Factors to Consider When Deciding to Repair For example, if the repair is relatively inexpensive and the freezer is still within its expected lifespan, it might be worth fixing. However, if the repair cost is high and the freezer is old, replacement might be the smarter choice.
Older models are more prone to breakdowns and might require frequent repairs. In contrast, a relatively new freezer might still have plenty of life left, making repairs a more cost-effective solution. Generally, if your freezer is less than ten years old, repairing it might be worth considering.
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.
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.
1. Frost Buildup. One of the most prevalent issues with upright freezers is frost buildup. When frost accumulates on the freezer's interior walls or around the door seal, it can affect the appliance's efficiency and cause temperature fluctuations.
Your compressor will usually last 8-10 years. If you start having issues with your compressor before this time frame, it might be worth looking into options for repair, but if it's hitting the average lifespan, it might be more worth it to replace entirely.
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.
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.
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.
If your quarter beef yields 80 pounds of meat, you will need approximately 5 to 7 cubic feet of freezer space. For a quarter beef yielding 100 pounds of meat, you will need approximately 6 to 8 cubic feet of freezer space.
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.
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.
A full freezer will hold a safe temperature for approximately 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full and the door remains closed). Food may be safely refrozen if it still contains ice crystals or is at 40°F (4°C) or below, however, its quality may suffer. Never taste food to determine its safety.
A freezer is worth fixing when the appliance is less than 10 to 15 years old, or when the repair cost is less than 50% of the price of a new one. If multiple parts have broken, then replacing it is typically more cost-efficient.
The average life of a freezer is 16 years, with most ranging anywhere from 12 to 20 years. How long does a freezer last compared to other types of kitchen appliances? Along with gas and electric ranges, freezers tend to be the longest-lasting kitchen appliances. But that's not a guarantee!
Total freezer repair costs
The national average cost for any freezer repair is $110–350, including parts and labor. Many appliance-repair technicians charge a minimum service fee of $65–125 to visit your home and diagnose the problem.
While possible, replacing a refrigerator compressor is a complex task best left to professionals due to the technical skills and equipment required.
On average, they can last between 8-10 years, which still varies. There are many variables such as the type of compressor and maintenance schedules that can affect compressor failure rates.
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.
It depends on the situation if it makes more sense to repair or replace a freezer. If the seal is bad on a chest freezer, spending $100 to repair it is worth it. But if the compressor goes out in your older and cheaper upright freezer, buying a new model may make more sense.