How long should a refrigerator last with an ice maker?

Author: Maya Welch  |  Last update: Wednesday, July 2, 2025

With the average life expectancy of a refrigerator at 14 years, paying to repair an ice maker in a unit that's anywhere from 10 to 18 years old might not be a smart investment because there's no guarantee that a more expensive repair involving another refrigerator component won't pop up soon.

Is it worth fixing a refrigerator ice maker?

Deciding to fix an ice maker depends on the age of the appliance, the repair cost, and the ice maker problem. For a newer ice maker with a minor issue, a repair is likely worth it. If your ice maker or fridge is old and the repair is expensive, replacing the ice maker or even the whole fridge might be the best option.

What is the life expectancy of a refrigerator ice maker?

While it can be convenient to have available ice at the touch of a button, the truth is that these machines simply don't last forever. The average lifespan of an ice maker is 5 years.

How do I know if I need a new ice maker?

7 Signs Of An Ice Maker Going Bad
  • Slow Ice Production. ...
  • Noisy Operation. ...
  • Frequent Repairs. ...
  • Outdated Or Inefficient Model. ...
  • Leaks & Water Problems. ...
  • Aesthetic Considerations. ...
  • Poor Ice Quality.

How can you tell if your refrigerator is going bad?

If your fridge is making more noise than usual, it could be a sign that it is dying. This could be due to a failing motor, compressor, or broken fan blade. If you notice increased noise, it's important to have a qualified technician inspect the fridge.

How long does a commercial ice maker take to make ice?

What is the most common fridge failure?

The three most common reasons for failures that we see as a result of wear & tear are a mechanically locked compressor, failure of the fan motor, and dirty condenser coils. The refrigerator's compressor is the heart of the cooling system; without a working compressor the refrigerator cannot function.

What is the average life expectancy of a refrigerator?

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.

How often should you replace your ice maker?

We typically recommend a replacement once an ice machine is 7 years or older.

Does unplugging a refrigerator reset the ice maker?

If you don't hear a chime, but you can see movement from the ice maker, then the ice maker was reset. If you don't hear a chime and there is no movement from the ice maker, unplug the fridge or turn it off at the circuit breaker for 2 minutes. Then, power it back up and try again.

Which brand of refrigerator is the best?

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.

How much does it cost to fix an ice maker in a fridge?

Some ice maker repairs cost as little as $75, while replacement units will run between $260 to $450. If multiple parts need to be repaired, it might make sense to replace the entire unit. There's nothing more disappointing than placing your cup under the ice maker only for it to not dispense any ice.

Do ice makers wear out?

As an industry standard, the average life of a commercial ice machine is around 10 years, however there are a few variables that will affect the life of your ice machine. uncommon to take calls about machines that are 15 plus years old that are still running strong.

How do I know if my refrigerator ice maker is bad?

Check If the Icemaker Itself Is Working
  1. If the icemaker mold is empty, you can manually pour about 4 ounces of water in the icemaker mold.
  2. Wait about 2 hours.
  3. If the icemaker has dropped ice cubes out from the mold, you know the icemaker itself is working.

What is the most expensive thing to fix on a refrigerator?

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.

What is the average life of an ice maker?

Sadly, with every piece of equipment comes a lifespan. With proper cleaning, a quality ice machine will last around 4 to 5 years on average, sometimes even longer. So how do you know when it's time to replace your ice machine? The first thing you need to do is locate the problem.

Why would my refrigerator ice maker stop making ice?

The most common causes are: The water fill tubes are blocked. The water inlet valve is blocked or frozen. The water filter is dirty or clogged.

Where is the reset button on an icemaker?

This will be located at the bottom of the ice maker unit in most models, but in some, it is at the bottom of the ice tray itself. Press the button down until you hear a beep sound. It will require a few seconds of holding it down before it beeps. Your refrigerator ice maker is now reset!

Is it OK to turn off refrigerator ice maker?

If the icemaker on your Refrigerator will not be used for some time, such as during a vacation or when the appliance is placed in storage, we recommend that you shut off the water supply to the Refrigerator and turn off the icemaker.

What causes a whirlpool refrigerator to stop making ice?

Clogged water filter

A clogged filter can send less water to the ice maker, which may cause a decrease or halt in ice production. Solution: Be sure to change your refrigerator's water filter once every six months, and be on the lookout for signs of an old filter.

How long do refrigerators last?

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. Otherwise, you could sink money into repairs for a fridge already on its way out.

Is it bad to leave an ice maker on all the time?

Most ice makers can be left on all the time in order to ensure that you always have a fresh supply of ice. Like refrigerator ice makers, these appliances are typically designed to run constantly.

How much does it cost to replace ice maker line?

The cost for a plumber to install a water line for an ice maker is usually under $200.

What brand of refrigerator will last the longest?

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.

How do you tell if a refrigerator is going bad?

7 Signs Your Refrigerator Is Dying
  1. Your refrigerator is over 10 years old. ...
  2. You see excessive condensation on your food. ...
  3. Your food is going bad too quickly. ...
  4. Ice is building up in your freezer. ...
  5. Your refrigerator is leaking. ...
  6. The back of your refrigerator gets overly hot. ...
  7. Your refrigerator starts making strange noises.

Is it worth repairing a 10 year old refrigerator?

However, if your fridge is under the fifteen-year mark, it's almost always worth the cost of repair. FYI: Most refrigerators can last between 10 to 20 years with regular maintenance, but even the best fridge can't last forever.

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