Published fair-price ranges for common residential appliance repairs, including parts and labor. Ranges are national editorial estimates; local labor rates, brand, and parts availability move quotes within (and occasionally beyond) these bands. A quote inside the band from a Verified Member is a fair quote.
| Repair | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Diagnostic / service call fee | $75 – $130 | Should be disclosed up front; commonly credited toward the repair |
| Refrigerator — fan, thermostat, defrost | $150 – $350 | Most common fridge repairs |
| Refrigerator — compressor / sealed system | $400 – $1,000 | Run the 50% rule before approving |
| Ice maker repair / replacement | $150 – $400 | Replacement of the unit is often cheaper than rebuild |
| Washer — pump, belt, lid switch | $150 – $350 | Front-load bearing jobs trend to the top of range |
| Washer — drum bearing / transmission | $350 – $575 | Often a replace decision on budget machines |
| Dryer — heating element, thermal fuse | $150 – $300 | Most common dryer repair |
| Dryer — motor or drum roller | $200 – $450 | |
| Dishwasher — pump, spray arm, latch | $150 – $350 | |
| Dishwasher — control board | $250 – $500 | Parts-cost driven |
| Oven / range — igniter or element | $150 – $300 | |
| Oven / range — control board | $250 – $600 | Brand dependent |
| Built-in microwave | $100 – $300 | Countertop units are usually replaced, not repaired |
| Garbage disposal replacement | $175 – $400 | Including the new unit (mid-grade) |
If the repair quote exceeds 50% of the price of a comparable new appliance and the unit is past half its expected lifespan (refrigerators ~13 years, washers ~10, dryers ~13, dishwashers ~9, ranges ~13–15), replacement usually wins. Otherwise, repair is typically the better value — and keeps a working machine out of the landfill.
Be cautious if a company won't state its diagnostic fee on the phone, quotes labor "by the job" with no written estimate, demands full cash payment up front, or can't say whether parts are OEM. Every AARA standard exists because of one of these.
