• Cheaper to replace at 6–20 years
• Life expectancy:
  • Budget / entry level: 6 years
  • Mid-range: 9 years
  • High-end: 13 years

Faulty thermostats and damaged door seals are worth repairing, and the cooling performance of an older fridge can be partially restored by replacing worn seals. If your fridge is more than six years old and suffers a major fault (such as compressor failure) then consider replacement because a new one will be more efficient and have lower running costs.

Read our guide to making your fridge last longer.

• Cheaper to replace at 7–20 years
• Life expectancy:
  • Budget / entry level: 5 years
  • Mid-range: 8 years
  • High-end: 11 years

It's cheap and easy to replace broken racks, seals, inlet valves and pumps, even on relatively old machines and most manufacturers keep spare parts for years. Keep in mind that newer models are quieter and more efficient though, and could save you over $50 a year in running costs. Definitely get a quote before repairing electronic components – it may not be worth it.

CHOICE tip: Your dishwasher likes to run, so using it regularly will not only save you money compared to washing by hand, it helps extend the life of your appliance.

Read our other tips for making you dishwasher last longer. 

• Cheaper to replace at 6–20 years
• Life expectancy*:
  • Budget / entry level: 10 years
  • Mid-range: 15 years
  • High-end: 20 years

Good news if you love your oven: if parts are available then even an old model is well worth repairing. Broken doors, thermostats, simmerstats and elements are easy to fix. Broken fans and electronic panels can be more expensive, but a new oven won't save you much on running costs so it's worth looking into.

Is it time to go shopping? Read 5 signs you need a new oven.

* Note: These results are from our sister organisation Consumer NZ's 2013 member survey, which covered a range of appliances we were unable to include in our survey. This was a member-only study, and we think respondents demonstrate higher expectations of their appliances than the general population does.

• Cheaper to replace at 10–20+ years
• Life expectancy*:
  • Budget/entry level: 10 years
  • Mid-range: 13 years
  • High-end: 15 years

Elements and element controls are easy to fix so it's worth getting them repaired. Electronic modules can be expensive, so it may be time to upgrade if they fail outside of warranty.

CHOICE tip: Replacing seals and radiant-style elements is often a quick and easy job that doesn't require specialist tools. But if you think your cooktop is beyond repair, check our cooktop reviews before you buy. 

• Cheaper to replace at 6–15 years
• Life expectancy*:
  • Budget / entry level: 6 years
  • Mid-range: 8 years
  • High-end: 10 years

Microwaves are relatively cheap so if it's more than five years old consider replacing it for all but the simplest repairs (such as replacing glass platters, which are generally fairly cheap). It's worth repairing more expensive models (combination convection microwaves for example) up to about eight years old, but magnetron failure or a damaged door or cabinet usually mean a shopping trip. Check our microwave reviews before you buy.

CHOICE tip: Although common, a blown internal light can be fiddly and expensive to replace. It won't affect performance though, so consider whether or not you can get by without it.

*Note: These results are from our sister organisation Consumer NZ's 2013 member survey, which covered a range of appliances we were unable to include in our survey. This was a member-only study, and we think respondents demonstrate higher expectations of their appliances than the general population does.

• Cheaper to replace at 3–7 years
• Life expectancy*:
  • Budget / entry level: 2 years
  • Mid-range: 5 years
  • High-end: 7 years

Bowls and mixing paddles can be easily replaced, but get a quote and think carefully before repairing anything else. If you find you're ready to buy a new model, see our breadmaker reviews.

CHOICE tip: Clean the pan as soon as possible after baking and pay extra attention to the paddle and driveshaft.

*Note: These results are from our sister organisation Consumer NZ's 2013 member survey, which covered a range of appliances we were unable to include in our survey. This was a member-only study, and we think respondents demonstrate higher expectations of their appliances than the general population does.

• Cheaper to replace: 1–20+ years
• Life expectancy*:
  • Budget / entry level: 2 years
  • Mid-range: 4 years
  • High-end: 6 years

It's unlikely you'll be repairing small appliances such as these – they're just not worth the trouble – but you should be able to get a faulty one replaced for up to a couple of years after purchase, either under warranty or through your rights under Australian Consumer Law.

Do you like your appliances to match? See our pick of the best toaster and kettle sets.

*Note: These results are from our sister organisation Consumer NZ's 2013 member survey, which covered a range of appliances we were unable to include in our survey. This was a member-only study, and we think respondents demonstrate higher expectations of their appliances than the general population does.

• Cheaper to replace at 4–20+ years
• Life expectancy*:
  • Budget / entry level: 4 years
  • Mid-range: 5 years
  • High-end: 7 years

There's huge variation in food processor price and quality, so whether you should repair or replace yours depends on its value.

It's usually worth replacing broken bowls, blades and accessories, but unless you've got a really expensive mixer, major failures like motors generally mean replacement.

