What is the life expectancy of a refrigerator?

Author: Prof. Federico Nienow DDS  |  Last update: Monday, April 14, 2025

According to the 23rd annual portrait of the U.S. appliance industry, standard refrigerators usually last anywhere from 10 to 18 years, with an average life expectancy of 14 years. Compact refrigerator lifespan is even shorter, ranging from 4 to 12 years with an average life expectancy of 8 years.

When should you replace your refrigerator?

  • Age: Refrigerators typically last about 10-20 years.
  • Energy Efficiency: Older models are often less energy-efficient than newer ones.
  • Performance Issues: If your refrigerator is not cooling properly, making unusual noises, or requiring frequent repairs, it may be time for a replacement.

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.

What brand of refrigerator will last 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 can you tell if your refrigerator is going bad?

If your fridge is making more noise than usual, it could be a sign that it is dying. This could be due to a failing motor, compressor, or broken fan blade. If you notice increased noise, it's important to have a qualified technician inspect the 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.

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 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 is the No 1 brand of refrigerator?

Top selling refrigerators in India

Popular options include brands like LG, Samsung, and Whirlpool, known for their reliability and performance. A good refrigerator in India typically comes with energy-saving technologies, spacious interiors, and smart temperature controls, catering to diverse needs.

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.

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.

Should you hear a refrigerator running all the time?

But if your refrigerator seems to be “running” all the time, then the appliance is working too hard. While having a refrigerator that works overtime might give the impression the appliance is especially robust, it's actually an indication that something could be wrong with your refrigerator parts.

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 the most reliable fridge brand?

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.

How do I know when my fridge needs replacing?

  1. Your Fridge Freezer is Getting Old. ...
  2. Your Energy Bills are Too High. ...
  3. It's Not Getting Cold Enough. ...
  4. Food Spoils Before Its Use-By-Date. ...
  5. You've Noticed Some Condensation. ...
  6. You Have Excessive Frost Build-Up. ...
  7. It's Making Strange Noises. ...
  8. There's a Funny Smell.

What is the life expectancy of a Whirlpool refrigerator?

While the refrigerator life expectancy Whirlpool suggests is around 12 years, you can keep your appliance running by caring for it. Make sure you choose a refrigerator that is ideal for your home size. This way, you won't overfill the refrigerator and cause it to work harder. Also, never store a refrigerator outdoors.

Is an LG or Samsung fridge better?

Verdict: Both brands have high customer satisfaction, with LG excelling in practicality and Samsung impressing with style and innovation. Both LG and Samsung refrigerators are priced similarly, with variations depending on the model and features.

What is the best fridge to buy 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 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 do I know if my fridge is dying?

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.

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.

What brand of refrigerator has the least problem?

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 destroys a fridge compressor?

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.

How do I know my fridge is bad?

7 Signs Your Refrigerator Is Dying
  1. Your refrigerator is over 10 years old. ...
  2. You see excessive condensation on your food. ...
  3. Your food is going bad too quickly. ...
  4. Ice is building up in your freezer. ...
  5. Your refrigerator is leaking. ...
  6. The back of your refrigerator gets overly hot. ...
  7. Your refrigerator starts making strange noises.

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