Refrigerator

A refrigerator is essentially a cooling system that removes heat from an insulated compartment, keeping your food fresh and safe. From routine maintenance like cleaning coils and replacing water filters to troubleshooting temperature issues or strange noises, there's a lot that goes into keeping this kitchen workhorse running smoothly. Angi helps you find the right pro and resources for any refrigerator repair or installation need.

Related to Refrigerator Service

Refrigerator Service Articles and Advice
Kelly Weimert  •  Aug 4, 2026
Refrigerator Constantly Running: Reasons and Solutions
When your refrigerator runs continuously, it has to work harder, which can reduce its life span and efficiency. Use this guide to troubleshoot a running refrigerator.
C.E. Larusso  •  Aug 4, 2026
Counter-Depth vs. Standard-Depth Refrigerators: Which One Will Fit Your Kitchen?
When shopping for a new fridge, you’ll have the choice between a counter-depth refrigerator vs. a standard one, and our guide can help you pick.
Kristi Pahr  •  Aug 3, 2026
Simple Fixes for 5 of the Most Common Refrigerator Problems
The refrigerator is the workhorse of any modern kitchen—keep yours in tip-top shape with our tips on common fridge problems and how to fix them.
Kelly Weimert  •  Aug 1, 2026
Everything You Need to Know About the Different Parts of a Refrigerator
Refrigerators comprise many different parts. Understanding what they are and how they function will help you maintain it and troubleshoot problems.
Nick P. Cellucci  •  Aug 1, 2026
How to Choose the Best Refrigerator for Your Home
If your old refrigerator is working too hard, it’s time to retire it and find a new one. Learn everything you need to know with our refrigerator buying guide.
Angi  •  Jul 20, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Repair or Replace an Ice Maker? [2026 Data]
Discover the average ice maker repair cost, key price factors, and tips to save. Learn how to budget for your ice maker repair and when to repair or replace.
Ginny Bartolone  •  Jul 15, 2026
10 Steps to a Well-Maintained Fridge and Freezer
Maintaining your refrigerator is one secret to avoiding costly repairs. Follow these 10 easy tips to keep your fridge and freezer cool, clean, and odor-free.
Nick P. Cellucci  •  Jul 10, 2026
How to Move a Refrigerator: 12 Tips for Safety and Efficiency
Moving a fridge comes with risks, especially if you’ve never done it before. If you need to move a refrigerator, follow these tips to get the job done safely.
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Common Refrigerator Service Questions

It is usually more affordable to repair a fridge rather than replace it. Fridge repairs average around $250, while installing a new fridge will likely cost $1,500 to $4,000. However, you should consider the cost of the specific repair required and the age of your fridge when deciding to repair or replace it. It’s usually less expensive to carry out fridge repairs if your appliance is under 10 years old. After that point, more expensive repairs may not be cost-effective in the long run.

Bleach isn’t the best choice to use while cleaning a refrigerator. Food absorbs odors, and bleach is known for its lingering smell, which can then lead to your fresh foods tasting off. Most people don’t safely dilute bleach, either. If you’re concerned about bacteria or mold from contaminated food, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends using a bleach solution of 1 tablespoon of bleach to 1 gallon of water for sanitizing. Be sure to let the fridge air out for an hour or more afterward to let the fumes dissipate.

While beautiful, stainless steel is notoriously thin and more vulnerable to denting than other finishes. One way to avoid the potential for denting is to purchase a high-end appliance made with thicker stainless steel.

If you move your fridge upright, you can turn it on right away without letting it settle. If the fridge was laying down during transport, check its manual to find out how long you should let it settle before turning it on again. Usually, it’s safest to wait about 24 hours. If you don’t allow the refrigerant and compressor oil to settle, you may end up needing refrigerator repair.

You don’t need to unplug your refrigerator. As long as it has a proper seal, it might still maintain a safe temperature to temporarily store food compared to room temperature. Unplug the fridge if you notice a heavy frost build-up that’s preventing cold air from entering it or if you believe you need to reset the cooling unit.