Appliance repair cost and what to expect from a repair visit

Short answer: most appliance repairs cost a few hundred dollars. HomeGuide puts the typical range at $100 to $400, with a $70 to $130 service call that usually includes diagnosis and the first hour of labor. HomeAdvisor reports a typical range of $108 to $251 and an average of $179. The appliance, the failed part, your brand, and local labor rates move the number most.

Repair cost by appliance

Appliance	Typical repair range	Average	Notes	Source
Refrigerator	$150–$400	$275 average	Angi lists control boards at $200–$500 and sealed-system work (compressor, refrigerant) as the costly end.	Angi
Dishwasher	$175–$325	$225 average	Angi: drainage repairs $100–$250, pump replacement $150–$350, motor replacement $250–$600.	Angi
Washing machine	$180–$250	$220 average	Angi: pump replacement $150–$400, motor work $250–$700.	Angi
Dryer	$100–$430	$180 average	Angi suggests budgeting $150–$300 more if the dryer vent also needs work.	Angi
Oven, cooktop, or range	$100–$500	—		Angi
Freezer	$90–$500	—		Angi
Microwave	$50–$400	—		Angi
Garbage disposal	$70–$250	—		Angi

Service call, diagnostic, and labor fees

• Service call / diagnostic fee: $70 to $130 is typical, usually covering travel within the standard service area, diagnosis, and the first hour of labor (HomeGuide). Angi's dishwasher guide lists minimum service and diagnostic charges of about $50 to $80.
• Labor: about $50 to $125 per hour beyond the first hour (HomeGuide).
• Emergency, after-hours, or holiday service: HomeGuide lists $140 to $400 for an emergency call-out.
• Parts: billed on top of labor. Special-order parts can add shipping and a second trip.

What makes a repair cost more

• The part that failed. Door gaskets, belts, and igniters are at the low end; control boards, motors, and refrigerator sealed-system work are at the high end.
• Brand and model. Premium and built-in models often use proprietary parts and take longer to service.
• Access. A built-in refrigerator or a stacked laundry pair takes more labor than a freestanding unit.
• Where you live. Labor rates and travel charges vary by region, and service outside a company's standard area can cost extra.
• Timing. Same-day, weekend, and holiday visits cost more than scheduled weekday visits.

What to expect from a repair visit

1. Before you call: do the free checks first. Many "broken" appliances have a tripped breaker, a closed water valve, a clogged filter, or a control lock turned on. Start with our error code hub and troubleshooting guides.
2. Booking: have the model and serial numbers (from the rating label), the exact error code if any, and a short description of the symptom ready. Ask what the service call includes and whether it is credited toward the repair.
3. Diagnosis: the technician tests the appliance and identifies the failed part, then gives you an estimate. Ask for it in writing before approving work.
4. Repair: if the part is on the truck, many repairs are completed in the same visit. If it must be ordered, the technician returns once it arrives.
5. After the repair: ask what the parts and labor guarantee covers and for how long, and keep the invoice with your appliance records.

How to save on appliance repair

• Check whether the appliance is still under the manufacturer's warranty or an extended plan before paying for service.
• Compare the estimate with the appliance's age and expected life using our appliance lifespan chart and the repair-or-replace guide.
• Schedule non-urgent repairs on weekdays to avoid emergency rates.
• Prevent repeat calls with routine maintenance from our maintenance calendar.

Questions to ask a repair company

• What does your service call or minimum fee include, and is it credited toward the repair?
• Am I inside your standard service area, or will there be travel charges?
• Do you work on my brand, and do you carry common parts for it?
• What guarantee do you give on parts and labor?
• Will I get a written estimate before any work begins?