The thought of having your groceries damaged simply because your refrigerator isn’t working properly can be tormenting. Of course, it’s a major inconvenience. In such cases, you may wonder what your best solution might be. Do you need a local refrigerator repair or a replacement? 

Attempting to repair when your refrigerator has reached its lifespan or actually needs replacement, would simply be a waste of money. The same thing goes for attempting to replace your refrigerator when it just needs a repair.

You are not the only one who has been in this junction of decisions. It has always been a dilemma for refrigerator owners, especially those whose refrigerators have been in use for a long while. 

Join us in this article as we talk about local refrigerator repairs vs. replacement. We’ll give you some tips that will help you understand your appliance and make an informed decision.

Let’s get started!

Key Highlights

• If your refrigerator is more than 15 years old, then it’s best to replace it with a new one if it keeps having issues. 
• You can also contact reliable appliance repair contractors. They’ll help you know if it’s time to change your refrigerator. 

Understanding the Lifespan of Your Refrigerator

Just like other appliances in your kitchen, your refrigerators can wear out with time. It is important to understand some refrigerator problems that can affect the longevity of your appliance. 

This information can help you decide if what you really need is a local refrigerator repair or maybe a new appliance. Here are some things you need to know about your refrigerator:

Its average lifespan and factors that affect it

Most common appliances, like your refrigerator, can last between 10 and 20 years, especially if you have a new refrigerator. 

But if you’re using older refrigerators, especially those over 15 years old, it might likely have frequent issues. This will also require costly repairs as its parts wear out. 

Other factors define your refrigerator’s lifespan. For instance, the type of refrigerator model you’re using. A top-freezer model will likely last more than a side-by-side unit. 

Heavy usage can also affect how long your refrigerator will last. If you use it too much, it will wear out faster than you expect, even if it’s a new refrigerator with smart units. 

Do you also know that even climate conditions can also affect the longevity of your appliance? For instance, in extreme temperatures, you may notice that your refrigerator’s components wear out easily. 

This is because some of its parts, like your new heating coils, and ice maker, stress themselves to keep your appliance working. 

That’s not all. The quality of the material used in making your appliance may influence the durability of your refrigerator. For instance, the outer body of some refrigerator models is made of stainless steel.

However, you can also extend the lifespan of your appliance and avoid regular local refrigerator repairs. The secret is regular maintenance. 

You can clean your door seals and condenser coils and check if your door switches or other additional parts are working properly. This can help you avoid common repairs and additional costs on replacement parts. 

You can also hire a reliable appliance repair technician. They’ll give you the best refrigerator repair and maintenance services that’ll help your appliance last longer. 

Signs That Your Refrigerator Is Nearing The End Of Its Lifespan

It’s very important to know when your refrigerator is failing. This will save you from a complete breakdown of your appliance, emergency fees, or emergency refrigerator repairs. 

So, check your refrigerator parts regularly. If you notice excessive vibration and constant issues with your control board, door seals, electric cables, or specialty units, don’t ignore them. This means that you may not just need an appliance repair, but a replacement.

Another sign is if your refrigerator is not properly cooling. Or if you find that there is constant ice forming on your appliance. Then it may be time to replace it.

Sometimes you can also notice unusual noises coming from your refrigerator. If you hear a buzzing, clicking, or grinding sound that is not familiar, then it means that a component in your refrigerator is not good. It could be your compressor or even your fan motor.  

You should pay close attention to these red flags. If you notice any of them, ensure you call a local refrigerator repair service. They’ll check your appliance and can even help you get a better refrigerator.

