Freezers typically last anywhere from 12 to 20 years. Along with gas and electric ranges, freezers tend to be the longest-lasting kitchen appliances. But that's not a guarantee! Many factors influence how long freezers last, including maintenance and environmental factors.
Repairing a freezer can save money, preserve food quality, and enhance energy efficiency. When repair costs exceed the freezer's value or it becomes outdated, replacing it might be the better option.
Food that won't stay frozen may be an obvious sign of a faulty freezer, but signs like excessive frost build-up on the walls or freezer-burnt food can also indicate unstable freezer temperatures. You may also notice your freezer making unusually loud humming, clicking or buzzing noises as parts struggle to operate.
Both upright and chest freezers can last an average of 10 to 15 years. To make your freezer last longer and live its best life make sure the unit gets proper ventilation, don't overload it with food and keep it set at a consistent temperature.
According to Gifam, a household freezer has an average lifespan of about 13 years. However, with regular maintenance, it can last even longer.
Once you start noticing freezer burn, frost build up or clumps of ice in your freezer, then you should know that your freezer is no longer functioning properly. Your fridge may have an issue with the temperature. It may be getting too cold or may be warming up and then cooling down.
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.
Chest freezers often have a longer lifespan than upright freezers as they have less issues with overheating and leakage.
Because the compressor is on the exterior of the unit, exceptionally cold temperatures may cause a build-up of ice or reduce the viscosity of the oils used to lubricate moving parts. Any of these may result in compressor failure or malfunction resulting in a costly repair.
On average, the life expectancy of a refrigerator-freezer or chest freezer is 16 years. Freezers typically last anywhere from 12 to 20 years. Along with gas and electric ranges, freezers tend to be the longest-lasting kitchen appliances.
Problems with the freezer's electronic control board, cold control thermostat, defrost timer, or compressor can all result in a freezer that does not run or runs improperly.
The average lifespan of a fridge freezer is around 10 years. However, with proper maintenance and careful usage, it can last even longer. Regular cleaning, ensuring adequate ventilation, and avoiding overloading the fridge can help extend its life well beyond the decade-long expectancy.
Verify the thermostat setting: Make sure the thermostat is set to the desired temperature. If it's set too high or too low, adjust it accordingly. Test the evaporator fan: Open the chest freezer and listen for the sound of the evaporator fan running. If it's not spinning, it may need to be replaced.
The cost of freezer repairs depends on various factors, such as the problem and freezer size, make, and model. The national average price to have a freezer repaired ranges from $100 to $400.
Reasons your freezer isn't freezing may include:
Malfunctioning evaporator fan. Broken start relay. Defective electronic controls. Faulty defrost temperature sensor.
Compressor
The compressor works with the condenser coils to move warm air out of the freezer. The compressor is essential to a freezer's function and is often the most expensive part to replace, with a typical price range of $200 to $450.
Changes in temperature in an unheated garage can be hard on these appliances. "You need to make sure that the unit is not exposed to temperatures above 110° F or below 0° F, because that may damage the freezer," says Larry Ciufo, a CR project leader who tests large appliances.
Make sure to find a place at home that has little to no humidity. A space with more humidity will require more energy to cool since the water molecules in the air also require cooling. It will also work in your favour to find a cool room so that you don't need to set the temperature of your deep freezer too low.
Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to maintain the cold temperature. The refrigerator will keep food cold for about 4 hours if it is unopened. A full freezer will keep the temperature for approximately 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full) if the door remains closed.
Expected lifespan of a chest freezer
According to Spencer's TV & Appliance, chest freezers typically last longer than traditional ones, ranging anywhere from 15 to 20 years. In comparison, a regular refrigerator-freezer will only last around 10 to 15 years.
Key takeaways
The best time to buy appliances is generally during big holiday sales, like those held over Fourth of July and Black Friday weekends, when stores offer deals that can save you hundreds.
Our Top Pick: LG produces excellent refrigerators that perform well in our tests and receive high satisfaction ratings from consumers, including our survey participants. The Smart French Door Refrigerator with Dual Ice Maker stands out for its simple, user-friendly design and customizable features.