CHOICE tip: Food processor blades can be incredibly sharp, so keep them in their accessory case (if supplied) when not in use. This reduces the risk of cutting yourself, and protects the blades from damage, extending their life.

Wondering which appliance would be best for you? We explain the difference between food processors, mixers and blenders.

*Note: These results are from our sister organisation Consumer NZ's 2013 member survey, which covered a range of appliances we were unable to include in our survey. This was a member-only study, and we think respondents demonstrate higher expectations of their appliances than the general population does.

• Cheaper to replace at 7–12 years (top loading), 12–20+ years (front loading)
• Life expectancy:
  • Budget/entry level: 5 years
  • Mid-range: 8 years
  • High-end: 11 years

Repairing should be your first option because washing machines are expensive to buy and repairs may be simpler than you think – for instance, clearing a blocked pump in a front loader is usually a DIY job that doesn't require tools. Broken door seals are also easy to fix, as are switches and mechanical timers. Even seemingly terminal failures may be a relatively simple repair – a drum that no longer spins could be remedied by replacing a drive belt.

However, once your washer is more than six years old, a major failure usually means getting a new one. You're generally looking at replacement if the electronics, motor or gearbox fail, or for faults costing over $300 to fix.

CHOICE tip: Detergent is the biggest cost of doing your laundry, but you're probably using way more than you need – using ¼-⅓ scoop of good detergent will save your money and reduce scrud build-up, extending the life of your washing machine.

Read our other tips for making your washing machine last longer.

• Cheaper to replace at 7–20+ years
• Life expectancy:
  • Budget / entry level: 5 years
  • Mid-range: 7 years
  • High-end: 10 years

Vented dryers are simple and can be easy to repair so it's usually worth it – drive belts, thermal fuses and even the motor can be replaced relatively easily, and door catches, controls and lint filters should be readily available. You also won't realise any running cost savings from a newer model because it won't be any more efficient than your old one. On the other hand, vented dryers are relatively cheap to replace.

At the other end of the dryer spectrum, a heat pump dryer is a complicated beast – this complexity means repairs may get expensive, but their high price tag means you should think twice before ditching your old one. Just make sure you get a quote for any repairs.

CHOICE tip: Clear the lint filter every load. Blocked lint filters reduce performance dramatically and are the main cause of dryer fires.

Is your clothes dryer past its prime? Check our clothes dryer reviews to find best model for you.

• Cheaper to replace at 3–10 years
• Life expectancy:
  • Budget / entry level: 4 years
  • Mid-range: 6 years
  • High-end: 10 years

Jammed brush rolls and blocked filters can be unclogged or replaced quite cheaply, as can frayed or broken hoses and accessories. Vacuums vary wildly in price and quality so major faults like broken switches or burned out motors can cost as much as a replacement, especially for cheaper models. Advances in technology mean vacuums are moving towards cordless hand-held models, so if your older barrel vac stops working it could be a good excuse to switch.

CHOICE tip: Be careful cleaning up after renovations or a home handyman job – domestic vacuums aren't designed for fine particles like plaster dust which can clog filters and cause your motor to overheat.

Here are the signs you need a new vacuum cleaner.

• Cheaper to replace at 3–12 years
• Life expectancy:
  • Budget / entry level: 5 years
  • Mid-range: 8 years
  • High-end: 11 years

If you've got an old telly you're usually better off replacing it. TV technology advances rapidly with the major manufacturers releasing new models each year, so buying a replacement gives you better picture quality and a raft of new features, like media streaming. 

For newer TVs, it's worth getting a quote though – seemingly terminal faults may be as simple to fix as replacing a cheap capacitor, or may require an entire circuit board costing as much as the TV itself.

Here's how to buy a great smart TV.

• Cheaper to replace at 3–7 years
• Life expectancy:
  • Budget / entry level: 4 years
  • Mid-range: 6 years
  • High-end: 8 years

While we expect computers to last five years, around one in three fails by its fourth year according to Consumer Reports (US).

Power supplies and batteries for laptops are an easy replacement at any age, but consider an upgrade if your motherboard or screen fails. A failed hard drive on a two-year-old computer could be used either as a chance to give it a new lease of life with more storage or a faster solid state drive, or as an excuse for an upgrade.

With computers it's not just the hardware you've got to consider. Older computers may struggle to run modern resource-intensive operating systems. If yours is straining under the weight of a new operating system it's time to say goodbye. Likewise, if your OS is no longer supported with security updates then ditch it because your digital security could be at risk.

CHOICE tip: If you use your computer for work then there may be tax implications for the repair or replace decision – talk to your accountant for advice.

If you're ready to upgrade your laptop, do the planet a favour and recycle your old computer.

