Quick Rule: If repair costs exceed 50% of a new printer's price, or your printer is 5+ years old with major issues, replacement is usually the better choice.
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Your Recommendation
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Decision Breakdown
If You Repair
Repair cost: $0
Estimated remaining life: 0 years
Cost per year: $0/year
*Plus risk of additional repairs
If You Replace
New printer (similar): ~$0
Expected lifespan: 0 years
Cost per year: $0/year
*With full warranty and new features
The 50% Rule Explained
The most widely accepted guideline for repair vs. replace decisions is the 50% rule:
If the repair cost exceeds 50% of what a comparable new printer would cost, replacement is typically the smarter financial choice.
However, our calculator goes beyond this simple rule by considering:
- Printer age vs. expected lifespan - A 6-year-old inkjet has less remaining life than a 2-year-old laser
- Problem severity - Mechanical failures are more concerning than print quality issues
- Recurring vs. first-time issues - Patterns suggest deeper problems
- Parts availability - Discontinued models become more expensive to maintain
Average Printer Repair Costs (2026)
| Problem Type | Inkjet Cost | Laser Cost | DIY Possible? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Print head replacement | $50-150 | N/A | Yes |
| Paper feed rollers | $30-80 | $50-120 | Yes |
| Fuser unit | N/A | $100-300 | Maybe |
| Power supply | $50-100 | $80-200 | No |
| Logic board | $80-200 | $150-400 | No |
| General cleaning/service | $40-80 | $60-120 | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I replace my printer instead of repairing it?
Replace your printer when repair costs exceed 50% of a new printer's price, if your printer is over 5 years old, if it has recurring problems, or if parts are discontinued. Our calculator weighs all these factors to give you a data-driven recommendation.
How much should I spend on printer repair?
The 50% rule is a good guideline: if repair costs exceed 50% of what a comparable new printer costs, replacement is usually the better investment. However, factors like printer age, frequency of use, and whether it's a recurring problem also matter.
What is the average lifespan of a printer?
Inkjet printers typically last 3-5 years, while laser printers last 5-8 years with proper maintenance. High-end commercial printers can last 10+ years. Our calculator factors in your printer type and age when making recommendations.
Are printer repairs worth it?
Printer repairs are worth it when: the printer is less than 3 years old, repair cost is under $100 for inkjets or under $200 for lasers, and it's a first-time issue. Recurring problems or expensive repairs on older printers are usually not worth fixing.