Most refrigerators are designed to last between 10 and 20 years. If you’re having any of the other problems on this list and the fridge is over ten years old, you’ll probably save more money in the long run by simply replacing it. Otherwise, you could sink money into repairs for a fridge that’s already on its way out.
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.
How do I know when to replace my refrigerator?
There’s condensation (or frost!).
The motor’s constantly running — and you can hear it.
It’s hot to the touch.
Your food’s going bad way faster than it should.
It’s just old (and really inefficient).
Are refrigerators more efficient than 10 years ago?
There have been enormous leaps forward in the last decade in terms of the efficiency of condensers and coils on refrigerators, to the point that the energy savings on a refrigerator made in the late 2010s can save you $75 a year or more compared to a refrigerator made in the 1990s.
Consider calling a repairman to fix any fridge less than six or eight years old (especially if it’s under warranty). If the appliance is older, however, it’s probably best to replace it. After all, repairing a malfunctioning motor can cost hundreds of dollars, and you’re likely to need a new fridge soon anyway.
Why did old refrigerators last so long?
The appliances of days gone by were built for longevity. They were made using simple parts — and perhaps more importantly — parts that were fixable. In fact, appliances manufactured in the 1970s often last from 30 to 50 years.
What refrigerator has the longest life?
GE French Door Refrigerator.
Samsung Counter-Depth Side by Side.
LG Side by Side.
What brand of refrigerator has the least problems?
Top-freezers, as a category, have the highest predicted reliability. Despite these high marks, most top-freezer brands were rated low in terms of owner satisfaction. Within the category, five of the nine brands earned top-notch ratings for predicted reliability: Kenmore, LG, Maytag, Samsung, and Whirlpool.
Should I replace an 11 year old refrigerator?
Check the Refrigerator’s Age: 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.
Can a fridge last 20 years?
A refrigerator can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years. The older your unit is, the more it may cost to repair it. Eventually the cost of repairs will start to outweigh the cost of a replacement.
Why are older fridges better?
A 20-year-old refrigerator could use 1,700 kWh of electricity every year, compared with about 450 kWh for a similarly sized new ENERGY STAR model. At an electrical cost of 12 cents per kWh, that represents a savings of $150 per year and a potential payback of about 7-9 years.
Why do old refrigerators last longer than new ones?
Older Appliances Were Designed to Last: The parts were simple and easy to fix, so people could keep their appliances running for much longer than they can today. Unlike modern appliances, which have complex electronics and computerized components that can be expensive to repair or replace.
Compared to their lower-cost counterparts, luxury appliances are built with superior materials for a higher quality performance meant to last a lifetime.
Is it worth repairing a 10 year old fridge freezer?
Any fridge freezer that is over ten years old is unlikely to be worth repairing. A new one will be more energy efficient and cost much less to run. The high cost of replacing a side by side expensive large fridge freezer may make repairs cost effective especially if the machine is not too old.
Is it worth trying to fix a 20 year old refrigerator?
In most cases, your 20-year-old fridge will be worth repairing. There are some instances where you should think about replacing it, but for the most part, you can keep your older fridge running with minor repairs here and there.
What usually fails on a refrigerator?
Dirty condenser coils are among the most common refrigerator problems people face. Check the condenser coils. If the coils are dirty, especially if they’re severely dirty, the refrigerator will run constantly trying to cool things down. Plan to clean the condenser coils periodically; at least every 6 months.
What shortens the life of a refrigerator?
A loose or torn gasket (or one caked with gunk) doesn’t seal tightly. This wastes energy and causes the fridge to work harder, shortening its lifespan. Make it a habit to clean the gasket with warm water twice a year to remove any residue. Then check the seal for tears and replace it if you find any.
What refrigerator brand is most reliable?
Best overall refrigerator brand: LG.
Best budget refrigerator brand: Frigidaire.
Best high-end refrigerator brand: Sub-Zero.
Best smart refrigerator brand: Samsung.
Best energy-efficient refrigerator brand: Whirlpool.
Most reliable refrigerator brand: GE.
Should I buy 8 year old fridge?
Refrigerators usually last for a period of 10 to 20 years with the cost of repairs increasing with the passage of time. If your refrigerator hasn’t crossed the 8-year mark, fridge repair would be the better option. If it has been more than 15 years, opt for a new fridge.
What are the top 5 best refrigerators?
Best For Families: Samsung Family Hub French Door Refrigerator.
Most Unique Features: Bosch 800 Series Refrigerator.
Best Bottom Freezer: LG LRDCS2603S Refrigerator.
Best For Organization: LG Instaview Refrigerator.
Best External Water Dispenser: GE Profile French Door Refrigerator.
Older fridges can have a number of other hazardous chemicals hidden in their mechanical parts. Those built before 2000 likely contain a small amount of mercury in switches and relays that professional appliance recyclers can recover for reuse.
Are French door refrigerators reliable?
Using Consumer Reports data as well as its own claims data, Safeware says French door units are more susceptible to damage than all other types of refrigerators. The company projects that half of all French door refrigerators will experience failure requiring repair or replacement within five years of purchase.
What are the signs of a bad refrigerator compressor?
The compressor starts making an unusual or loud noise when running.
The compressor turns on and off too frequently.
The compressor turns off prematurely.
The refrigerator is not cooling.
The compressor overheats.
Your electricity bills are too high.
What are the effects of using old refrigerator?
Older refrigerators/freezers contain ozone-depleting refrigerants and/or foam blowing agents, depending on the year they were manufactured. In addition to depleting the ozone layer, these substances are also potent greenhouse gases (GHGs) that contribute to climate change when emitted to the atmosphere.
How much should a refrigerator cost?
A mid-range refrigerator costs between $1,000 and $2,000. With this budget, you shouldn’t have any issues finding a model that suits your style. In addition, you can get additional features like an ice dispenser and temperature control.
When was the best time to buy a fridge?
Holiday Weekends: Ozkuzey says generally retailers offer the best deals on appliances around Independence Day, Labor Day and Black Friday, with Black Friday being the biggest of the three. “You can find more moderate savings around Memorial Day and Christmas, and minor savings around Martin Luther King Jr.
Do refrigerators lose efficiency over time?
Refrigerator Energy Efficiency: all refrigerators gradually lose some efficiency over time, even when they’re well cared for. The typical life expectancy of a refrigerator is about 14 to 17 years, and if yours is even older than that, you may be paying much more than you think to keep your food cold.
Do bottom freezer refrigerators have more problems?
Heavier Items on the Bottom: Frozen foods can be weighty, especially frozen turkeys and hams. Because your freezer is on the bottom, removing these items will require more work. This can be a safety concern for seniors and anyone who has trouble bending and lifting heavier objects.
Should I replace my 14 year old refrigerator?
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.
What is the most expensive thing to fix on a refrigerator?
The control board is one of the most expensive refrigerator parts to fix, at between $80 and $800, because no part of the appliance can function without it. If your fridge has completely stopped working, it probably has something to do with your control board. The higher-end the brand, the more you can expect to pay.
