What is the average life of a refrigerator freezer?

Author: Prof. Tavares Hammes  |  Last update: Sunday, December 28, 2025

Built-in refrigerators can last up to 20 years, while standard models usually last about 10-15 years. Side-by-side refrigerator lifespans typically last around 10 years, and bottom-freezer models can last up to 13 years. If your fridge is reaching these ages and showing issues, it might be time for a new one.

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.

How many years should a fridge freezer last?

The average lifespan of a fridge freezer is around 10 years. However, with proper maintenance and careful usage, it can last even longer. Regular cleaning, ensuring adequate ventilation, and avoiding overloading the fridge can help extend its life well beyond the decade-long expectancy.

How do you know if your refrigerator freezer is going out?

Noticing sour milk, bumps in the night and astronomically high energy bills? These are just a handful of signs that your fridge-freezer may not be running as well as it should be.

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 is the average lifespan for a refrigerator?

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 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.

What is the longest lasting refrigerator brand?

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.

Is it worth fixing a fridge freezer?

As a rule of thumb, if the repair cost is more than half of what you initially paid for your fridge, it might be wise to buy a new one. Not only will it be more energy efficient, but it will also come with a warranty.

What number should a fridge be on?

Fridge temperature settings are generally numbered from 1 to 5, with 5 being the coldest. A fully stocked fridge may need to be set to a higher setting (around 3 or 4), whereas one with more space is best suited to temperature setting 2 or 3.

What is the first thing to check when a refrigerator stops working?

The first thing you should do is check if the power supply to your refrigerator is working properly. Make sure that none of the plugs or wiring are loose or damaged, and check that the power outlet is still functional. If everything looks fine on that front, then it could be a problem with the refrigerator itself.

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's the best fridge freezer?

Best Fridge Freezers
  • Graded Smeg RI76LSI Built-In Fridge Freezer (JUB-4017) ...
  • Graded Siemens KG36NXXDF IQ300 60cm Black Stainless Steel Fridge Freezer (B-30861) ...
  • Graded Zanussi ZNNN18FS5 White Integrated 50/50 Fridge Freezer (WI-196) ...
  • Graded Bosch Series 4 KGN397LDFG Stainless Steel Fridge Freezer (B-50436)

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!

How do you know if your refrigerator freezer is going bad?

Food that won't stay frozen may be an obvious sign of a faulty freezer, but signs like excessive frost build-up on the walls or freezer-burnt food can also indicate unstable freezer temperatures. You may also notice your freezer making unusually loud humming, clicking or buzzing noises as parts struggle to operate.

What is the average lifespan of a fridge freezer?

A fridge freezer will on average last around 10 years, depending on maintenance and quality.

How much does it cost to replace a freezer compressor?

Freezer compressor replacement costs between $250 and $650. The compressor keeps the temperature balanced in the freezer by moving coolant, or freezer gases, through the freezer unit. If the compressor malfunctions, it may be unable to achieve the desired temperatures or have uneven temperatures in different sections.

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.

What brand refrigerator do repairmen recommend?

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.

How to know if a fridge is dying?

8 Indications of a Deteriorating Refrigerator
  1. Premature Food Spoilage. ...
  2. External Condensation Buildup. ...
  3. Excessive Frost Accumulation. ...
  4. Unusual Noise Emission. ...
  5. Uncharacteristic Silence. ...
  6. Cabinet Sides are Hot. ...
  7. Structural Cracks. ...
  8. Age Surpassing a Decade.

Which company makes the best refrigerators?

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 milk be kept in the refrigerator door?

Avoid keeping milk in one of the door's shelves. It's a tempting storage spot because it's easily accessible, but it's warmer toward the front, and temperature fluctuations caused by opening and shutting the door frequently make milk spoil faster.

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