Repair or replace? Get a smarter answer in seconds
EU-aware repair guidance using warranty logic, lifespan assumptions, and cost-per-year math. Then track everything in HoldMyBill so the next decision is easier.
Built for Europe's right-to-repair mindset
Enter Product Details
Provide information to get a recommendation
EU avg: 4.7 yrs
For legal guarantee
Typically 2 years
Warranty likely covers issue
Repair Recommended
Repair / Year
€60.00
Replace / Year
€148.94
Why This Result?
- •Repairing offers better value per year of use.
Based on repair cost ratio, item age, expected additional life, annual cost comparison, and warranty status.
Why this works
Three factors work together to give you a clear, data-informed recommendation.
Warranty Logic
EU regulations entitle you to 2 years of coverage. We factor in remaining warranty value to ensure you claim what you're owed before paying for repairs.
Cost-Per-Year Math
Products lose value over time. We calculate the true annual cost by dividing purchase price by expected lifespan—so you know whether repair economics make sense.
Expected Lifespan
Every product has a typical usable life. We use industry data for appliances, electronics, and gadgets to predict how many years you should realistically get.
One answer now, better decisions later
The calculator gives you an answer. HoldMyBill gives you the full picture.
| Feature | Calculator | HoldMyBill |
|---|---|---|
| One-time decision support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tracks receipts | ✗ | ✓ |
| Tracks warranties | ✗ | ✓ |
| Stores repair history | ✗ | ✓ |
| Warranty expiry reminders | ✗ | ✓ |
| Helps next decision | ✗ | ✓ |
Manage the Full Lifecycle of What You Own
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about repair decisions, EU warranty rules, and how HoldMyBill helps.
Does this calculator work for all EU countries?
Yes. The calculator uses EU-wide legal guarantee rules (typically 2 years from purchase) that apply in all 27 EU member states plus Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. Country-specific variations exist, but the core framework is consistent across the EU.
What if I don't know the expected lifespan of my product?
The calculator provides default lifespan estimates based on European industry data for each product category. These are averages from EEA sources (2024) and can be adjusted manually. You can also use the category as a reference point rather than an exact figure.
Does having warranty automatically mean free repair?
Not always. Under the EU legal guarantee, the seller must prove the defect existed at the time of delivery. Wear and tear, accidental damage, or damage from improper use may not be covered. Extended warranties or insurance policies have their own terms. That's why we added the 'Problem Covered?' question.
Why does HoldMyBill matter if the calculator is free?
The calculator helps with today's decision. HoldMyBill remembers the full picture over time—purchase dates, warranty periods, repair history, and receipts. This makes future decisions faster, calmer, and more accurate. One calculator moment doesn't replace ongoing tracking.
Can I use this for second-hand products?
The EU legal guarantee applies to new products from professional sellers. For second-hand items, the remaining guarantee period (if any) transfers with the product, but extended warranties or store policies may not. The calculator still helps compare repair vs replace economics.
What is the EU Repair Directive?
The EU Repair Directive (2019/771) aims to make repairs cheaper and more attractive than replacement. It requires sellers to inform consumers about repair options and allows repair shops to provide spare parts. Successful repairs may also extend your legal guarantee by one year.
How accurate are the cost-per-year calculations?
The cost-per-year is a useful comparison metric but simplifies real-world scenarios. It divides the repair or replacement cost by expected years of use. Real costs may vary based on future repairs, maintenance, or changes in usage patterns.
What if my product is past its expected lifespan?
Products can often function well beyond official lifespan estimates. The calculator flags this as a factor but doesn't automatically rule out repair. Consider your specific situation: how well does it work now, are parts available, and what's the repair reliability?
Does the calculator consider environmental impact?
Not directly. The calculator focuses on cost and warranty factors. However, the repair recommendation generally aligns with sustainable choices since extending product life reduces electronic waste. HoldMyBill helps track products to maximize their useful life.
What information do I need to use this calculator?
You'll need: (1) current repair quote, (2) cost of a new replacement, (3) product age, and (4) whether you bought from an EU seller. Optional but helpful: expected lifespan, warranty status, and prior repair history.
When to Repair and When to Replace: What to Consider
Every broken appliance, gadget, or vehicle eventually forces the same question: is it cheaper to fix what you have, or cut your losses and buy new? The answer depends on more than just the repair quote. Product age, remaining warranty coverage, expected lifespan, and the cost of a replacement all play a role in making a sound decision.
The Cost-Per-Year Way to Think About Repairs
A useful way to evaluate any repair is to compare the annual cost of keeping your current product against the annual cost of a new one. Divide the repair price by the remaining years you expect the product to last. Then divide the replacement price by its full expected lifespan. If the repaired product costs more per year, replacement is usually the smarter financial choice. This approach removes emotion from the decision and focuses on long-term value rather than the immediate sticker shock of a new purchase.
Your EU Consumer Rights Matter
Under EU law, products bought from professional sellers come with a minimum two-year legal guarantee. If a defect appears within this period and was not caused by misuse, the seller must repair or replace the product at no cost to you. Always check whether your product is still covered before paying for repairs out of pocket. The EU Repair Directive also encourages repairs beyond the guarantee period by making spare parts more accessible and affordable across member states.
Signs It's Time to Let Go
Some warning signs make the decision straightforward. If your product has already needed multiple repairs in a short span, if spare parts are becoming scarce or discontinued, or if the repair cost exceeds half the price of a comparable new product, replacing is almost always the better path. Energy efficiency gains in newer models can also offset the replacement cost over time, especially for large appliances like refrigerators and washing machines.
Make smarter decisions with better data
The calculator helps once. HoldMyBill helps every time. Track receipts, warranties, and repair history so your next decision is easier.