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.
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.
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.
If your fridge is not cooling or maintaining the correct temperature, it's a clear sign of trouble. Food spoiling quickly or a noticeable difference in the fridge's internal temperature are indicators. This could be due to a malfunctioning thermostat, blocked vents, or a failing compressor.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Frigidaire has built a solid reputation as a household name in the kitchen appliance industry. With a strong focus on energy efficiency and reliability, Frigidaire refrigerators offer exceptional quality and value for your money.
1. Samsung Refrigerators. Samsung refrigerators in 2024 continue to impress with their blend of cutting-edge technology and stylish design. Known for their sleek aesthetics and innovative features, Samsung offers models equipped with smart technology like Wi-Fi connectivity for remote management via the SmartThings app ...
The Complexity of Modern Appliances
With advanced electronic controls replacing mechanical ones, there is a higher reliance on delicate circuitry and sensitive sensors. These components can be more prone to failure due to their intricate nature.
Your Fridge Is Over 10 Years Old.
Over time, fridge seals and gaskets can wear out and crack, allowing warm air to seep in and causing food to spoil faster. You may also be using more energy than necessary. In this case, it may be time to start shopping for a new fridge.
French-door refrigerators have an average lifespan of about 10-15 years, making them one of the more reliable options on the market. Like side by side models, these last longest when they have independent compressors for the fresh food and freezer sections.
The older a compressor gets, the less energy efficient it becomes. If efficiency is your end goal, you may want to consider routinely replacing your refrigerator compressor after every estimated life cycle of 8-10 years.
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.
Another common cause of compressor failure is a build-up of dirt and dust. This can happen if the fridge isn't cleaned regularly or if there's a lot of dust in the air. Over time, the dirt and dust can clog up the compressor, causing it to overheat and break down.
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.
Instead, you should “store it in your refrigerator door”, Hellmann's writes. Chef Molly Gordon told Southern Living that, due to the preservatives in the product, mayonnaise will survive the temperature fluctuations that come with opening and closing the fridge door.
Refrigerator condenser coils breakdowns and repair
One common culprit could be the condenser coils. These coils, hidden away at the back or bottom of your fridge, play a crucial role in releasing heat. But, over time, they can gather dust and debris, leading to inefficiencies and breakdowns.
To reduce Salmonella growth, eggs gathered from laying hens should be refrigerated as soon as possible. After eggs are refrigerated, they need to stay that way. A cold egg left out at room temperature can sweat, facilitating the movement of bacteria into the egg.
The Bosch Series 4 is our pick for the best fridge freezer this year. It scores highly on storage, interior features, technology and energy efficiency.