Should I replace my 20 year old refrigerator?

Author: Prof. Alford Nikolaus IV  |  Last update: Tuesday, September 2, 2025

Most refrigerators have a lifespan of about 10-15 years. If your fridge is older than 10 years, it may be time to consider replacing it, even if it's still working fine. Outdated refrigerators tend to exhibit lower energy efficiency, which can significantly impact your energy expenses.

Should I replace a 20-year-old fridge?

Consider Replacement: Refrigerators typically have a lifespan of around 10-20 years, and yours is already 23 years old. If the issue is related to significant components like the control system, it might be more cost-effective in the long run to invest in a new refrigerator that is more energy-efficient and reliable.

How efficient is a 20-year-old refrigerator?

A 20-year-old refrigerator could use 1,700 kWh of electricity every year, compared with about 450 kWh for a similarly sized new ENERGY STAR model. At an electrical cost of 12 cents per kWh, that represents a savings of $150 per year and a potential payback of about 7-9 years.

How do you know when it's time to replace your refrigerator?

  • Your refrigerator is more than 10 years old
  • Your energy bills have been increasing
  • Your refrigerator is making strange noises
  • Your refrigerator is not cooling properly
  • Your refrigerator is leaking or has rust If you notice any of these signs, it may be time to consider replacing your refrigerator.

Can a refrigerator last 20 years?

The average lifespan of a fridge is around 12 years; however, some refrigerators can last up to 20 years or more. This average lifespan varies across different refrigerator brands, the refrigerator's maintenance, and the homeowner's willingness to make repairs.

Is it worth fixing the old Amana fridge? - BUY the new fridge or FIX the old - Watch before shopping

What brand of refrigerator lasts 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 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.

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.

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 old is a too old refrigerator?

Estimates range in terms of how long fridges last; some sources say 10 years while others say as long as 25 years. According to the United States Department of Energy, refrigerators last approximately 12 years. At that point, it's likely time to replace it.

How much does it cost to run a 20 year old refrigerator?

According to the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy, the average “second refrigerator” is likely between 15 to 25 years old and uses about 750-1000 kilowatt-hours every year which amounts to between $97 to $130 on your electric bill.

Should I replace a 30 year old refrigerator?

While your old refrigerator may still look good and work well, if it is more than 15 years old, it's more than likely using a significant amount of energy -- in fact, more than twice the energy of a new ENERGY STAR certified model.

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.

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!

What is considered an old fridge?

Age of the Fridge: If your fridge is over ten years old, has major problems, or is just past its refrigerator lifespan, then it might be time to upgrade it.

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.

How do you tell if your refrigerator is going out?

7 Signs Your Refrigerator Is Dying
  1. Your Fridge Is Over 10 Years Old. ...
  2. Your Fridge Is Extra Loud. ...
  3. Your Fridge Is Extra Quiet. ...
  4. Food Is Spoiling Before the Expiration Date. ...
  5. Excess Frost in the Freezer or Fridge. ...
  6. Condensation on the Outside of the Fridge. ...
  7. The Back of the Fridge Feels Hot to the Touch.

Why do old refrigerators last longer than new ones?

Older Appliances Were Designed to Last

The parts were simple and easy to fix, so people could keep their appliances running for much longer than they can today. Unlike modern appliances, which have complex electronics and computerized components that can be expensive to repair or replace.

Which refrigerators have the longest life?

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.

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.

How do I know when to replace my refrigerator?

5 Signs You Need to Replace Your Refrigerator
  1. There's condensation (or frost!). If your fridge is sweating, something's likely not right. ...
  2. The motor's constantly running — and you can hear it. ...
  3. It's hot to the touch. ...
  4. Your food's going bad way faster than it should. ...
  5. It's just old (and really inefficient).

Is it worth repairing a 20 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.

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