If you are still unsure whether to replace or repair your refrigerator, a good rule of thumb to keep in mind is that the longer you've had your fridge, the greater the potential repair cost. If your fridge is older than ten years old, it may be more costly to keep repairing it than buy a new one.
The average life of a refrigerator is 12 years, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Though, this number varies depending on the type you buy as well as the upkeep of the appliance. In reality, a faulty fridge could break within months, while a well-kept appliance could last as many as 20 years.
If yours is at least 10 years old and has begun to have issues, it's simply time for a replacement. Not only will repairs on older models be more expensive, but the fridge will also likely need additional repairs sooner than later, and a newer model will be more energy efficient. Consider downsizing whenever possible.
If your 20-year-old fridge has been running well, and only needs minor repairs once in a while, then it is worth keeping it, instead of replacing it. Though, if it ends up needing a major repair, then you should think about replacing the fridge.
This makes it one of the most expensive parts of a refrigerator to fix. If the refrigerator has stopped working suddenly, it may have something to do with the control board. Replacing the control board can cost between $500 and $800. Homeowners can expect to pay more if they have a high-end refrigerator.
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.
The typical lifespan of a refrigerator is 10 to 15 years, but it could last up to 20 years if you take superb care of it. Knowing how you may be shortening the life of your fridge helps you nip bad habits in the bud and make those well-spent dollars go the extra mile.
That said, modern compressors are both durable and efficient. Although plans for a replacement should start around eight years of service, a well-maintained compressor can reach to ten years and beyond. As it ages, efficiency loss is gradual at first.
Any money already spent on repairs is now gone, so don't waste more money trying to recover your losses. Any fridge freezer that is over ten years old is unlikely to be worth repairing. A new one will be more energy efficient and cost much less to run.
Your Fridge Is More Than 10 Years Old
Eventually the cost of repairs will start to outweigh the cost of a replacement. If your fridge is over ten years old and in need of constant repairs, it's not a bad idea for you to start saving up and shopping around for a new one.
Age: If your refrigerator is more than 10-15 years old it may be time to replace it rather than invest money in repairs. Older models may not be as energy-efficient, and replacement parts may be harder to find.
The truth is that older appliances were often built with sturdier materials, like good ol' fashioned metal, instead of flimsy plastic. This means that they can withstand wear and tear much better than modern appliances.
Freezer temperature: The temperature you set in your freezer can make a difference in the longevity of your appliance. Setting the temperature over 15 degrees Fahrenheit can hamper the defrost thermostat's operation, shortening your refrigerator's life span by overworking the motor.
Although high-end appliances come with a higher price tag, you can count on them to last longer than standard appliances to make up for the greater up-front cost.
If it's older than ten years, consider replacing the entire unit rather than just the compressor, as this is more cost-effective in the long run. Additionally, older refrigerators are less energy efficient, and upgrading to a newer, high-end model could save money on energy bills in the long run.
If your refrigerator is old and has a few parts that are wearing out, replacing the compressor is probably not going to be a financially sound move. Something else is quite likely to break in the near future, and you could end up spending hundreds of dollars on something that doesn't have much time left.
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.
They were made using simple parts — and perhaps more importantly — parts that were fixable. In fact, appliances manufactured in the 1970s often last from 30 to 50 years.
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.
The lifespan of a typical fridge ranges from 10-15 years, and if you are still within the first half of this range, you should have plenty of time before needing to replace it. If it is on the upper end of that range, it's likely on its last legs.
Leaving a fridge door open can overheat the compressor, making cooling less efficient and it may burn out the compressor completely.
Installing a new refrigerator compressor costs about $375 on average, ranging between $250 and $650. The cost for the compressor itself can run from $100 to $500, not including installation. When your refrigerator is running perfectly, you probably don't give its inner workings much thought.
There are several causes for a refrigerator that doesn't cool, including dirty condenser coils, poor ventilation, improper installation, faulty or dirty gasket seals, unorganized food storage, appliance location and malfunctioning internal parts.