Is It Cheaper to Repair or Replace a Refrigerator?

Can you imagine what home life would be like without your refrigerator? Needing to repair or replace a fridge typically isn't a big concern for most homeowners, as they are generally reliable and long-lasting appliances. But when a fridge stops working, your household’s routine is seriously disrupted, and you're faced with a tough financial decision — is it cheaper to repair or replace your refrigerator?

Simple repairs are cheaper than buying new kitchen appliances like fridges — until those repairs add up to the price of a new one. Luckily, you don't need to be an appliance pro to determine whether your fridge needs fixing or replacing. In this guide, we'll explain some DIY techniques and professional services that could keep your fridge running again or running longer. We'll also cover some indicators that could mean your budget is better spent getting a new refrigerator instead.

Factors to Consider

Before you decide whether it is cheaper to repair or replace a refrigerator, there are a few things to consider:

Is the Manufacturer's Warranty Still Valid?

If it breaks down and the manufacturer's warranty has not expired, you may not need to pay to repair or replace the refrigerator. However, these warranties can be limited in what parts or issues they cover, so be sure to carefully read the terms and conditions before contacting the manufacturer. You can also check online to see if your refrigerator model is included in manufacturer recalls.

What is a Refrigerator's Average Life Span?

According to the US Department of Energy, modern refrigerators have an average life span of about 12 years. Even with good refrigerator maintenance, if your refrigerator is around 20 years old and breaking down frequently, it's probably time for a replacement.

Do You Have Home Warranty Coverage?

If your refrigerator is covered under a home warranty, deciding whether to repair or replace the appliance based on cost is irrelevant. When your fridge breaks down due to regular wear and tear, a prescreened technician will repair it. (If it can’t be repaired, we’ll replace it.) The best part? You’ll typically only pay a small service fee.

Simple DIY Refrigerator Repairs

Many homeowners prefer to try fixing appliance problems themselves before they call a professional. While the thought of repairing something as large and critical as a refrigerator might be daunting, there are a few refrigerator repair tips you can try that may not cost very much, if anything:

• Check the door gaskets: The rubber gaskets around the edges of your refrigerator doors keep cold air in and warm air out. If they are even slightly damaged, they could cause food in the fridge to spoil faster.
• Clean and clear vents: The vents inside your fridge circulate cold air and help prevent condensation. If the inside is too humid, cleaning the outside of the vents and moving food items blocking them could be the solution instead of repairing or replacing the fridge.
• Check the coils: If the evaporator coils in your refrigerator (located at the exterior back, bottom, or top) are covered in frost or ice, this can prevent the inside of the fridge from cooling properly. If you find any frost, promptly remove it. The condenser coils, which dissipate the heat produced by the cooling process, can also get dirty, forcing the fridge to work harder than it should. Vacuuming or dusting the coils with a brush can remove dust, lint, dirt, and accumulated pet hair. Also, check behind the front kickplate for dust and dirt.

Related: Discover more DIY refrigerator troubleshooting in our guide, 5 Reasons Your Refrigerator is Not Getting Cold.

When to Call a Professional

There are many situations that require a skilled appliance technician instead of DIY fixes. Appliance technicians can provide advice on how much repairs may cost or if repairs would even help in the long run. If the food in your refrigerator is freezing, the interior becomes warm, or the appliance makes loud noises, you should call a professional.

Most Expensive Replacement Parts by Price

Have you been asking yourself, "Is it cheaper to repair or replace a refrigerator?" If so, it helps to know roughly how much repairs will cost. That way, you may be able to avoid expensive repairs. If you're regularly replacing one or more of these refrigerator parts: the control board, compressor, thermostat, coils, or door seals, each of them will cost you hundreds of dollars. If your appliance is also reaching the end of its lifespan, you may want to consider replacing it. Keep in mind that most homeowners can't replace these parts on their own, and the costs may be higher when factoring in labor and the area where you live.

How Home Warranties Can Help

A few factors make judging whether to repair or replace a refrigerator difficult. Fridges are usually included in home sales, often with incomplete records. You may not know how old the appliance is or whether it was properly maintained before you took ownership. It's even less likely you’ll know whether it was properly repaired in the past. 

Home warranty coverage can safeguard your budget and take the guesswork out of refrigerator repair or replacement. Kitchen refrigerators can be covered at any age, and there’s no limit to the number of times a covered breakdown can be fixed. We’ll even replace them when they can no longer be repaired.* With upgraded coverage, you can even receive a replacement as a result of improper repairs. Check out our refrigerator home warranty coverage and see what other appliances can also be covered.

Refrigerator FAQs

What is the average life expectancy of a refrigerator?

Refrigerators typically last from 10 to 20 years but can last even longer with proper maintenance and care.

Is a 10-year-old refrigerator worth fixing?

Yes, if the repairs don't involve replacing expensive parts like compressors and control boards. If they do, you may want to look at the prices of new refrigerators in your area before you decide on repairs. Having a home warranty can solve this question for you: If the repair is covered, it will be fixed, and if it cannot be repaired, it can be replaced.

What is the most expensive thing to fix on a refrigerator?

Typically, it's the control boards on smart refrigerators, although standard control boards can be quite expensive as well. This is followed by compressors and thermostats.

*If we can’t repair an item, we will replace it. Please read your contract for specific coverage and limitations.

The contents of this article are provided for general guidance only. First American Home Warranty does not assume any responsibility for losses or damages as a result of using this information.

Please be aware that if you disassemble a covered system or item, it can invalidate your home warranty or manufacturer's warranty.