When it comes to deciding whether to repair or replace a refrigerator, two good general rules to keep in mind are that if the cost of repairs is less than half the price of buying a new one, those repairs are generally worth doing. A typical refrigerator has a shelf life of 10 to 20 years, and the longer you have your refrigerator, the higher the potential cost of repair. If the refrigerator is less than eight years old, consider repairing it. If it is over 15 years old, consider replacing it.
If the refrigerator is between 8 and 15 years old, other factors must be taken into account, such as the type of refrigerator and its environmental efficiency. It is almost always worthwhile to repair built-in refrigerators as they are less expensive to repair and tend to have a longer lifespan anyway. If you only bought your built-in refrigerator five or 10 years ago, it is worth repairing it as it can last another decade under the right circumstances. You can often get away with a repair of just about anything.
However, if the unit is over 15 years old, consider replacing it as newer models are more energy efficient and contribute to savings. In addition, replacement is the most likely scenario if the freezer stops working. If you're still unsure whether you should replace or repair your refrigerator, a good rule of thumb to keep in mind is that the longer you have your refrigerator, the higher the potential repair cost. A good quality household appliance will not need repairs very often, so many homeowners are willing to pay a higher price for it.
However, if you still have problems after defrosting, you can call a technician who specializes in home appliance repair or consider buying a new refrigerator. A trained technician will evaluate your appliance to understand the problem before recommending appropriate repairs. Top-freezer refrigerators should be repaired within three years, considered for repair within three to six years, and replaced if they are older than seven years. The configuration and age of the refrigerator are also factors that determine whether you should repair it, consider a repair, or buy a new one.
