What appliance repairs actually cost — by appliance, by symptom, with the factors that move the number up or down.
Repair quotes vary more than most homeowners expect, and the spread usually comes down to which part failed rather than which company you called. A dryer that will not heat is almost always a cheap fix. A refrigerator that will not cool can be either — a $60 start relay or a $600 compressor, with the same symptom.
The table below gives the ranges we see most often, so you can tell whether a quote is in the normal band before you approve the work.
| Appliance | Problem | Typical cost | What drives the price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Not cooling / compressor | $200–$650 | Compressor or sealed-system work sits at the top of the range; a thermostat or start relay is far cheaper. |
| Refrigerator | Ice maker not working | $150–$400 | Usually the ice maker assembly or water inlet valve. |
| Refrigerator | Leaking water | $120–$300 | Most often a clogged defrost drain or a cracked water line. |
| Washer | Will not drain / spin | $150–$450 | Drain pump is the common culprit; a failed transmission costs more than the machine is worth on older units. |
| Washer | Leaking | $130–$400 | Door seal, hose, or pump housing. |
| Washer | Not filling | $120–$300 | Water inlet valve or pressure switch. |
| Dryer | No heat | $130–$350 | Heating element, thermal fuse, or thermostat. One of the cheaper repairs. |
| Dryer | Not tumbling | $120–$300 | Drive belt, idler pulley, or motor. |
| Dryer | Takes too long to dry | $100–$250 | Often a blocked vent line rather than a broken part. |
| Dishwasher | Not draining | $130–$350 | Drain pump, check valve, or a clogged filter. |
| Dishwasher | Not cleaning properly | $120–$320 | Spray arm, wash pump, or water inlet valve. |
| Oven / Range | Not heating | $150–$450 | Bake element on an electric oven is straightforward; gas valve or control board runs higher. |
| Oven / Range | Temperature is off | $130–$380 | Thermostat or oven sensor. |
| Cooktop | Burner will not ignite | $120–$350 | Igniter or spark module. |
| Microwave | Not heating | $120–$300 | Magnetron or high-voltage diode. On low-cost countertop units, replacement often wins. |
| Ice Machine | Low or no ice production | $200–$600 | Commercial units cost more to service than residential ice makers. |
Ranges include parts and labor for a standard freestanding unit. Built-in and premium brands run higher — see the FAQ below.
Two refrigerators with the identical symptom can differ by $500 depending on whether the fault is in the control circuit or the sealed system. Sealed-system work requires EPA certification and refrigerant handling, which is why it carries a premium everywhere.
Mainstream brands — Whirlpool, GE, Frigidaire, LG, Samsung — have widely stocked parts and short lead times. Built-in premium brands often mean special-order parts, a second visit, and a higher part cost to begin with.
Past about eight years, parts for discontinued models get scarce and prices climb. This is also the point where a second failure within a year becomes likely, which changes the repair-versus-replace math.
Same-day and after-hours service typically adds $50–$150. If the appliance is not critical, booking a standard weekday slot is the easiest saving available.
The common guidance is the 50% rule: if the repair costs more than half of a comparable new unit, replacement usually wins. In practice, age matters just as much. Run both checks:
Repair when the unit is under roughly 60% of its expected lifespan and the quote is well under half of replacement cost. Replace when it is past that mark, or when the same appliance has needed two repairs in the last twelve months.
Tell us the appliance and the symptom — we will give you a straight estimate over the phone, no charge.
Call (346) 646-4204How much does a service call cost?
Most appliance repair companies charge a diagnostic or trip fee in the $75–$130 range, and the majority apply that fee toward the repair if you approve the work. Always ask whether the diagnostic is credited before booking.
When is it cheaper to replace than repair?
A practical rule: if the repair costs more than half the price of a comparable new unit, and the appliance is past roughly 60% of its expected lifespan, replacement is usually the better value. A ten-year-old refrigerator needing an $800 compressor is a replace; a four-year-old one needing a $180 relay is a repair.
Do repair costs include parts?
Quoted ranges on this page include both parts and labor for a typical job. Premium or built-in brands often carry higher part costs than standard freestanding models.
Are weekend or emergency repairs more expensive?
Same-day and after-hours service commonly adds $50–$150 depending on the market and the time of day. Scheduling on a weekday keeps the total lower.
Does brand affect the price?
Yes. Parts for built-in and premium brands (Sub-Zero, Viking, Thermador, Miele) typically cost two to four times more than mainstream brands like Whirlpool, GE, or Frigidaire, and fewer technicians are certified to service them.