• Cheaper to replace: Often determined by battery failure. Batteries can cost 60% of the price of the phone.
• Life expectancy:
  • Budget / entry level: 3 years
  • Mid-range: 5 years
  • High-end: 6 years

Although manufacturers may try to convince you to replace your fruity $1000 flagship phone each year, you should expect it to last for three years at a minimum, and much longer if you opted for a top-of-the-line handset.

A common problem (usually not covered by warranty) is a damaged screen. If you've cracked the screen on an expensive phone, it's usually worth getting it repaired – especially for newish phones. There are many third-party businesses that can do this for you, but get a quote first as it can be expensive. 

Regardless of age, if your phone's working well but the battery fails, then picking up a new battery online can bring your old phone back to life (provided it's easy to change).

Consider a replacement phone after the two-year mark for major faults, if your phone's becoming slow and laggy, if you're paying extra for a plan that includes a new handset every couple of years, or you can no longer push back against the fickle winds of fashion.

Here are four tips to extend the life of your phone battery.

• Cheaper to replace at 2–15 years
• Life expectancy*:
  • Budget / entry level: 5 years
  • Mid-range: 10 years
  • High-end: 16 years

Most problems with expensive high-end components should be fixed, but make sure you get quotes first. For cheaper systems and soundbars you're probably looking at a replacement for all but the most minor issues, and even if the fault's covered under warranty it's unlikely manufacturers will maintain an inventory of spare parts.

If yours has given up the ghost, read our guide to buying the best soundbar.

• Cheaper to replace at 3–7 years (compact), 3–10 years (DSLR)
• Life expectancy*:
  • Budget / entry level: 5 years
  • Mid-range: 7 years
  • High-end: 10 years

Only newer, high-value cameras are worth repairing. Replaceable lenses for a DSLR can often be replaced for less than the cost of repairs – particularly the lower-end 'kit' lenses supplied with the camera body – if it's not covered by warranty then view it as an opportunity to get a better one.

While you might opt to repair a five-year-old DSLR camera body, a failed five-year-old compact should be treated as an excuse to upgrade because new models will offer better technology and take better photos. See our DSLR camera reviews for the best of the latest models.

CHOICE tip: If you've made a significant investment in lenses for your DLSR then an adapter ring means you can still use them if you switch to a camera body with a different mounting system.

*Note: These results are from our sister organisation Consumer NZ's 2013 member survey, which covered a range of appliances we were unable to include in our survey. This was a member-only study, and we think respondents demonstrate higher expectations of their appliances than the general population does.

• Cheaper to replace at 3–8 years
• Life expectancy*:
  • Budget / entry level: 2 years
  • Mid-range: 4 years
  • High-end: 5 years

Only get your printer repaired if it was expensive. Printer manufacturers make their profit from the ink, so a new printer can be had for pocket change, and it'll probably give you better features than your old one. 

If your printer is playing up, our guide to cleaning your printer may help you eliminate certain issues. 

*Note: These results are from our sister organisation Consumer NZ's 2013 member survey, which covered a range of appliances we were unable to include in our survey. This was a member-only study, and we think respondents demonstrate higher expectations of their appliances than the general population does.

• Cheaper to replace at 10–15 years
• Life expectancy:
  • Budget / entry level: 6 years
  • Mid-range: 8 years
  • High-end: 12 years

An air conditioner is an expensive appliance to replace and doing so may require a bit of structural work on your house if you need to run new ducting or wiring. Parts may be hard to get for older models though, and after five to 10 years they might just not perform as well as they did when new. 

Air conditioners are also energy-intensive appliances, and upgrading to a newer model using the latest R32 refrigerant will lead to a significant reduction in running costs, less noise both inside the house and for your neighbours (a particular pain point with air conditioners), and new features such as Wi-Fi controls.

A broken air conditioner is likely to get expensive no matter whether you opt for repair or replacement so it's a good idea to get quotes for both options before making a decision.

CHOICE tip: Regularly clean your air conditioner's filters and keep outdoor units free of obstructions to help your air conditioner work at peak efficiency. Passive climate control, like sealing drafts and installing ceiling insulation, can reduce your dependency on expensive air conditioning.

• Cheaper to replace: 1–15 years (fan), 3–10 (oil-filled, convection, and radiant)
• Life expectancy:
  • Budget / entry level: 4 years
  • Mid-range: 6 years
  • High-end: 9 years

Many heaters are so cheap that repairs aren't worth considering, while the more expensive oil column heaters might not be repairable at all. Remember your rights under Australian Consumer Law if your heater doesn't last into its second winter, even if the warranty's a little shorter than that.

Older heaters without safety features like safety tip-over switches and cool-touch housings should be replaced as a matter of course.

CHOICE tip: Don't drape wet towels or clothing over your oil heater – it can easily overheat and blow a fuse or potentially catch fire. Use a proper drying rack instead.

See our electric heater reviews.