Repair it or replace it? Enter what you paid, how old the appliance is and how long it should last, and see what it is roughly worth today.
Home Appliance Depreciation Calculator
How this calculator works
Straight-line depreciation spreads the value evenly across the appliance’s expected life — a twelve-year machine loses about a twelfth of its value each year. Double declining drops faster early on, which matches how appliances really lose resale value. Either way, the result is a planning figure: when a repair quote passes half of this value, replacement usually makes more sense.
Good to know
Straight-line spreads cost evenly each year, so value falls by the same amount until it reaches any salvage value. Doubling-up early with double-declining takes a bigger bite in the first years, then eases off, which often fits how appliances lose resale value fastest when new.
Typical spans to start from are washers 10-13 years, fridges 10-17, ovens 15-20 and dishwashers 9-13, adjusting for brand, load and servicing. If a repair quote passes about half the cost of a new unit, replacement usually wins over time via better efficiency and warranty; our repair-or-replace guides in the blog walk that trade-off in detail.
Which method should I use for taxes or records? Home appliances used personally usually use straight-line for a simple estimate; rental or business use may have separate rules, so check current guidance or an accountant for filing. Which method for taxes is covered in the next answer.
If the result hits zero, is the appliance useless? No. Zero book value just means the cost has been fully spread over its expected life. Many machines keep working well past that point with routine care, though parts and efficiency are worth watching.
How do I pick a lifespan? Start with the makers estimate or the typical ranges above, then adjust for heavy use, hard water or frequent moves. A well-serviced premium model often lasts toward the top of its range.
When is repair not worth it? If the fix costs more than about half a new unit, the appliance is near the end of its expected life, or it keeps breaking, replacement is usually the better-value choice.