Most refrigerators are designed to last between 10 and 20 years. If you're having any of the 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. Otherwise, you could sink money into repairs for a fridge that's already on its way out.
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.
A typical refrigerator has a 10- to 20-year lifespan. The longer you have had your refrigerator, the greater the potential repair cost, says The Money Pit. If the refrigerator is less than eight years old, consider repair. If the refrigerator is more than 15 years old, consider replacement.
But, as a good rule of thumb, if you have multiple faulty parts or if your refrigerator is over ten years old, it is probably time to replace it. Consumer Reports recommends replacing your refrigerator if the cost to repair it is more than half the price of buying a new one.
Historically, fridges with freezers on top or bottom tend to last the longest, and those from well-known refrigerator brands like Whirlpool and LG tend to top lists for most reliable. The fewer parts that can fail translates into a model that could potentially last longer and cost less to repair.
A refrigerator can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years. The older your unit is, the more it may cost to repair it. Eventually the cost of repairs will start to outweigh the cost of a replacement.
"A refrigerator has a longer life than a laundry washer because there aren't a lot of working parts. With a washing machine, especially with a younger family, the life expectancy drops," Garrett said.
In addition to broad economic factors that affect all durable goods, appliance lifespans are shorter for a few specific reasons. The first is that production of individual components is frequently outsourced to the least-expensive third-party manufacturers.
Older refrigerators last longer, because they were built by companies focused on building a long lasting product. Simply put, older refrigerators require less maintenance and repairs. New refrigerators are built to be energy efficient, but not to be long lasting.
The best time to buy appliances is when new models roll out: washers, dryers, and dishwashers in September and October, refrigerators in May, and ranges/ovens in January. When manufacturers unveil the latest models, retailers reduce prices on models from previous years to create more room for the new inventory.
While most fridges will need replacing after 9-13 years, it is possible for them to last even longer. Regular maintenance, such as dusting the condenser coils, can help to extend your fridge's lifespan.
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. But that's not a guarantee!
The most common reason why a refrigerator is not cooling is a problem with the evaporator coils. Over time, evaporator coils can become covered with ice, which prevents the coils from working properly. If the coils are covered in ice, the ice will need to be defrosted to fix the problem.
Causes: Temperature control thermostat isn't working correctly. The evaporator fan motor is malfunctioning. The condenser fan motor is malfunctioning.
It is almost always worth paying for professional fridge freezer repairs instead of trying to do it yourself, which often leads to poorly completed work and further repairs in the not too distant future.
Thankfully Beko refrigerators are very reliable. The company did have some issues with a couple of older models. Thankfully, those problems are long gone. Top review sites and customer reviews agree that more recent Beko fridges are quite reliable and don't have any widespread problems to be concerned with.
How long does a Bosch refrigerator last? As with all appliances, taking good care of them will maximize the life expectancy, but Bosch refrigerators can be expected to last roughly between 14-19 years with proper care and maintenance.
September and October: The best time to buy most major appliances is during the months of September and October. During these two months, manufacturers unveil their latest models. This means that the previous year's models must be discounted in order to make room for the new models that will hit stores in the winter.
Holiday Weekends
Ozkuzey says generally retailers offer the best deals on appliances around Independence Day, Labor Day and Black Friday, with Black Friday being the biggest of the three.
Refrigerators typically cost between $1,000 and $2,000, but prices vary based on the type you get. A brushed steel, Energy Star fridge with a freezer on top is $500; a stainless steel Whirlpool model with French doors is $1,900.
Answer: Sub-Zero products are designed to last about 20 years on average. Due to varying levels of use, ambient temperatures, maintenance, and repair history and uncontrolled variables such as mechanical failure of part components, the life of any appliance will vary widely.
Is there a “correct” temperature for refrigerators and freezers? Yep: A fridge temperature of 37° F will keep fresh food good for as long as possible—with no ice crystals on lettuce or bacteria breeding in raw meats. As for the freezer, a temperature of 0° F will keep foods thoroughly frozen.