When Should I Replace My Refrigerator?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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A typical refrigerator has a 10- to 20-year lifespan . The longer you have had your refrigerator, the greater the potential repair cost, says The Money Pit. If the refrigerator is less than eight years old, consider repair. If the refrigerator is more than 15 years old, consider replacement.

How do you tell if a refrigerator is going bad?

  1. Food is going bad too quickly. ...
  2. Condensation appears on the outside of the fridge. ...
  3. Excess frost. ...
  4. Your refrigerator is super noisy. ...
  5. Your refrigerator never makes any noise. ...
  6. The coils feel too hot. ...
  7. Cracks in the shell. ...
  8. The refrigerator is over ten years old.

When should I replace my fridge?

Fridges with freezers on top can usually be repaired within the first three years of their life , but may need to be replaced in seven years or less. Retire fridges older than 10 years. Refrigerators are expected to last between 10 and 20 years.

What is the average lifespan of a refrigerator?

These five simple tips will keep it running in tip-top shape. CR members expect refrigerators they buy to last 10 years , on average, according to our 2018 survey, and that lines up with what most manufacturers tell us: Their fridges are built to last 10 years.

Which refrigerator brand is most reliable?

A: From our research, the refrigerator brands that are the most reliable are LG, GE, Whirlpool and Samsung . It makes sense that these would be the same companies we listed as manufacturing the refrigerators with the fewest problems.

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

The first thing to check is the breaker (in your home’s electrical service panel) of the circuit serving the fridge.

Should fridge be silent?

Yes, your fridge can be too silent . If your refrigerator isn’t even making so much as a gentle hum, that’s another indication your compressor might be damaged, which will affect your fridge’s cooling capabilities. To troubleshoot, unplug the fridge and plug it back in.

What brand of refrigerator lasts the longest?

Whirlpool . Refrigerators from Whirlpool tend to be highly regarded for their durability and quality. Many households are loyal to Whirlpool, as their fridges last longer than other brands and don’t require as many repairs.

Is a 15 year old refrigerator worth repairing?

If the refrigerator is less than eight years old, consider repair. If the refrigerator is more than 15 years old, consider replacement . If the fridge is between eight and 15 years old, you must take other factors into consideration, such as the type of refrigerator and its environmental efficiency.

Is it cheaper to repair or replace a refrigerator?

Fridge repair will vary in price depending on the age, make, and model of the refrigerator. ... On average, refrigerator repair jobs can cost anywhere between $200 to $400. This is far cheaper than the average cost of a brand new fridge, which can run between $500 and over $3000!

Do fridges need maintenance?

A refrigerator breakdown isn’t the kind of repair you can put off until next week. ... But if you take good care of your refrigerator with a little simple, routine maintenance, you may be able to get 20 or more years of reliable service out of your appliance, all while keeping it clean and energy efficient.

Can a fridge last 30 years?

A refrigerator can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years . The older your unit is, the more it may cost to repair it. Eventually the cost of repairs will start to outweigh the cost of a replacement.

How can I make my fridge last longer?

  1. Keep it clean. ...
  2. Don’t let it stay empty (or overfill it) ...
  3. Make it easy for the refrigerator to cool. ...
  4. Don’t place it near the heat. ...
  5. Don’t use the top as a storage space. ...
  6. Cover the food you store & set it to right temperature. ...
  7. Check for signs of problems.

What refrigerators have the most problems?

Side-by-Side refrigerators are the most popular models but also the most likely to have repair problems. Kenmore refrigerators are produced by many manufacturers such as Whirlpool, GE, LG, Samsung, Frigidaire & Others.

Do French door refrigerators have more problems?

The average repair on a French door refrigerator is 26 percent more costly than the average repair for side-by-side units. Failures include malfunction of the crushed-ice maker, the bottom freezer not maintaining temperatures, or the icemaker leaking and making loud noises.

What is the best month to buy a refrigerator?

This is because people often find that their refrigerators and freezers fail in the heat, and the manufacturers want their new models ready to go for summer buying. As a result, you’ll typically find the best bargains on refrigerators and freezers during late April, May and early June .

Sophia Kim
Author
Sophia Kim
Sophia Kim is a food writer with a passion for cooking and entertaining. She has worked in various restaurants and catering companies, and has written for several food publications. Sophia's expertise in cooking and entertaining will help you create memorable meals and events.