The repair vs replace calculator helps you make a data-driven decision when an appliance, car, or device breaks down. It compares costs using depreciation, the industry-standard 50% rule, and cost-per-year analysis to give a clear recommendation.
Item Details
Repair Option
Replace Option
Analysis
| Metric | Repair | Replace |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | — | — |
| Years of Life | — | — |
| Cost Per Year | — | — |
| 50% Rule | — | baseline |
| Remaining Value | — | new |
How to Use the Repair vs Replace Calculator
Deciding whether to repair or replace a broken item is a financial decision with multiple factors. This calculator uses three proven methods to give you a data-driven recommendation.
Step 1: Select a Preset or Enter Custom Values
Click a preset button (Washing Machine, Car, Laptop, etc.) to populate typical values for that item type. Or enter your specific numbers: the item's original purchase price, its expected total lifespan, and its current age.
Step 2: Enter Repair and Replacement Costs
Enter the quoted repair cost and how many additional years it would extend the item's life. Then enter the replacement cost for a comparable new item and its expected lifespan. Get a repair quote from a technician before entering — estimates vary widely.
Understanding the Three Analyses
The 50% Rule: If repair cost exceeds 50% of replacement, replace. Industry standard rule of thumb for appliances and HVAC. Cost Per Year: Divides each option's cost by years of life provided. The lower cost-per-year option is more economical long-term. Remaining Value: Uses straight-line depreciation to show how much "value" the item still has — high remaining value strengthens the case for repair.
When Repair Beats Replace
Repair makes sense when: the item is relatively new (under 50% of lifespan used), the repair cost is under 30% of replacement, the item is hard to replace (custom, discontinued), or a new model offers no meaningful improvement over the current one.
FAQ
Is the repair vs replace calculator free?
Yes, completely free with no signup required. All calculations run in your browser — no data is sent to any server.
What is the 50% rule for appliances?
The 50% rule states: if the repair cost exceeds 50% of the replacement cost, it's generally better to replace the item. For example, if a new washing machine costs $700 and the repair costs $400 (57%), you're better off replacing it. This rule is a useful heuristic but doesn't account for remaining lifespan or depreciation.
How is the remaining value calculated?
The remaining value uses straight-line depreciation: remaining_value = original_price × (1 - current_age / expected_lifespan). For a $1,000 appliance that is 5 years old with a 10-year lifespan, the remaining value is $1,000 × (1 - 5/10) = $500. This is the book value, not the market resale value.
What is cost per year analysis?
Cost per year divides the total investment by the expected years of useful life. For repairs, it's repair_cost / extension_years. For replacement, it's replacement_cost / new_lifespan. Whichever option gives a lower cost per year is more economical long-term.
Which appliances should I typically replace vs repair?
Generally replace when: the item is near end of life, the repair costs more than 50% of replacement, or the item is inefficient (e.g., old refrigerator vs Energy Star model). Generally repair when: the item is relatively new, repair cost is under 30% of replacement, or the item has sentimental/custom value.
Does the calculator account for energy efficiency?
The current version focuses on purchase and repair costs, not energy operating costs. For appliances like refrigerators, washers, and HVAC systems, a newer energy-efficient model could save $50-$200/year in energy costs, which can tip the scales toward replacement even when the 50% rule suggests repair.