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
If the refrigerator in your new home doesn’t fit, or you have a strong attachment to your current one, you’ll need a strategy for shipping it safely. Here’s how to properly ship a refrigerator and tips for avoiding hits and dings along the way.
Wondering why your fridge is beeping with the door closed? Learn about the most common reasons and how to fix the problem for good.
Is your side-by-side refrigerator leaking water inside the freezer? Don’t worry, it may not spell the end for your fridge. Here are 6 common causes and fixes.
If your fridge or freezer is on the fritz, here are the refrigerator repair questions you should ask a professional before you start the service.
Discover the key signs of Freon leak in refrigerator units, what causes them, and when it’s time to call a pro. Don’t ignore these cooling red flags!
If your refrigerator has been damaged, refrigerator door dent repair cost will vary based on the imperfection's size, depth, and location. Use our guide to estimate how much you'll spend on refrigerator dent repair.
If your fridge is not cold but the freezer is, you can use these troubleshooting tips to find and address the issue, possibly without paying for repairs.
Are refrigerator water filters good at keeping germs out of fridge water? Explore the pros and cons of refrigerator filters and whether you should get one.
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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.