According to the United States Department of Energy, refrigerators last approximately 12 years. At that point, it's likely time to replace it. Of course, if your refrigerator is not energy-efficient, you may want to consider replacing it before it stops working.
First, how old is your refrigerator/freezer? While your old refrigerator may still look good and work well, if it is more than 15 years old, it's more than likely using a significant amount of energy -- in fact, more than twice the energy of a new ENERGY STAR certified model.
The Average Lifespan of a Fridge
“Refrigerators are built to last, and the need to replace a refrigerator varies with how the product is being used and cared for over time,” says Rebecca Cottrell of BSH Home Appliances. The average lifespan for refrigerators ranges from 10 to 14 years, she says.
A good refrigerator can last for years, but at some point all refrigerators begin to break down. Many factors go into deciding whether to repair or replace. Most refrigerators can last 10 to 20 years. Consider repair if it is less than 8 years old. If the refrigerator is more than 15 years old, consider replacing it.
Most refrigerators are designed to last between 10 and 20 years. If you're having any other problems on this list and the fridge is over ten years old, you'll probably save more money in the long run by simply replacing it.
A refrigerator lifespan is between 10 and 20 years, depending on the model, usage, and level of maintenance.
A 20-year-old refrigerator could use 1,700 kWh of electricity every year, compared with about 450 kWh for a similarly sized new ENERGY STAR model. At an electrical cost of 12 cents per kWh, that represents a savings of $150 per year and a potential payback of about 7-9 years.
Older refrigerators may not be worth the cost of repair, especially if you're experiencing recurring issues. Most fridges last 10 to 15 years, and upgrading to a newer and possibly more energy-efficient model may be more cost-effective.
According to the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy, the average “second refrigerator” is likely between 15 to 25 years old and uses about 750-1000 kilowatt-hours every year which amounts to between $97 to $130 on your electric bill.
If your fridge is not cooling or maintaining the correct temperature, it's a clear sign of trouble. Food spoiling quickly or a noticeable difference in the fridge's internal temperature are indicators. This could be due to a malfunctioning thermostat, blocked vents, or a failing compressor.
Some of the most long-lasting refrigerator brands come from GE, LG, and Bosch. These refrigerators come at different price points, whether you are looking for a standard model or high-end appliance.
Most refrigerators have a lifespan of about 10-15 years. If your fridge is older than 10 years, it may be time to consider replacing it, even if it's still working fine. Outdated refrigerators tend to exhibit lower energy efficiency, which can significantly impact your energy expenses.
The truth is that older appliances were often built with sturdier materials, like good ol' fashioned metal, instead of flimsy plastic. This means that they can withstand wear and tear much better than modern appliances.
Disadvantages of refrigerators
Older models can consume significant electricity, increasing household expenses. Regular cleaning and servicing are essential to maintain efficiency, which adds to long-term costs.
The average lifespan of a refrigerator is about 13 years. However, this number can vary depending on the type of refrigerator and how it is maintained. Some types of refrigerators can last as long as 20 years, while others may need to be replaced after as little as five years.
Compressor Issues
The compressor is like the heart of your fridge. If it breaks, it's one of the most expensive parts to replace. Fixing a compressor can cost anywhere from $200 to $650.
According to the United States Department of Energy, refrigerators last approximately 12 years. At that point, it's likely time to replace it. Of course, if your refrigerator is not energy-efficient, you may want to consider replacing it before it stops working.
On average, an old refrigerator uses about 35% more energy than a model that has earned the ENERGY STAR label.
To ensure that your refrigerator is doing its job, it's important to keep its temperature at 40 °F or below; the freezer should be at 0 °F.
One factor to consider is the age of your refrigerator. If it's more than fifteen years old, it may not be worth repairing because the cost of parts and labor may be more than that of a new fridge. However, if your fridge is under the fifteen-year mark, it's almost always worth the cost of repair.
If your 20-year-old fridge has been running well, and only needs minor repairs once in a while, then it is worth keeping it, instead of replacing it. Though, if it ends up needing a major repair, then you should think about replacing the fridge.
Condensation
One of the most obvious signs that you need to replace your refrigerator is if you see an unusual amount of condensation accumulating on the outside surface of the refrigerator or around the edges of the door.
In most cases, older fridges use twice as much energy as newer ENERGY STAR® qualified models. How much are you paying to keep your refrigerator running? In most cases, refrigerators manufactured before 1993 cost over $65 more per year to operate than new ENERGY STAR qualified models.
All three of the appliance experts we spoke to for this roundup said Whirlpool and LG were the most reliable refrigerator brands due to their durability, reliability and ease of repairs. Samsung and GE were also mentioned by our experts as high-quality fridges.
While repairing an old fridge freezer can seem like a cost-effective option, sometimes replacement is the better choice. Older models are generally less energy-efficient, which means higher utility bills.