Should You Repair Or Replace Your Fridge?

Is your fridge not keeping things cool like it once was, or is it making strange noises that have you worried? If so, it's likely time to decide whether you should repair or replace this appliance. The following guide can help you make the best decision.

#1: How old is your fridge?

Older refrigerators can eat a lot of electricity, resulting in high energy bills. If you have an older fridge and you aren't sure how much it is costing to use, use the calculator provided by Energystar.gov to see if it is time to replace your old appliance with a newer model.

#2: What is broken?

Another factor to consider is what part of the fridge needs to be repaired. If it's just something as simple as the ice maker or a water dispenser, repair itself is voluntary and not mandatory. This means it's much better to repair or even ignore the problem instead of replacing the fridge.

If the fridge or freezer is having trouble cooling and it's a newer model fridge approved by Energy Star, then you should definitely call the repair tech first. Cooling issues could result from a leak in the cooling line or the condenser and motor may need to be fixed.

For fridges that are still cooling sufficiently but are making some frightening noises, there could be an issue with the motor. Call a repair tech immediately before the problem gets worse.

#3: How much will it cost?

Once you have the tech out there and the problem has been diagnosed, compare the repair cost quote to the cost of replacing the fridge with a comparable new model. Generally, if the repair cost is less than half the cost of a new fridge and the repair will return your fridge to like-new working order, than a repair is the best value. Repairs that cost more than half the replacement cost of the fridge aren't generally worthwhile. At this point, you should consider shopping for a new appliance.

Often, you can avoid expensive repairs to your fridge just by keeping it maintained. Whether you opt for a repair or a replacement, make sure you vacuum the condenser coils on the back of the fridge every few months and that the fridge is kept level and clean at all times. An appliance repair tech from a place like Master Tech Mechanical can provide you with more advice, specific to your model, to keep your fridge in top condition.

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