Repair or replace?

The 50% rule isn't gospel

A common guideline is: don't spend more than 50% of replacement cost on a repair. It's a decent starting point, but exceptions exist — if your appliance is under 3 years old or is a premium brand with a long expected life, even bigger repair investments can pay off.

Factor in energy savings

Appliances have become significantly more efficient over the past decade. A 12-year-old fridge might use 50–80% more electricity than a current 4-star equivalent. Over a 10-year life, that's often $1,500–$2,500 in electricity — enough to subsidise the cost of replacement.

Consumer guarantees might help

Regardless of manufacturer warranty, Australian Consumer Law guarantees products last a reasonable time — how long depends on the product, its price, and the fault. This can apply well beyond the warranty period. Check the ACCC website before paying for a repair.

Don't replace in a panic

Even when replacement is the right call, don't buy the first thing you see. Appliance failures don't give you time to research properly — but taking 48 hours to shop smart will save you money and regret. Our quiz helps narrow 300+ options to your top 5 in minutes.