When something breaks, the money decision can feel emotional: Am I being wasteful? Am I being cheap? Will this break again next month? In a busy household, the goal isn’t a perfect choice—it’s a repeatable rule that stops you from leaking money in small, stressful moments.
Assumptions (so the numbers make sense): Munich area, family household, January 2026 prices, trying to keep life simple rather than “optimize everything.”
What you can save (realistic range)
If you apply one consistent rule across appliances, clothes, bikes, phones, furniture, and small electronics, a realistic annual savings range is €150–€600 for a typical family—mostly by avoiding “panic replacements,” repeated cheap fixes, and overpaying for repairs that don’t reset the item’s useful life.
You’ll also save something harder to measure: fewer decision spirals.
The Simple Rule: Compare “Cost per Year” (with one safety check)
Step 1: Find the cheapest safe option.
That might be repair, used replacement, or new replacement. Safety comes first: anything electrical that smells burnt, anything structural that could injure someone, anything food-related that risks spoilage—treat as replace or professional repair.
Step 2: Calculate “Cost per Year” for each option.
- Repair cost per year = (repair price) ÷ (expected extra years you’ll get)
- Replace cost per year = (purchase price + delivery/install – resale value) ÷ (expected years you’ll get)
Step 3: Choose the lower cost per year—unless the repair doesn’t meaningfully reduce future risk (more on that below).
This turns a stressful “big number” into a calm comparison.
A practical shortcut (busy-week version)
If you don’t have time for full math, use this quick threshold:
- Repair is usually worth it if it costs ≤ 30% of a good replacement price and you expect at least 2 more years.
- Replace is usually worth it if repair is ≥ 50% of replacement or it’s the second repair in 12 months.
Not perfect, but forgiving—and it catches the biggest money leaks.
Real EUR examples (so you can feel it)
Example 1: Washing machine (classic family stress)
- New mid-range: €650
- Delivery + install + old removal: €60
- Total replacement cost: €710
- Expected life if new: 8 years
- Replace cost per year: €710 ÷ 8 = €89/year
Repair quote: €220 for pump replacement
If you expect 3 more years, repair cost per year: €220 ÷ 3 = €73/year → repair wins.
But if it’s already 9–10 years old and you realistically get 1 more year: €220/year → replace wins.
Example 2: Kids’ winter jacket zip
- Repair (tailor): €18
- Extra years: 2 years
- Repair cost per year: €9/year
Replacement: €70 for similar warmth/quality, likely 2 years
Replace cost per year: €35/year → repair is a no-brainer.
Example 3: Smartphone screen
- Repair: €180
- Expected extra life: 2 years
- Repair cost per year: €90/year
Replacement: refurbished model €320, expected 3 years
Replace cost per year: €107/year → repair could win.
Risk check: if the battery is also weak (and not included), you might pay another €80–€120 soon. In that case, refurbishment is often calmer for your budget.
The one risk check that prevents “money twice”
Before you repair, ask: Does this repair reset the problem, or just delay it?
Repairs that often reset value:
- Replacing a zipper, hinge, hose, belt, tire, brake pads
- A single clear fault (one part, one labor visit)
Repairs that often “delay” (higher repeat risk):
- Multiple symptoms (“sometimes works”)
- Water damage, corrosion, recurring error codes
- The second repair of the same category in a short window
If it’s a “delay” repair, your cost-per-year estimate should be conservative (assume fewer extra years).
Copy‑paste checklist (use this in Notes)
Repair or Replace Decision (5 minutes):
- Safety first: any fire/electrical/food spoilage risk? If yes → professional repair or replace
- What’s a good replacement price (incl. delivery/install)? €____
- What’s the repair quote (all-in)? €____
- Expected extra years after repair: ____ years
- Expected years if replaced: ____ years
- Repair €/year = €____ ÷ ____ = €____
- Replace €/year = €____ ÷ ____ = €____
- Second repair within 12 months? Yes/No
- Choose: Repair / Replace (and why in one sentence): __________
Bring this to your next call/chat (script box)
Script for a repair shop or service hotline:
Hi, I’m deciding between repair and replacement and I’m trying to budget sensibly.
Could you confirm the all‑in price (parts + labor + VAT), and what you expect the repair to add in usable life (roughly 1, 2–3, or 5+ years)?
Also: is this a common repeat issue, and is there any warranty on the repair?
Script for negotiating a replacement (store/chat):
Hi, I’m comparing total cost, including delivery, installation, and removing the old unit.
If I place the order today, can you include delivery/install or reduce the total by €50–€100? I’m happy with a simple model, I just need reliability.
Pitfalls (and calmer alternatives)
-
Pitfall: Comparing repair to the fanciest replacement.
Compare to the cheapest safe replacement that meets your needs. Otherwise, replacement looks unfairly expensive. -
Pitfall: Ignoring the “hidden costs” of replacement.
Installation, delivery, adapters, disposal, set-up time—these are real. Add them. -
Pitfall: Paying for diagnosis twice.
Ask upfront if the diagnostic fee is credited toward the repair. -
Alternative when cash is tight:
Consider used/refurbished as your “replacement” number in the cost-per-year math. It keeps the system practical without guilt.
A good rule doesn’t demand perfect forecasting. It just helps you avoid paying the same problem twice—and keeps your household money decisions calm enough to survive real life.
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