It’s one of the most annoying things that can happen at your home or place of business: your refrigerator breaking down! Faulty refrigerators can be both a major inconvenience and an expense, especially if you’re in the habit of buying food in bulk.
The problem is that deciding whether to repair or replace your refrigerator can be a tough call. If you’re thinking of buying a new one, it can cost anywhere from $1500 to $12000 for higher-end models, and even used ones go for around $200 to $400 on average. On the other hand, repairing your refrigerator means you’ll need to consider whether the cost of repair (which includes buying or sourcing new parts and the repairman’s fees) is worth it.
Aside from the expense, you’ll also need to think about other factors such as delivery fees, the hassle of finding suitable parts, and how long you can go without a working refrigerator!
If you’re stuck between deciding whether to replace or repair your faulty refrigerator, this guide will help you weigh the pros and cons of each option and make the best decision for your situation.
Factors to Consider
Model
More complex units are costlier to both repair and replace. Refrigerators with a lot of features have more moving parts, which means you’ll need to spend more if these break down. For example, refrigerators with ice and water dispensers might be more convenient since you can easily have access to potable drinking water but these units can also have leaking problems you won’t find with basic refrigerator models.
Simply put, basic refrigerators have easier upkeep and better longevity compared to those models with a lot of bells and whistles. Remember those old Nokia phones? Compared to a modern-day iPhone, they don’t offer much outside of being able to call, text, and run a few simple games, but Nokia phones could last for days on a single charge and you didn’t have to worry about your screen cracking after accidentally sitting on it.
Aside from your refrigerator’s model, its configuration can also play a part when it comes to longevity and sturdiness. A basic single-door configuration typically lasts the longest without issues as long as you provide regular maintenance. Bottom-freezer configurations can show issues as early as their first year in use, while double-door refrigerators commonly show problems after about five years of use.
Age of the refrigerator
A refrigerator’s age is a key factor in deciding whether you should repair or replace it. Modern refrigerators are built to last around 10-15 years, but some factors can considerably shorten a refrigerator’s lifespan such as overloading the shelves, neglecting regular and seasonal maintenance, and not reading the owner’s manual. Even small things like placing hot items inside or slamming the doors closed can have significant negative impacts on your refrigerator’s lifespan.
Here is a great guide you can use to determine whether your refrigerator is old enough to replace:
- Less than 5 years old: Repairing the refrigerator is likely the more economical option, especially if the repair cost is less than half the price of a new one. Generally, the issues are minimal and easy to tackle such as the fan wearing out or the temperature sensor breaking down. In these cases, the only major cost you’ll need to consider is the contractor’s fees since small refrigerator parts only cost around a few dollars.
- 5-10 years old: This is probably where you’ll have the most trouble trying to decide whether to replace your refrigerator or have it repaired. You should consider the cost of repair versus the remaining lifespan of the refrigerator. If your refrigerator’s age falls on the lower end of the spectrum (five to seven years), it still falls under the average lifespan of modern refrigerators and it will still work well even if you simply get it repaired. However, if the repair is expensive and the refrigerator is nearing the end of its lifespan (closer to the 10-year mark), replacing it might be more sensible since there is a high likelihood that the major and more expensive parts of your refrigerator have also been worn down.
- Over 10 years old: Replacing the refrigerator is often the best option, especially if your refrigerator breaks down regularly. This is a sign that the major parts of your refrigerator such as your compressor, condenser, or evaporator is already on the verge of giving out. Repairing your refrigerator won’t be an economical choice at this point; there’s no sense in replacing one major component if the others are still in danger of breaking down at any moment!
Severity of the Problem
While refrigerators are built to last, it’s rare for them to go through their entire lifespan without at least one issue or two. In most cases, these issues are minor and won’t require replacement, especially if you have only had your refrigerator for a few years.
One of the most common refrigerator problems that manifest early relates to ice and water dispensers. Issues like the ice not dispensing properly or your water coming out with an unpleasant smell are signs that you need to clean your refrigerator system or that there is a broken hose.
Other minor issues may include:
- Frost buildup (particularly in no-frost models)
- Broken thermostat
- Clogged drain lines
- Faulty lighting
- Fan malfunction
- Skewed door alignment
- Cracked or broken gaskets or seals
Major problems, however, are a good indicator that replacing your refrigerator is a more practical and economical option. Any issues concerning major parts such as the compressor or condenser can lead to expensive repairs, and these repairs can cost almost as much as a new unit! If you encounter any of the problems listed below, it might be time to consider replacing your refrigerator.
- Frequent food spoilage due to refrigerator not holding constant temperatures
- Repeated water leaking even after checking drain lines
- Excessive condensation
- Overheating (it’s normal for the exterior of your refrigerator to feel warm when it’s powered on but if the temperature is high enough that it is painful to the touch, you have a problem)
- Excessive ice buildup in the freezer portion
Cost
When deciding between repairing and replacing a faulty refrigerator, the cost is the most significant factor to consider. After determining the problem, you’ll need to consider the cost of parts and labor versus the cost of acquiring a new unit. Don’t forget to include the cost of delivery and installation as well!
You can compare prices for either repair or replacement by getting quotes from qualified appliance repair technicians.
Warranty
Checking your refrigerator’s warranty can help save you big bucks! Generally, most warranties are valid for at least one year from the original purchase date but do yourself a favor and look for your refrigerator’s warranty. Some companies offer a longer warranty period. Samsung, for instance, offers a complete warranty for all parts, repairs, and labor for the first year, specific parts replacement for five years, and compressor replacement for ten years. Miele offers a one-year full warranty with the option to extend the warranty to two years if you opt for the additional coverage within 60 days of your purchase.
You should also check the terms. Some warranties cover both parts and labor costs while others only cover specific parts (also known as a limited warranty). In addition, there could be clauses that might render your warranty void such as attempting repairs or replacements without the aid of a licensed technician.
Aside from checking the terms, you should also be familiar with the different kinds of warranty your refrigerator might have. For example, some companies offer a compressor warranty which is separate from the warranty for the refrigerator itself. Since a compressor is an integral component for cooling, compressor warranties often have a longer duration than the refrigerator warranty.
The Bottom Line
The best thing to do when trying to decide between replacing and repairing your refrigerator is to weigh the pros and cons of each option carefully. You should consider all the factors involved, including the age of your refrigerator, the severity of the problem, the cost of repair versus replacement, and, most importantly, your budget!
Ultimately, the decision of whether to repair or replace your refrigerator is a significant decision that should be made with a long-term goal in mind. Sure, you might save a couple of bucks now if you choose to replace faulty parts on an older refrigerator model, but you should consider what it would cost if your food spoils or if the unit breaks down shortly after. You’ll likely end up spending double the amount since you’ll need to replace your refrigerator.
We understand that choosing between repairing a faulty refrigerator and buying a new one is not always an easy decision to make. That’s why our experts here at Pros Fix Appliances are here to help! Our great staff has years of experience in dealing with refrigerator issues and we are happy to guide you through the process. Give us a call today and let us help you decide the best option for your needs.