Home appliance repairs are something every homeowner has to tackle at some point. Though regular maintenance and proper care will help extend the lifespan of your home systems, repair and replacement needs will still crop up in time. Is your home repair budget equipped to handle common issues? Take a look at the cost of common home repairs to see where you stand.
Washer and Dryer Repairs
If your washer and dryer stop working, you’ll be left with the inconvenience of visiting a laundromat. A prompt repair will help you keep your laundry routine convenient. The average cost to repair a washing machine is between $120 and $500 depending on the issue. Common issues with washing machines include:
- Leaking hoses
- Drain clogs
- Worn or broken drive belts
Dryer repair costs are comparable to those for washers. If you have an electric dryer, you can expect to pay between $100 and $400 for your repairs. A gas dryer will usually cost between $150 and $550.
Common issues with your dryer include:
- Worn or broken belts
- Clogged vents
- Bad thermostat or timer
- Faulty fuses or heating coils
Refrigerator Repairs
A failing refrigerator can become an expensive prospect. If you don’t get the issue repaired promptly, you risk food spoilage for everything stored inside. The average labor cost for refrigerator and freezer repairs is between $200 and $400. Common issues with a refrigerator and freezer include (among others):
- Faulty compressor
- Broken icemaker
- Faulty defroster motor
- Broken evaporator fan motor
Oven, Range, and Cooktop Repairs
Without an oven, range, or cooktop, you have a limited range of cooking possibilities. The average repair cost for this appliance including both parts and labor is typically between $150 and $300. Most issues with the oven, range, or cooktop involve only one part and can be handled in an hour or less. Some of the most common repairs include:
- Faulty burner
- Broken door latch
- Faulty switch for the burner or indicator
- Broken ignitor
- Failing thermostat or temperature sensor
- Malfunctioning heating element
Appliance Repair Considerations
There are many different factors that come into play when you’re dealing with appliance repairs. Gas appliances are typically more expensive to repair than their electric counterparts. If you’re replacing an appliance and considering the expenses associated with a newer model, make sure you take this into consideration. The risk for carbon monoxide leaks and fires makes gas appliance repairs more hazardous.
With any repair, you’ll need to consider both the cost of the parts and the cost of labor. Your appliance brand will determine how expensive or rare the appropriate parts are. It’s usually easier to get parts for a newer appliance than an older one. As your appliances age, you should compare repair costs to those for a full replacement, as a replacement may be the more affordable long-term solution.
Appliance repair professionals typically charge hourly for their services. Expect to pay $30 to $100 an hour for appliance repair services. Local professionals from smaller companies usually have lower rates than those who work for national chains, but this isn’t a hard and fast rule.
How to Cover Home Appliance Repair Costs
You should always be prepared for the unexpected when it comes to appliance repairs. Maintain an emergency fund or other type of safety net so you always know what to do if an essential appliance fails. A home warranty offers an easy way to handle costly appliance repairs with a minimal investment. Pay for your warranty upfront and you’re covered for all associated repairs.
A Standard Plan from Choice Home Warranty covers your cooktop, oven, range, stove, built-in microwave, and dishwasher. Upgrade to a Total Plan for additional coverage that includes your refrigerator, clothes washer, and dryer.
Understanding the common expenses associated with appliance repairs will help you plan accordingly so you always have what you need when things aren’t working as they should.
