Knowing the lifespan of appliances should make it easier for homeowners to determine whether a replacement is necessary. For refrigerators, a well-maintained one should last for at least 14 years.
Repairs are only recommended for appliances that have been used for less than eight years. When estimating the budget, your location will affect the overall cost of repairs. If you live in Utah, the actual rate of fridge services in Salt Lake City could range between $200 and $400. Take note that this price does not include the cost of repairing an icemaker that could increase the price by more than $300.
Average Lifespan of Refrigerators
Depending on the model and size of the refrigeration unit, it could last for up to 20 years with proper maintenance. Even if a manufacturer claims to have a longer than average lifespan for their units, homeowners who don’t take care of their unit should be lucky to have a unit that will last for 10 years.
Some of the usual preventive maintenance that works for refrigerators include monthly cleaning and emptying the entire unit. This not only ensures its good working condition, but also decreases your energy bill by not letting the unit work twice as hard. If there is a dripping pan, you should clean it at least three times every year.
Remember that some types of repairs are more expensive than a replacement, although both options will still cost money. Doing these maintenance tasks should prevent you from spending in the first place.
Common Repairs and Prices
If your refrigerator has an icemaker, the average cost of repairing it could range between $250 and $330. It shouldn’t create a lot of sounds when water flows into it, so have it checked when it becomes too noisy. The same applies to a defroster that should have no rattling sound, except for normal sounds like snapping or popping noise.
Otherwise, you may need to spend at least $100 to replace the defroster. In case the motor for the evaporator fan becomes broken, it may cost at least $200 to replace it. Some brands will cost more to repair, while fixing built-in ones that are not older than five years will be cheaper.
Signs of Broken Units
Unusual noise and sounds are just some of the common signs of broken refrigerators. A malfunctioning unit usually has a warmer temperature inside or a freezer that defrosts on its own when it doesn’t have a self-defrosting system.
You should inspect the unit’s circuit breaker to see if it receives enough power from the electrical outlet. Fluctuating temperatures could also be a result of frost build-up inside, which is why it’s important to get rid of it at least once a month.
Buying a replacement for a broken refrigerator shouldn’t be your immediate option. Check if the warranty is still valid, or ask for a free quote from service providers if it’s already past the covered period. In case a replacement is long overdue, choose an energy-efficient model to reduce your electric bill.
