Hidden Cost 1: Delivery Does Not Always Mean Installation
Many retailers offer delivery, but delivery may only mean placing the appliance in the home or garage. Installation can be separate. Some appliances require a licensed plumber, electrician, gas professional, installer, or handyman depending on the home and the appliance.

HomeAdvisor reports that appliance installation commonly averages around $209, with many basic installations falling between $123 and $299, while complex installations can be much higher when plumbing, electrical, or home modifications are needed. (Home Advisor)

Hidden Cost 2: Dishwasher Installation Can Be More Than Expected
Dishwashers are one of the most commonly underestimated replacements. A dishwasher may require water connection, drain connection, electrical connection, leveling, cabinet fit, leak checks, and proper high-loop or air-gap configuration depending on local requirements and existing setup.

HomeAdvisor’s 2025 dishwasher installation data shows that more involved dishwasher installation or retrofit work can reach much higher totals, especially when the kitchen was not already properly set up for the new unit. (Home Advisor)

Hidden Cost 3: Old Appliance Haul-Away
Old appliance removal should be discussed before delivery. Some retailers charge for haul-away, some include it with certain purchases, and some require the old unit to be disconnected, emptied, and ready before the delivery team arrives.

Lowe’s states that appliance haul-away is an additional cost during an appliance purchase, must generally be one-for-one, and requires appliances to be uninstalled, empty, and unplugged unless installation was purchased. Lowe’s also states that it will not haul away a dishwasher if it is still connected. (Lowe's)

Best Buy states that major appliance haul-away is available for a fee when a replacement product is purchased and delivered, and it also offers a standalone haul-away service for larger products. Best Buy’s recycling FAQ lists a $59.99 haul-away fee with replacement delivery and a $199.99 standalone haul-away service for up to two large products. (Best Buy)

Hidden Cost 4: Disposal Is Not Just “Throwing It Away”
Refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, and dehumidifiers contain refrigerants and sometimes other materials that must be handled properly. EPA explains that appliance disposal involves environmental concerns, and its Responsible Appliance Disposal program was designed to reduce emissions by recovering refrigerants and chemicals in appliance insulation foam. (US EPA)

EPA guidance also notes that federal law requires refrigerant recovery before dismantling or disposal, and responsible recycling may also involve used oil, mercury, PCBs, and appliance foam. (US EPA)

Hidden Cost 5: “It Fits” Does Not Always Mean It Fits
Modern appliances may have different dimensions, door swings, venting requirements, water-line locations, drain routing, gas-line clearances, or electrical requirements than the old unit.

Common surprises include:
• Refrigerator doors hitting walls or cabinets
• Dishwasher height conflicts with flooring that was installed after cabinets
• Gas ranges needing updated shutoff valves or connectors
• Electric ranges needing the correct outlet and cord
• Dryers needing vent correction
• Over-the-range microwaves needing cabinet, bracket, or venting adjustments
• Cooktops not matching the existing countertop cutout
• Wall ovens not matching the cabinet opening

Hidden Cost 6: Professional Help After Delivery
A delivery crew may not correct plumbing, electrical, venting, flooring, cabinet, or countertop problems. If the installation is not straightforward, the homeowner may need to hire a plumber, electrician, handyman, cabinet installer, countertop contractor, or appliance installer.

That cost should be included when comparing repair versus replacement.

Replacement Cost Checklist for Customers
Before buying a new appliance, ask:
• Is delivery included?
• Is installation included?
• Is haul-away included or extra?
• Does the old appliance need to be disconnected first?
• Will the delivery team remove a connected dishwasher?
• Does the new appliance require a plumber, electrician, gas technician, or handyman?
• Will the new appliance fit the existing space?
• Are new hoses, cords, vents, water lines, or gas connectors required?
• Is there a restocking fee if it does not fit?
• Who is responsible if the delivery crew cannot install it?

Replacement may still be the right decision, but the real replacement cost is:
Appliance price + delivery + installation + disposal + needed home modifications + time and inconvenience.