What is the life expectancy of a new refrigerator?

Author: Dr. Hazle Keebler IV  |  Last update: Saturday, March 29, 2025

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.

How long should a new refrigerator last?

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.

Which brand of refrigerator lasts the longest?

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 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.

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 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.

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.

Why do new refrigerators not last?

One major culprit is the switch from mechanical to electrical systems powering the appliances. “There are a lot more sensors in appliances,” says Darin Williams, owner of Reliable Appliance in Anchorage. “Now, you have digital integration into motors versus strictly mechanical motors.

When should you replace a refrigerator?

How Long Do Refrigerators Last on Average? 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.

What is the life expectancy of a refrigerator compressor?

However, refrigerator compressors last eight to 10 years, so consider springing for the extra money to replace them as they approach the end of their life span. Otherwise, another issue is more likely to pop up just a few months later, especially if you notice other signs that your fridge is dying.

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 best month of the year to buy a refrigerator?

What are the best months to buy a refrigerator? The best months to buy refrigerators are January, February, March, May, July, August, September, November, and December.

Which appliance brand has the least repairs?

Most Reliable / Least Serviced Appliance Brands
  • Maytag. Maytag appliances, made by the Whirlpool Corporation, is a household name known for dependable kitchen and laundry room appliances. ...
  • Jenn-Air. ...
  • Haier. ...
  • KitchenAid. ...
  • Bosch. ...
  • Samsung. ...
  • General Electric.

What brand of refrigerator has the least problems?

3 best brands for refrigerators
  • #1 Whirlpool refrigerators. Whirlpool really gets it when it comes to fridge design. ...
  • #2 LG refrigerators. ...
  • #3 GE refrigerators. ...
  • #1 KitchenAid refrigerators. ...
  • #2 BlueStar refrigerators. ...
  • #3 Maytag refrigerators.

What style of refrigerator lasts the longest?

Top-freezers are more reliable than other types of refrigerators, including the coveted French-door style, but our members generally like top-freezers and side-by-sides less than other fridge types.

How to know when a fridge is dying?

So let's jump right in.
  1. It's not cold enough & food is spoiling. ...
  2. It's too cold & the freezer is full of frost and ice. ...
  3. The fridge is not making noise but the light is on. ...
  4. The refrigerator light always stays on. ...
  5. There are puddles of water around the fridge. ...
  6. You're noticing excessive condensation in the fridge.

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.

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.

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

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.

What is the average life of a refrigerator today?

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.

What is the average cost of a good refrigerator?

Refrigerators can cost anywhere from $500 to $12,000 depending on what brands and styles you are shopping for. You can find mid-range models that fit most homes for $1,500 or less if you are on a budget.

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.

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