How often should you replace a refrigerator?

Author: Dr. Delphine Wintheiser  |  Last update: Thursday, October 16, 2025

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 worth fixing a 10 year old refrigerator?

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.

When should a refrigerator be replaced?

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.

What is the average life of a refrigerator?

According to the 23rd annual portrait of the U.S. appliance industry, standard refrigerators usually last anywhere from 10 to 18 years, with an average life expectancy of 14 years. Compact refrigerator lifespan is even shorter, ranging from 4 to 12 years with an average life expectancy of 8 years.

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.

Signs You Should Replace Your Appliance

How do you know when a refrigerator is going bad?

Your refrigerator starts making strange noises. A gentle hum is normal as the fan motors inside your refrigerator do their job. Unusual sounds like grinding, scraping, knocking, or rattling are signs of bigger issues. You should also check your ice maker if you hear strange noises coming from your fridge.

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.

Should I replace my 14 year old refrigerator?

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.

When should I switch to a new refrigerator?

Once 4 hours have passed, you can plug your appliance in. When doing so, make sure that the thermostat control is set to on. Before placing food into the appliance, allow your fridge some time to cool down to temperatures safe for food storage. This may take up to 12 hours.

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 best fridge brand in 2024?

The 9 Best Refrigerators Of 2024, Based On Expert Tips And Experience
  • Best Overall: Maytag 36-Inch French Door With PowerCold.
  • Best Value: LG 30-Inch Top Freezer Refrigerator.
  • Best Smart: Samsung Bespoke Flex With AI Family Hub.
  • Best French Door: GE Fingerprint Resistant French Door Refrigerator.

Is it better to replace compressor or buy new fridge?

Buying a new refrigerator altogether might be more cost effective than repeated maintenance and replacement for your fridge's compressor as your refrigerator gets older. A new refrigerator might just be cheaper than several compressor replacements!

Do you just plug in a new fridge?

Once your fridge has been safely moved into the desired position, it needs time to settle. As aforementioned, you should leave the appliance to stand unplugged, in an upright position, for at least 4 hours to allow its compressor oil to settle. Once 4 hours have passed, you can plug your appliance in.

Should I replace my 20 year old fridge?

Depending on your situation, your 20-year-old fridge may be worth repairing. Replacing a fridge is a big commitment, so maybe repairs are your best solution. However, if the repairs are too much to handle financially, then replacing your fridge will be a better option.

What is the life expectancy of a Whirlpool refrigerator?

While the refrigerator life expectancy Whirlpool suggests is around 12 years, you can keep your appliance running by caring for it. Make sure you choose a refrigerator that is ideal for your home size. This way, you won't overfill the refrigerator and cause it to work harder. Also, never store a refrigerator outdoors.

What shortens the life of a refrigerator?

For example, overloading the fridge with too much food can put extra strain on the motor, which will cause it to work harder and potentially fail sooner. Similarly, frequently opening and closing the fridge door can also lead to premature wear and tear.

How often should I replace my dishwasher?

Dishwashers usually last between 10 to 15 years. These appliances are very easy to repair, as it's often only a matter of one or two parts being out of place. The easiest way to tell if your dishwasher needs a repair is if your dishes aren't getting clean or if you hear any unusual sounds while running a cycle.

Is it worth repairing a 12 year old LG refrigerator?

If your fridge is over 10 years old and repairs will cost more than 50% of a new model, replacement is usually the way to go. If it's under 5 years old and repairs are less than 30% of the cost of a new fridge, it's probably worth fixing.

What brand of refrigerator has the least problem?

Which refrigerator brand is most reliable? 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.

What to avoid when buying a refrigerator?

Avoid these common mistakes to ensure you get the perfect fridge for your dream kitchen.
  • Choosing the Wrong Style. ...
  • Forgetting to Measure Your Space. ...
  • Skipping Door Swing Considerations. ...
  • Ignoring Energy Efficiency. ...
  • Overlooking the Importance of Finish and Style. ...
  • Focusing Only on Features You Don't Use.

What is the quietest refrigerator?

The Best Quiet Fridge Freezers of 2024
  • Bosch KIN96NSE0 Built-In Fridge Freezer. ...
  • LG NatureFRESH™ GBB61DSJEN Fridge Freezer. ...
  • Miele KFN 7785 D Integrated Fridge Freezer. ...
  • Liebherr XCCsd 5250 Prime NoFrost Side-by-Side Fridge Freezer. ...
  • Siemens KB96NADD0G Built-In Fridge Freezer.

What goes bad first in a fridge?

Milk has been named the item most likely to expire in the fridge, according to new research. A survey of 2,000 Americans has revealed that 46 percent say they've been caught by a sour scent in their bottle or carton.

How much is a fridge gas refill?

Fridge freezers repair and gas refilling on-site ,R400 for gas refill. 0646213749 call or WhatsApp Lesley for assistance.

What usually fails in a fridge?

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.

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