A widely used industry guideline is the 50% rule: if the estimated repair cost exceeds half the price of a comparable new machine, replacement is generally the smarter long-term financial move. Also factor in the machine’s age — a commercial ice machine typically has a lifespan of 7–10 years depending on usage and maintenance, so if your unit is nearing that range, even a moderately priced repair may not be a wise investment. Polar will give you an honest diagnostic and help you weigh both options. We also offer equipment financing and leasing for qualified businesses if replacement makes more sense.