However, if the fridge is more than eight years old, it costs less to replace it now than pay several hundred dollars for a repair that won’t last. Spending $100 to $300 or so on a repair isn’t bad (especially when it helps the fridge last for several more years) compared to spending $1,000 to $1,500 on a brand new one. Saving money on repairing or replacing a fridge depends on the issue and how costly it is to fix. Is it cheaper to repair or replace a refrigerator? If everything looks good and your fridge still isn’t cooling, call an appliance technician near you to figure out the problem. Unplug the fridge, pull it away from the wall and check the coils or fan to make sure there are no blockages. Make sure the thermostat is set to your desired temperature. Here are some easy checks to rule out other issues:Ĭheck that the fridge has power - the light should go on when the door opens. The first sign of a faulty compressor is if your refrigerator stops cooling. How do you know if your refrigerator compressor is bad? Some brands might last as long as 17 to 27 years if well maintained other brands might expire in eight or nine years. What is the average life expectancy of a refrigerator? Fridges older than that will likely need a total replacement in a few years, so investing several hundred in a repair isn’t worth it when that money could go towards a new one. Repairing a refrigerator is worth it if the repair costs less than installing a new fridge and if it is less than eight years old.
Some technicians might charge an hourly rate ranging from $45 to $120 per hour, plus a one-time service fee between $150 and $200. Refrigerator maintenance costs depend on the type of maintenance needed, but the average service costs $200 to $300.
FAQs How much does refrigerator maintenance cost? Depending on where you live, other laws might exist and require you to hire a specialist for fridge fixes. The EPA states that Freon leaks must be handled by a certified technician. Found at the bottom of most fridges, drip pans sometimes might need securing and/or cleaning.Ĭertain refrigerator repairs require a professional, such as dealing with Freon leaks. Remove the drain pipe and work out any clogs before rinsing through with hot water. While you might prefer the convenience of hiring a professional, here are some instances where you can safely self diagnose and fix a fridge issue: Unless the issue is easy to fix on your own, buying a new minifridge costs less than paying for a repair. A service charge might add an additional $150 to $200 to your bill. Replacements run between $60 and $200.Īn appliance technician might charge an hourly rate ranging from $45 to $120 per hour to fix a minifridge. Find a fridge repair specialist near you for an accurate diagnosis.ĭepending on the issue, it might cost less to replace your ice maker than to repair it. However, these repairs could cost less if your hose is frozen and simply needs dethawing. Freezers are more expensive to fix than refrigerators because freezing technology is more complex than cooling technology. Freezer Repair Costįixing your freezer ranges anywhere from $90 to $650, with an average price of $350. Smaller dents might cost $100 or less to fix larger dents or dents that affect how the door closes or seals could run $200 or higher. The price to repair an appliance (such as a door dent) averages between $100 and $240.įixing a dent in your fridge door depends on the size and location of the dent. If a fridge is low on Freon, it’s a sign of a leak. Unlike putting gas in a car, you shouldn’t have to add Freon to your fridge. Similar to “Kleenex,” while Freon is an actual brand it’s often used interchangeably for refrigerants as a whole. Repairing a refrigerant leak costs about $150 to $400.įreon is a refrigerant that’s not present in most modern fridges because it harms the ozone layer. When a compressor isn’t working, your food won’t keep cold. With labor, the cost to replace a compressor is between $250 and $650.Ī compressor moves refrigerant throughout your fridge, helping regulate the temperature.
Resource Centerĭepending on the type of fridge, new compressor prices range from $100 to $500. Find hiring guides, material costs, expert advice, how-to's and more.