How do you tell if your fridge is broken?
Use your nose — and ears — to tell if your fridge is broken and it’s time to call a pro.
The first clue is whether your food is expiring too quickly. Your fridge should be at or below 40º Fahrenheit and your freezer should be at 0º, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. If temperatures deviate from these figures, the result can be food spoilage (from too much warmth) or even a frost buildup (from a faulty freezer).
Other telltale signs that your refrigerator is broken are excessive noise, escalating electric bills and excessive heat from the back of the fridge.
If you think your fridge might be broken, don’t delay — contact the top appliance repair technicians near you today.
Is it cheaper to repair or replace a refrigerator?
In some cases, it might be cheaper to repair a refrigerator — in others, your best bet is to just buy a new one. The decision to repair or replace a refrigerator will depend on several factors, but the most important is cost. If the cost to repair a fridge is much more than the cost of buying a new one, it’s time to replace the fridge.
To help you determine if your fridge should be repaired or replaced, get free estimates from the best appliance repair technicians in your area.
How long do fridges last?
Refrigerators can last 10 to 20 years, although the most common lifespan is about 13 years. If your fridge is acting up, consider its current age when deciding whether to invest in repairs or buy a new one. Common easy fixes include faulty thermostats, dirty coils and clogged drain lines. Thermostats and dirty coils can be generally be fixed for an average cost of $80-$100. Clogged drain lines, which usually cause leaks, can often be fixed for under $200.
More complex refrigeration repairs such as replacing a bad compressor or replenishing low refrigerant can cost more because of expensive parts and higher labor. A new compressor costs an average of $200, not including labor. If labor is an average of $75-$100 per hour, and the repair takes 3 hours, you’re looking at roughly $500. Consider the age and purchase cost of your fridge; investing $350 in a $600 fridge that is 8 years old may not be cost-effective.
How much does refrigerator repair cost?
Refrigerator repair generally costs a fraction of the price of a new fridge and shouldhave your appliance up and running again in no time. The problems your refrigerator is experiencing and the parts required to fix it will affect your repair costs. Where you live can affect labor rates, which will raise or lower your costs. Here are some examples of average costs:
- Diagnostic fees: $50-$100. Repair pros often have a service call fee or diagnostic fee to account for their time traveling to your location with all their tools to assess the problem. If you choose to have them repair the fridge, most pros then credit this fee toward your repair cost.
- Parts: $20-$500. A new compressor averages $200, an icemaker $300, and computerized components such as touch screens and control boards average $300 or more.
- Basic repairs: $180-$400, including parts. This price range can include repairing the evaporator or fan motor.
Who fixes refrigerators?
Typically, appliance repair technicians who offer refrigeration repair also work with washers, dryers, dishwashers and other household appliances. While there is no formal training required to be an appliance repair technician, consider certification requirements, as the technician should know how to safely work with refrigerants (the chemical that keeps your fridge cold) and substitute refrigerants such as HFCs. You should also read reviews to get a sense of the pro’s experience and reputation. The appliance repair pro will come to your home, bringing all the necessary tools for diagnosis. They may need to order parts to complete the job, but all the work will take place in your home. For more, check out our tips for smart hiring on Thumbtack.
