As an expert in home appliances, I am often asked whether it is worth it to fix a 10 year old fridge. It's a common dilemma for homeowners - should they continue to repair their old fridge or invest in a new one? The answer is not always straightforward, but there are some key factors to consider when making this decision. The first thing to keep in mind is the age of your refrigerator. As a general rule, the longer you have had your fridge, the higher the potential repair cost. Most refrigerators are designed to last between 10 to 20 years, so if your fridge is already 10 years old, it may be more expensive to keep repairing it than buying a new one. Another important factor is the type of refrigerator you have.
According to wikiHow, built-in refrigerators are worth repairing, as well as those that are two years old or younger, adjoining refrigerators that are five years old or younger, and lower freezer refrigerators that are seven years old or younger. If your fridge falls into one of these categories and has other issues on top of its age, it may be more cost-effective in the long run to replace it. Now, let's talk about the cost of repairs versus the cost of a new fridge. This is where things can get tricky. It's important to consider not only the upfront cost of a new fridge, but also the potential savings on energy bills and repairs in the future.
To help with this decision, I spoke with Tim Adkisson, former director of product engineering at Sears Home Services and current director of quality control and supplier management at Allstate. He shared some valuable insights on when it is worth repairing or replacing your fridge. If your fridge is older or nearing the end of its lifespan, it may be more cost-effective to invest in a new model. This is especially true if you have been experiencing frequent issues with your fridge and are constantly paying for repairs. While it may seem like a big expense upfront, replacing your fridge can save you money in the long run. On the other hand, if your fridge is still relatively new and the cost of repairs is not significantly higher than the cost of a new fridge, it may be worth fixing it.
This is especially true if you have a high-end or specialized fridge that would be expensive to replace. Ultimately, the decision to repair or replace your 10 year old fridge depends on your individual situation and budget. If you can afford the difference in cost, it may be worth investing in a new fridge instead of constantly repairing an old one. However, if you have a newer fridge and the cost of repairs is not too high, fixing it may be the more practical option.