Should You Repair or Replace a Broken Refrigerator?

What's the rule when it comes to whether you should repair or replace a refrigerator when something breaks? Like all home projects, appliance management requires a careful analysis to ensure that you're looking at both the immediate and long-term costs of both options. Generally, that means following the 50% rule that states that it's better to go with a replacement if your repairs will total 50% of the item's replacement cost. Keep reading to discover if you should repair or replace your refrigerator to save money.

Is It Worth It to Repair a Refrigerator?

Yes, repairing a refrigerator with help from a licensed repair technician can be worth it in many situations. While repair costs aren't always worth it for smaller appliances, a major home appliance like your fridge is often worth fixing instead of tossing. Determining when to hold on to a refrigerator versus when to start fresh can be tricky. Here's a glance at some factors to consider.

How Long Does a Refrigerator Last?

Refrigerator life span varies widely by brand, model, and household wear and tear. Many refrigerators can run for 20 years when you follow essential fridge maintenance tips. However, the average refrigerator life span is eight to 10 years.

Cost to Repair Refrigerator vs. Cost to Replace Refrigerator

The average refrigerator repair cost is between $200 and $330. That cost generally includes the $40 to $120 per hour charged for labor with any replacement parts added on top. Meanwhile, new refrigerators can cost between $400 for utility fridges and close to $10,000 for high-end models. When buying a more expensive refrigerator, purchasing an extended warranty can be a way to ensure that you'll be able to utilize covered repairs in the future instead of buying a new refrigerator if something goes wrong.

When to Repair a Broken Refrigerator

Depending on what's gone wrong with your refrigerator, repairing it may save you money compared to purchasing a new one.

It's Just a Scratch

If you're unhappy with your refrigerator because it has some scratches and dings, it's not worth tossing an appliance like this out for cosmetic purposes. Some scratches and gashes can actually be sanded out. A refrigerator tech may be able to recommend the right grit for the job based on manufacturer specifications.

Your Warranty Is Still Valid

If you have a newer refrigerator model that's still under warranty, you may be able to get major repairs done at the expense of the manufacturer. You might not be out of luck even if your warranty has expired. If a part fails on your refrigerator, also check for manufacturer recalls to see if you could be reimbursed due to a part or mechanism that has been proven faulty.

You Have a Newer Refrigerator

With the average refrigerator sold today lasting around 12 years, tossing your refrigerator while it hasn't yet reached half of its anticipated average life can feel wasteful. While there's not always a guarantee that a refrigerator can be saved just because it's new, having the issue checked out by a repair technician can at least give you peace of mind over the fact that you tried to get more life out of your appliance.

The 50% Rule Applies

If the quote you get for refrigerator repair is less than half the replacement cost, fixing the appliance instead of paying for a new one is recommended. That means that paying $600 to save a refrigerator that would cost $1,200 or more to fix is considered a smart investment. Common refrigerator problems, such as loose hoses and dirty evaporator coils, can cost as little as $100 to repair.

DIY vs Hiring a Pro to Repair Refrigerator

As an appliance that requires water, electricity, and refrigerant to work, a refrigerator isn't an appliance that's ideal for DIY fixes. Here's a checklist of easy troubleshooting steps you can take for refrigerator repair:

• Check the seals around the refrigerator doors to see if a poor or damaged seal could be allowing air to leak. You may be able to follow some basic steps for how to fix the seal on a refrigerator if the problem is small.

• Confirm that the temperature dial is at the right setting.

• Confirm that the refrigerator is plugged into a working power source.

• Check condenser coils for dust and debris. If they appear clogged, use a vacuum to clean them out to see if that improves performance.

• Check if the evaporator fan motor is clogged with dust and debris.

When to Replace a Broken Refrigerator

There are some instances when replacing a broken refrigerator is the more cost-effective choice compared to attempting a repair. The truth is that the answer to whether you should repair or replace a refrigerator isn't always clear. These categories will help you do a cost analysis to see which option better suits your budget.

Your Refrigerator Has Been Recalled

If a major component on your refrigerator stops working while the appliance is still relatively "young" even though the warranty has expired, spend a few minutes online checking to see if there have been any recalls for the model. While some recalls only involve reimbursements for specific parts, others will compensate you for the cost of a replacement.

Your Refrigerator Is Older Than Five Years Old

If your appliance is at the halfway point or more of its expected life span when it starts showing signs a refrigerator is dying, consider if putting money into a repair is worth it for you. You might be better off putting the money toward a new, highly-rated model instead of sinking it into a refrigerator that may have repeat issues down the road.

Your Refrigerator Needs an Expensive Replacement Part

If an older refrigerator needs a part that costs roughly half its replacement cost, common sense says that you're better off putting that sizable investment towards a new refrigerator. By the time you cover the cost of parts and labor, it's not uncommon to pay up to $1,500 in repairs for an appliance that would cost $3,000 to replace.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro to Repair a Refrigerator

Your refrigerator is one of the most complicated appliances in your home! While we don't think of our refrigerator as being dangerous, the truth is that no appliance in your home has the power to make your household as ill as your refrigerator. When a refrigerator is even a few degrees off from the ideal refrigerator temperature, the risks for spoilage and food poisoning are high. That's why you'll want to look for professional fridge repair near me to ensure that all work is being done by a qualified expert.