough estimate only and is not a quote. Always get a written estimate from a licensed technician before authorizing repair work, and check whether your appliance is still under warranty first.