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
D.P. Taylor  •  May 22, 2026
6 Problems That Cause a Refrigerator to Stop Working
A malfunctioning fridge must be fixed immediately, or risk wasting all your new groceries. This guide will help you troubleshoot common problems that cause fridges to stop getting cold and identify when you should hire a professional.
Dina Cheney  •  May 22, 2026
Keep Your Fridge Organized With These 6 Easy Tips
Organize your fridge so it’s attractive and functional. You’ll be able to find what you need more quickly—without foods expiring—and enjoy peeking inside the doors.
Ginny Bartolone  •  May 22, 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.
Candace Nelson  •  May 22, 2026
Cleaning Refrigerator Condenser Coils Saves Money
Dirty, dusty refrigerator coils can make your fridge work harder to keep food cool, wasting energy. Here’s how 15 minutes of cleaning can improve efficiency.
Becca Stokes  •  May 22, 2026
How Long Your Food Lasts in the Fridge Without Power
When the power goes out in your home, the food inside your fridge and freezer starts running out of time. How many hours do you have until your groceries become unsafe to consume? We answer this and other important questions in this guide.
Nick P. Cellucci  •  May 22, 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.
D.P. Taylor  •  May 22, 2026
How to Degrease the Top of Your Fridge in 15 Minutes or Less
Refrigerators get very greasy and sticky on top over time. Read on to learn how to clean it up using some simple items around the house.
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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.