Replace or Fix Fridge? We’ll Tell You!

There are few things more frustrating than having your refrigerator go out – especially when it’s full of fresh food! Long-term fridge problems could lead to hundreds of dollars in spoiled food and one nightmare of a cleanup when it’s all said and done. During these times, it can be easy to wonder if it would be easier to run out and get a replacement fridge and be done with it, but not so fast. Often times, it is far less expensive to have a fridge repaired than to buy a whole new unit.

So, when should you fix and when should you replace your fridge? Find out here:

When to fix your fridge

First of all, you’ll want to make sure there is nothing simple going on that you can handle yourself. For starters, make sure the fridge didn’t somehow come unplugged, or your breaker or the outlet connected to the fridge weren’t tripped. Additionally, check the coils on the back of the fridge and vacuum them if they appear clogged with dust, dirt, or hair. If the issue is with the ice dispenser or water from the ice maker, you should also go ahead and replace the filter to see if that fixes the problem.

If none of that makes a difference, then it might be time to do a little further digging. Is the fridge making noises from the fan? Is the compressor itself noisy? How old is the fridge? These are also things you should consider when making a decision. In many cases, these are simple fixes that can be handled by a licensed repair person. For instance, noises could be a sign that you need a new fan. Additionally, other issues which are often a simple fix include if the fresh food areas for produce and eggs are not cool enough, or if the issue is related to your ice maker.

When to replace your fridge

Unfortunately, there will come a time when replacement is simply the better option if you can afford it. Having a fridge repaired is almost always less expensive up front than buying a new one, but if the cost of repairs is more than half the price you’d expect to pay for a new model, then it might be worth it to purchase a new one.

Additionally, when a fridge’s freezer section starts to go out and won’t fully freeze anymore, that is an early warning sign that the entire unit is almost ready to go out. Also, any fridge that is more than 15 years old, no matter what the problems are, could potentially be replaced. The energy savings you’d get would offset the cost easily for a fridge that old.

The choice of whether to fix the fridge or replace is a personal one that will be determined primarily on whether you can afford the cost of a new fridge, and whether your issue is an easy fix. For many issues, having a repair person come in is often the more economical choice.

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Brit McDowell

Lifestyle Specialist & Subject Matter Expert

Brit McDowell is a Product Specialist at Localsearch with a background in marketing, business and tourism management. Aside from her specialisation in technical processes, Brit is known for her green thumb and growing succulent collection, love of dogs (especially Dalmatians), eye for home interior and fervour for travel. Brit is also a Lifestyle Specialist on the Localsearch Blog and enjoys sharing her research and knowledge in home and gardening services, food, beauty and general lifestyle tips and tricks.

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