Refrigerator Repair vs. Replacement — Which is Best for Me?

Woman looking in refrigerator

Are you starting to notice that your refrigerator isn’t getting as cold as it used to or that food is spoiling faster than usual? As one of the most important appliances in your house (in terms of comfort and food safety), it’s important to have a refrigerator that’s running well. But when the time comes that your refrigerator isn’t working, you’ll be faced with a question: Do you repair or replace it?

Should I Repair or Replace My Refrigerator?

Replacing a refrigerator isn’t cheap, however constant repairs can quickly add up as well. Before deciding which is best for you, make sure to consider:

How often you experience problems.

If this is the first problem you’ve noticed, odds are you won’t have to completely replace your refrigerator. But if this is a problem you’ve seen time and time again, or it feels like you’re always scheduling fridge repairs, you should consider buying a new one.

How old your refrigerator is.

Every refrigerator’s lifespan is different, however most consumers report their fridge lasting between 13 and 17 years. If your refrigerator is at the end of its lifespan, it will probably make more sense to replace it rather than repair it every few months.

Prolong the life of your refrigerator by:

  • Keeping it out of direct sunlight.
  • Keeping it away from appliances that produce heat, like microwaves and dryers.
  • Keeping coils on the back of your fridge a few inches away from the wall.
  • Cleaning the coils, door seals, and drip can at least once a month.

How extreme the problem is.

It can be tempting to assume your entire unit needs to be replaced if it won’t get cold, but that’s not always the case. Regardless of the problem, you should always speak with a trained technician before deciding to invest in a new refrigerator. 

From an inspection and repair to a full-scale replacement, Mr. Appliance is here to help you every step of the way! Contact our team to learn more.