Eventually, every homeowner stumbles into a question. Do you find refrigerator repair service? Or do you just replace what’s broken down?
A fridge is an essential part of a household. When they start to malfunction, finding a quick yet practical solution becomes a priority. On one hand, fixing an older model can be more affordable. On the other hand, a new device might be more energy efficient. The ultimate question, of course, is what will be better in the long-term.
Deciding between repair and replacement is based on many factors. It includes the age of the fridge, the cost of both options, and how often it breaks down. In this article, we will discuss all of it and more.
Signs Your Old Fridge Needs Repair
Before you consider replacing your refrigerator, it’s best to first determine if the issue can be fixed. Some of the common signs that your refrigerator needs to be repaired by experts like Spark Service PRO are as follows:
- Unusual Noises. Refrigerators make a low humming sound naturally, but extremely loud clicking, buzzing, or rattling noises can indicate a dying motor or compressor.
- Frequent Cycling. If your refrigerator cycles on and off more than usual, it may have a faulty thermostat or clogged condenser coils.
- Temperature Inconsistencies. If the food is spoiling faster than usual, or if some areas are too cold while others remain warm, your refrigerator may have a malfunctioning thermostat or refrigerant issues.
- Too Much Frost Build-Up. Excessive ice in the freezer can indicate a faulty defrost system or a damaged door seal.
- Higher Energy Bills. If your electricity bill increased without any other changes in usage, your fridge could be the culprit as older models consume more energy over time.
- Water Leakages. Water pools around your fridge could indicate a clogged or damaged defrost drain.
If you face any of these problems, repairs might be an easier answer. However, if those issues come up often, you might need a more serious solution than a quick fix. How to make that decision, though? Here are a few suggestions.
Cases When Repairing Your Old Fridge Makes Sense
In some scenarios, repairing your fridge is less expensive than replacing it. Here’s when you might want to fix your device:
- Your Fridge is Under 10 Years Old. The average lifespan of a fridge is between 10 and 15 years. If it falls within this range, fixing it may be worth the cost.
- The Issue is Minor. Certain problems, like a faulty thermostat, worn-out door seals, or dying fan motors, can be fixed at relatively low cost.
- The Repair Cost is Less than 50% of a Brand New Fridge. If the repair costs less than buying a brand-new fridge, it might be worth it.
- You Have an Upmarket or Built-in Model. Upmarket or custom devices are expensive to replace, so it might be better to call experts like Spark Service PRO.
- Your Fridge is a Perfect Fit in Your Kitchen. If your fridge is part of an integrated cabinet system, getting a replacement that is a proper fit might be a challenge.
If the repairs are easy and cheap, holding on to your current fridge for a few more years can be a financially sound decision.
Cases When It’s Better to Replace the Old Fridge
Sometimes, buying a new appliance is the better long-term choice. Here are the top reasons to do so:
- Your Fridge is Over 10-15 Years Old. Older refrigerators use more energy and are prone to breaking down more often.
- Regular Breakdowns. If your fridge has broken several times within the past twelve months, replacing it will most likely be less expensive.
- Your Refrigerator Has R-22 Freon. Older refrigerators use R-22 refrigerant, which is being discontinued due to environmental considerations, so it might cost you more and be more difficult to fix.
- Your Electricity Bills are Increasing. A newer, energy-efficient refrigerator can lower your energy consumption by 40-60% compared to a 15-20-year-old fridge.
- The Repair Cost is Too High. If it would cost more than 50% of a new refrigerator to repair your refrigerator, replacement is the economically wise decision.
- No New Features. New refrigerators come with better cooling technology, smart features, and more storage space than older models.
While a new refrigerator comes with an initial cost, it can save you money in the long run with less energy usage and lower maintenance.
Cost Comparison of Fixing or Replacing
Knowing how much repairing and replacing your refrigerator costs might make the decision easier. Here’s a simple comparison.
Average fixing prices:
- Refrigerator Thermostat Replacement: $100–$300
- Compressor Repair: $300–$700
- Replacing Door Seal: $50–$200
- Replating Fan Motor: $150–$400
Average price for a new fridge:
- Low-cost Models: $500–$1,200
- Medium-quality Models: $1,200–$2,500
- Premium Models: $2,500+
As you can see, the final choice will depend on the particular issues you are facing as well as your budget.
Environmental Factors: Is Wasteful Replacement a Problem?
Many homeowners worry about the impact on the environment of replacing the fridge. However, newer fridges use considerably less energy, which in the long run, might turn out to be a more eco-friendly option.
In any case, here are a few points to consider:
- Proper Disposal of Old Refrigerators. Old fridges contain poisonous chemicals that need to be disposed of in a proper way to avoid damaging the environment.
- Energy Efficiency. New Energy Star certified refrigerators use significantly less energy than old fridges, reducing the carbon footprint of your home.
- Recycling and Reusing Parts. Some parts of the fridge, like metal and plastic parts, can be recycled or reused.
Choosing an energy-efficient model and properly recycling your old fridge is a great way to reduce environmental harm and enjoy the benefits of a new appliance.
Many factors influence the decision of whether it’s better to fix or replace a fridge. If your refrigerator is under 10 years old and the repair cost is affordable, then repairing it would be a better option. If the appliance is older or keeps breaking down, then buying a new one might save you money and trouble in the long run.
Before making a decision, get a professional assessment. Ask if a repair makes sense or if replacement will be a better choice. Regardless, make sure to recycle the old fridge in an eco-friendly way to minimise your carbon footprint!
