You've noticed problems with your fridge, but should you opt for refrigerator repair or replacement? This guide can help you decide.
It’s every homeowner’s worst nightmare: you step into your kitchen to find a pool of water around your fridge or, worse, a fridge that isn’t working at all.
Of all the major household appliances, the refrigerator is one that can impact your wallet the most. With a malfunctioning fridge, not only will you have to schedule a repair, but you’ll also have to replace the food inside of your unit if things go wrong for an extended period!
In this situation, it’s easy to get torn between refrigerator repair and replacement. After all, how can you tell when your unit just needs tweaking and when it’s time to toss it for good? Here are a few questions to ask yourself as you make the decision.
How Old Is Your Refrigerator?
The lifespan of your refrigerator will depend on the type, model, and year you bought it. However, in most cases, you can expect a refrigerator to last you between 10-15 years. Better units and types—including the simple but efficient single-door model—will last up to 20 years.
Of course, there are other factors to take into account as well. If you’ve taken good care of your fridge by performing basic DIY maintenance tasks like cleaning its coils, you’re more likely to keep it around for longer. Your fridge will also have a longer lifespan if you keep it away from heat sources like direct sunlight or neighboring appliances.
In general, it may be smarter to repair a fridge that’s nearing the end of its lifespan. However, if your refrigerator is just a few years old, it’s always a better bet to repair it instead of replacing it.
What Brand Is Your Refrigerator?
When it comes to home appliances, the brand matters. Certain brands have a reputation for producing higher quality units than others, though it’s often safe to go with units from major brands.
Do your research to see whether your current unit’s brand is among the top options for refrigerators. If it makes the cut, you’re more likely to need an appliance repair instead of a replacement. On the other hand, if your refrigerator is from an outdated or little-known brand, you may want to consider replacing it with a more reliable model.
Is Your Current Refrigerator Energy-Efficient?
For many homeowners, energy-efficient appliances are about more than just saving money. They’re also important for reducing a home’s carbon footprint!
Of course, when your unit is broken, you might not think about its energy efficiency. However, it’s worth considering that efficient models, especially ENERGY STAR models, tend to perform better and work for longer than their less efficient counterparts. This means that it’s often smarter to repair an energy-efficient fridge instead of tossing it in a landfill—which is far from energy-efficient.
On the other hand, if you have a decade-old fridge that guzzles two times the power of an energy-efficient model, replacing it might help you not only avoid high utility bills but also pay for fewer repairs.
What’s Wrong With Your Refrigerator?
You’d be surprised what repairs can fix. From a coil replacement to stop overheating to a quick repair to stop a leak, a good technician can help with most standard mechanical issues. Many common repairs involve simple tweaks like replacing a thermostat or control board, or unclogging an air filter in the back of the unit.
If you’re not sure what’s wrong with your refrigerator, or if you’ve tried DIY repairs to no avail, it might be time to call in an expert for an estimate. Find out what’s wrong with your fridge and how much it will cost to repair it, and factor this amount into your decision.
In general, if your unit seems reliable based on the info above—meaning that it’s still within a standard refrigerator lifespan and comes from a major brand—a repair might be smarter. On the other hand, if you have an aging fridge whose repair would cost half the price of fridge replacement, it might be time to start shopping around.
Does Your Refrigerator Need Frequent Repairs?
If this is the first time your fridge has broken, the chances are good that you’re looking at a one-off fix. It’s not uncommon for refrigerators to need a few small repairs throughout their long lifespan, often spread out across a decade or more.
However, if it seems like you have a revolving door of technicians coming in to look at your fridge, it might be a good idea to replace it with a sturdier model that’s less likely to break down.
What Is Your Current Budget for the Fix?
As you might expect, refrigerator repair tends to be far less expensive than a replacement. In most cases, the cost to fix a fridge will be a fraction of the price of a new replacement and installation!
If your bottom line is an important factor, and if your fridge isn’t nearing the end of its lifespan, a repair will always be the better choice.
Trust Aurora Appliance With Your Refrigerator Repair
Here’s the bottom line: the decision between refrigerator repair and replacement will always depend on your unique appliance, but repair is often a better choice for units that aren’t outdated or worn down. It’s a personal choice, though, so it’s important to weigh the factors above as you decide whether your appliance needs a fix or a replacement!
If you’re ready to get your fridge working like new, our team of experts is here to help. We have experience with a wide range of refrigerator brands, allowing us to offer fast and efficient service when you need it most. Learn more about what we offer, and contact our team today to get your appliance back up and running fast.