At what age should a refrigerator be replaced?

According to the United States Department of Energy, refrigerators last approximately 12 years. At that point, it’s likely time to replace it. Of course, if your refrigerator is not energy-efficient, you may want to consider replacing it before it stops working.

Is it worth repairing an older fridge?





But, as a good rule of thumb, if you have multiple faulty parts or if your refrigerator is over ten years old, it is probably time to replace it. Consumer Reports recommends replacing your refrigerator if the cost to repair it is more than half the price of buying a new one.

Should I replace a 30 year old refrigerator?

The usual signs that your fridge needs replacing include the following: It’s more than 10 years old and needs constant repairs; there’s excessive condensation; the motor is running hot; it’s really loud; it’s not energy efficient.

How do I know if my refrigerator needs to be replaced?

8 Signs a Refrigerator is Dying

  1. Food is going bad too quickly. …
  2. Condensation appears on the outside of the fridge. …
  3. Excess frost. …
  4. Your refrigerator is super noisy. …
  5. Your refrigerator never makes any noise. …
  6. The coils feel too hot. …
  7. Cracks in the shell. …
  8. The refrigerator is over ten years old.

What is the lifespan of a refrigerator compressor?





Although plans for a replacement should start around eight years of service, a well-maintained compressor can reach to ten years and beyond. As it ages, efficiency loss is gradual at first.

What is the lifespan of a Whirlpool refrigerator?

between 14 and 17 years

Depending on model and size, a properly maintained refrigerator can last between 14 and 17 years. A standard refrigerator can run up to 17 years on average, while a compact refrigerator can run for 14 years.

Is it worth replacing a compressor in a refrigerator?

Well, if the refrigerator has turned more than 10-15 years, there is no point of investing money on the repairing. A new compressor will cost half of the total cost of a refrigerator. So, basically, you can spend a little more and buy a brand new refrigerator equipped with a new compressor.

Is it worth it to repair 20 year old refrigerator?



A typical refrigerator has a 10- to 20-year lifespan. The longer you have had your refrigerator, the greater the potential repair cost, says The Money Pit. If the refrigerator is less than eight years old, consider repair. If the refrigerator is more than 15 years old, consider replacement.

Is it worth it to fix a fridge?

As a rule, Consumer Reports recommends replacing a product if the cost of the repair is more than half the price of buying a new one. You can make your own call by checking our updated repair-or-replace timelines.

What is the average life expectancy of a refrigerator?

According to the 23rd annual portrait of the U.S. appliance industry, standard refrigerators usually last anywhere from 10 to 18 years, with an average life expectancy of 14 years.

Should a fridge be silent?



A silent fridge is never good news. It could be that the compressor is broken. You could try turning the thermostat to a really low, cold setting and if this doesn’t kick the compressor into gear, it could mean it’s completely dead.

How do you know if your fridge is dying?

Signs Your Refrigerator Is About to Die

  1. Your food is spoiling before its expiration date. …
  2. Your freezer is too cold. …
  3. You can hear the motor. …
  4. The back of the fridge feels hot. …
  5. Your electric bill goes up unexpectedly. …
  6. You’re seeing condensation or frost. …
  7. You have the fridge-repair guy on speed dial.

What can cause a fridge to stop cooling?

10 possible reasons behind “refrigerator not cooling”

  • Frosted evaporator coil. …
  • Faulty evaporator fan. …
  • Out of order defrost system. …
  • Faulty compressor. …
  • Insufficient refrigerant level. …
  • Dirt insulated condenser coils. …
  • Defective condenser fan. …
  • Defective start relay.

How much is a refrigerator compressor?

Refrigerator Compressor Cost



Depending on the type of fridge, new compressor prices range from $100 to $500. With labor, the cost to replace a compressor is between $250 and $650. A compressor moves refrigerant throughout your fridge, helping regulate the temperature.

How much does it cost to fix a refrigerator that is not cooling?

A fridge that won’t stay cold is usually suffering from a bad thermostat or a dirty coil. Both of these problems can be fixed in about an hour, and will cost about $50 to $250.

How do I know if my refrigerator compressor is not working?

Your refrigerator compressor is responsible for that humming sound. So, if the sound stops for good, or if the sound goes from faint to a constant or very loud humming noise that does not shut off, it may be a sign the compressor is broken or malfunctioning.

How much does it cost to put Freon in a refrigerator?

Estimating Refrigerant Replacement Costs



The cost of freon, more commonly known as refrigerant, is $4 to $10 per pound. If there appears to be a problem with the refrigerant, other parts that may need fixing or replacing may cost anywhere from $100 to $400 (not including labor).

Can I put Freon in my refrigerator myself?

You should only add Freon yourself if you don’t want to contact a repair company and are confident in handling a fridge. To start, identify why you fridge isn’t working properly. Check the vents on the back and inside of your freezer, and see if you need to defrost any frozen coils.

How do you know if your refrigerator needs Freon?

Listen. With your ear pressed to the refrigerator, you should hear a faint hissing or gurgling noise. The Freon will hiss and gurgle through the fridge’s capillary tubes as the pressure equalizes within the system. If you do not hear the hiss and gurgle, you may be low on Freon.