When to Fix Your Fridge Instead of Replacing It

Sometimes, your fridge acts up, and you’re stuck wondering: Should I fix it or just buy a new one? Well, here are situations where you might just need local refrigerator repair instead of a full replacement:

• Minor issues: If your fridge isn’t cooling efficiently but the compressor and coils are in good condition, then a quick repair can solve the problem. 
• Component replacement: You can just replace your refrigerator components, like door seals and faulty thermostats or sensors. Also, expert appliance repair contractors can change your faulty compressor relay instead of the entire compressor. This will help you not to spend money on purchasing another refrigerator.
• Age of the refrigerator: Many modern fridges can last for 10-15 years before a complete breakdown. So if your fridge is still within this age range, you can take it to a technician with years of experience for repairs when it has a problem. 
• Energy efficiency: If your refrigerator’s energy usage doesn’t increase, then you can take it to a reliable technician to fix it instead of buying a new one.
• Localized problems: Are there some problems with your refrigerator parts, such as water dispensers, ice makers, or light bulbs? Call a local refrigerator repair technician, they can quickly fix these issues.

Comparing the Cost of Repairing With the Cost of Replacing

You need to check the cost of local refrigerator repair and the cost of replacement when deciding whether to repair or replace your appliance. 

This decision usually depends on whether your appliance is old, the severity of the damage, and the cost of reparative measures to be undertaken. 

It is cheaper to repair your refrigerator than to replace it. Especially if you notice minor problems such as a faulty thermostat, damaged door seals, or a faulty fan. 

Most of these repairs are relatively cheap. This can help you to improve the lifespan of your refrigerator without having to dig deep into your pockets.

But there is a rule known as the “50% rule.” If the cost of repair is more than one-half the cost of a new refrigerator, then repairs are not economical. Especially if the unit is old or uses more energy. 

Here’s the truth: older fridges over 10 to 15 years, may be less energy efficient than new fridges. 

They can cause an increase in your utility bills even if your appliance is functioning well after repairs have been done on it. In such cases, you should acquire a new efficient refrigerator. This would be cheaper in the future.

Also, the frequency of breakdowns has a major role in this assessment. A fridge that needs to be repaired many times may be showing other problems that cannot be solved through repairs. 

The thought of fixing what seems to be a simple issue the first time is still okay. But constant service calls for the same part to be fixed or replaced can be more expensive than purchasing a new appliance.

Finally, while choosing between repair and replacement, you should also compare the total repair cost of repair with the benefits you will get if you replace it. 

If you have a fairly new refrigerator or a built-in unit that would be expensive to replace, then repairs may well be the best answer.

On the other hand, if it is old, not energy efficient, or is always a problem, then you can purchase a new fridge. This way is cheaper and less time-consuming as compared to having it repaired all the time.

Reach Out to a Reliable Appliance Repair Company Today!

We understand that it’s confusing to decide whether you should go for a local refrigerator repair or just replace it when it gets faulty. But, you can let the experts help you make an informed decision. 

Reliable companies like Star Appliance Repair can help you check your appliance and also find out the average repair cost vs. replacement cost. This will help them give you the best solution. 

If you live in California, then Star Appliance Repair is the right local refrigerator repair company for you. We have certified professionals who can help you either fix your refrigerator or get a new one. 

We can also help you repair your faulty dryers, washing machine, and oven issues. No matter the type or appliance model you’re using, we can help. And guess what? Our services are fast and affordable too. Reach out to us now.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my refrigerator needs repair or replacement?

Your refrigerator can have several issues. It’s best to call a reliable technician, especially for older fridges. 

Some things you need to look at include the age of the appliance, the seriousness of the problem, and whether it is a recurrent problem. Do not leave out the overall cost of repairing and compare it with the cost of getting a new fridge.

What are the most common refrigerator problems in California?

Some common fridge repairs in California are usually issues with the ice maker, faulty door switches, poor drainage, and thermostat problems. 

When you need repairs, contact a reputable fridge repair service company. They can help you check the issue and fix it on time.

Can extending the life of my refrigerator save money in the long run?

Yes, if you maintain your refrigerator regularly, you can increase its lifespan. This will also help you prevent the sudden need for major repairs or replacements. 

While this might involve an additional cost for appliance repair contractors and additional parts, it can save you money. Especially when you compare it to frequent repairs or premature replacement caused by heavy use.