What Affects Appliance Repair Costs?
In the area of appliance repairs, no two service calls are alike. There are several things that can really drive the price of a repair in Los Angeles:
- Type of appliance: Microwaves are less expensive to fix than refrigerators and high-capacity washers.
- Brand: Luxury brands like Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove, GAGGENAU, and Miele often require factory-certified technicians, and their parts can be specialized so cost more.
- Parts and labor: Replacing a hard-to-find or high-tech part will likely add to the cost. Labor costs may differ as well according to the difficulty and time needed.
- Emergency or after-hours service: When you require repair assistance
for a window repair after business hours or on the weekend, your price is likely to be higher.
- Age and model: It may take more time to figure out or to find compatible parts (if they’re even available) for older or discontinued models.
For instance, fixing a Sub-Zero refrigerator can be more expensive than the typical fridge, in part because it has more advanced components, and in part because professionals need more training to service them. But that also means you’re getting a custom, brand-specific solution — one that preserves your investment and keeps your appliance running for years.
Knowing these variables can help you predict cost and whether the repair is worth the price — or if replacing is more cost-effective.
Average Repair Cost by Appliance Type
Repair costs are all over the map, depending on what the appliance is, what the problem is, and what brand it is. For guidance so you can plan when it’s time to shell out for a new fridge, dishwasher, stove or something else, below is what you can expect to pay for repairs for appliances in Los Angeles, based on the appliance type.
Refrigerator Repair Costs
Estimated Range: $200 – $600
Refrigeration invariably presents an urgent problem more so than with other home appliances.”
Small issues like a clogged drain, faulty thermostat or fan motor generally cost $200 to $300, while more complex equipment problems such as a damaged compressor or a fault in the refrigerant system can lead to a more significant task that can run around $600 or more, especially for a higher-end appliance.
Luxury refrigerators from brands such as Sub-Zeroor Liebherr are frequently in need of special-order parts and factory-trained technicians, and this can ramp up your cost as well as the turnaround time. But these high-end repairs are generally cost-effective ways to maintain the power and life of such a significant purchase.
Refrigerator Repair
Washer Repair Costs
Estimated Range: $150 – $400
If your washer breaks, everything comes to a grinding halt. Frequent issues include the drain pump going out, lid switch and the motor seizing up or the control board going bad. For the average Los Angeles homeowner, the average washer repair cost will range between $150 and $400, depending on what parts are needed and if the labor involved is extensive.
Some premium models, such as those made by Miele often require certified service, which could cost more toward the premium end of that range, particularly when it comes to newer digital control systems. Nonetheless, where a problem is contained and a machine is relatively young, repair tends to be less costly than replacement.
Dryer Repair Costs
Estimated Range: $120 – $350
As dryers get old — they may develop loose belts, or the thermal fuses and heating elements may fail as they age. Most repairs cost between $120 and $350, so a dryer is more affordable to fix than other common appliances.
If you have a gas dryer, you can expect slightly higher overall costs since things like safety protocols have to be adhered to, and gas might need to be turned off or on. That said, if your unit is less than 8–10 years old and the problem is confined to one part, a repair is often worth it.
Oven & Range Repair Costs
Estimated Range: $180 – $500
If your oven does not heat or your stove does not ignite, you are probably dealing with a defective igniter or control board. Basic repairs such as replacing a door seal or bake element might run between $180 and $300, while more complicated repairs—particularly with smart ovens or dual-fuel ranges—could cost up to $500.
Such premium models are also more likely to require advanced diagnostics and parts specific to the brand, all of which drives up cost and lead time. Gas units usually will also entail a safety inspection, especially in L.A. where local codes are very tough.
Oven Repair
Dishwasher Repair Costs
Estimated Range: $150 – $400
Dishwasher problems can occur out of the blue — a leak, a clog or a unit that simply won’t complete a cycle. Repairs such as a new drain pump or water inlet valve typically cost between $150 and $400, including labor and parts.
Models from companies like Bosch and Miele can have tightly integrated parts and electronics, so service may take longer and be more expensive than with the budget picks.
But the repair can often delay the need for a new dishwasher by several years — a smart investment for many homeowners.
Dishwasher Repair
Repair vs. Replace: When Is It Worth It?
Repairing or replacing an appliance can be a difficult decision — especially when it comes to a major household appliance. Thankfully there are a few simple tips you can use to make the right call.
A good rule of thumb is if the repair cost is more than 50% of the price of a new appliance, it’s probably smarter to replace it — especially if your unit is over 10 years old. Age is a factor because the older a machine is, the higher the risk of repeated problems, lower efficiency, and scarce parts.
For instance, if you’re pondering changing a fridge, you might think of this: A significant repair such as a compressor failure in a 12-year-old model will set you back $600–$900. In that case, upgrading to a newer, more efficient model potentially could save you money over time.
On the other hand, if your appliance is relatively new and the issue is small — a dodgy sensor, say, a clogged hose — a $200 repair could buy you several more years of faithful performance. Brands matter, too. Some companies provide better long-term support, which can help make repairs more affordable.
Bottom line? A good way to decide when to replace vs. repair is to evaluate the cost, age, energy savings, and brand reliability.
Tips for Prolonging the Life of Your Appliances
Although in some cases there’s no way around repairs or replacements, there are some things you can do to prolong the life of your appliances and keep costs low in the long run. Here are a few suggestions:
- Conduct routine cleaning: We all know that regularly shaking out dust from the filter in a drier and periodically vacuuming dust from a refrigerator’s coils can save energy and money.
- Follow the instructions: Every appliance is different. Please see the manufactures instruction to learn how to care for your item.
- Replace parts before they fail: If you have parts that are in a state of serious wear or damage replace them before they fail and cause bigger, costlier damage.
- Max out on savings: Save energy by purchasing energy-efficient devices and by unplugging appliances when not in use.
- Inspect for problems: As part of your regular maintenance routine, routinely inspect appliances for leaks, breakdowns, and other issues. Resolving these issues early can prevent costly damages and maximize their usefulness.
Why Choose Universal Appliance Repair in Los Angeles?
You can trust our hard-working crew to come to your rescue when your appliance breaks down. Universal Appliance Repair is located in LA but serves across the county, and that is why so many people from all over LA rely on us.
For more than two decades, Universal Appliance Repair has been the company to call if you’re dealing with any major brand — Whirlpool, GE, Sub-Zero, Viking, Miele Monogram, Thermador and many more. All of our techs are licensed and arrive with years of experience, model-specific training, and a dedication to honest, quality service.
We offer:
- No hidden fees; upfront pricing
- Same day appliance service in most LA areas
- Experts in diagnostics, fast turn around
- Access to genuine replacement parts
You name it, we repair it. Whether your refrigerator isn’t cold, your washer won’t spin, or your stove won’t heat, we will hustle to restore your home to its original state with professionalism and ease.
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The Takeaway
It can be quite stressful to have an appliance that is not working and not know how much it will cost to repair it. That’s why we built our 2025 manual — it makes for a good reference guide to factor in repair costs. But, just remember, every repair is unique! For a precise price estimate, our LA area experts are only a call or click away!
From your refrigerator, stove, washer and dryer, and everything else in between – Universal Appliance Repair has you covered. We provide pressure-free recommendations, transparent costs, and quick service to have your appliances running again in no time.
A broken machine shouldn’t slow you down – call us and we’ll have you back to normal in no time!
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