Cost of Repairing an Old Stove – Quick Guide

Got a stove that’s been chugging along for years and suddenly starts acting up? You’re probably wondering how much it will cost to bring it back to life. The answer isn’t one‑size‑fits‑all, but most homeowners in Glastonbury see a repair bill somewhere between £70 and £250. That range depends on what’s broken, how old the unit is, and whether the parts are easy to find.

If you’ve already called a few technicians, you might have heard terms like “igniter replacement,” “thermostat failure,” or “gas valve leak.” Each issue has its own price tag. An igniter swap is usually the cheapest fix – think £30‑£60 for parts plus labour. A cracked oven door or a faulty gas valve can push the total up to £150‑£300 because the parts are pricier and the job takes longer.

What Drives the Price?

First up, age of the stove. Older models often use parts that are no longer stocked, so a technician may need to order a specialty component. That adds weeks to the timeline and extra shipping costs. Second, the type of stove. Electric hobs are generally cheaper to repair than gas ranges because they have fewer safety‑critical components. Third, the severity of the issue. A simple thermostat reset is quick, but a burnt‑out heating element may require a full oven cavity replacement.

Labor rates also matter. In Glastonbury, most reputable repair services charge between £45 and £80 per hour. Some companies, like Glastonbury Appliance Repair Services, offer a flat rate for common problems, which can save you from surprise fees. Finally, don’t forget the travel surcharge. If the technician has to travel a long distance, you might see an extra £10‑£20 added to the bill.

Repair or Replace – Making the Call

When the quote climbs above £200, ask yourself if the stove is worth that investment. A good rule of thumb is the 50% rule: if the repair cost is more than half the price of a comparable new stove, replacement is usually smarter. Modern stoves are more energy‑efficient, and a new unit often comes with a warranty that covers future issues.

But don’t rush the decision. Consider the frequency of past repairs. If you’ve been fixing the same stove every couple of years, it’s a sign the appliance is near the end of its life. On the other hand, a single major fault on a well‑maintained stove could be a cheap fix that extends its life by another decade.

Before you sign off on a repair, ask the technician to show you the faulty part and explain the fix. A transparent professional will let you know if the part is a one‑time fix or likely to wear out again soon. This helps you weigh the long‑term costs better.

Bottom line: Get at least two quotes, compare the breakdown of parts and labour, and think about energy savings from a newer model. If you decide to repair, choose a local, trusted service like Glastonbury Appliance Repair Services – they know the typical issues in the area and can source parts quickly, keeping your stove humming without breaking the bank.