But, as a general rule, if you have several faulty parts or if your refrigerator is more than ten years old, it's probably time to replace it. If you continue to notice food spoiling before the printed expiration date, your refrigerator may not be able to maintain a cool enough internal temperature. This could be due to several possible problems. Sometimes the refrigerator is simply old, while other times there is a specific problem with the motor or gasket.
Whether you need to repair or replace the refrigerator depends on the root cause of the temperature problem (wikiHow). Have you noticed that the fridge door seems to be “sweating”? This is one of the most common signs that a refrigerator is breaking down and is usually due to a problem with the gasket or seal. Refrigerator door seals are crucial for keeping cold air in and warm air out. If the door seal is torn or broken, cold air will escape, causing food to spoil, consume excess energy and inflate electricity bills.
If your refrigerator or freezer seems to be accumulating excess frost, this can also indicate a problem with the internal temperature. Again, you may need a professional to evaluate the cause of the damage, but it's definitely worth looking into to make sure the problem doesn't get worse. The refrigerator motor should make noise from time to time when it is running. However, if the refrigerator always makes an annoying noise, it usually means that the engine is overloaded of work.
The motor is needed to regulate the internal temperature of the refrigerator, but it should not be necessary for it to run constantly at full speed. On the other hand, if your refrigerator is completely silent, the motor may not work well enough, and you may need to hire a professional to investigate the problem. Since refrigerators consume a lot of energy, they will always emit some heat. However, if the coils (found on the back of the refrigerator) are constantly and excessively heated, the refrigerator may not work efficiently and will worsen if no intervention is taken.
While it's not the most obvious sign that a refrigerator is dying, it's essential to check the coils for precisely this reason. Cracks in the inside or outside walls of the refrigerator are never a good sign. Like the gasket, the walls of the refrigerator help keep cool air inside the refrigerator. Cracks in the housing are often very difficult to repair, so you'll need a professional's opinion to decide if you should repair or replace them. Most refrigerators are designed to last 10 to 20 years.
If you have any of the other problems on this list and your refrigerator is more than ten years old, you'll likely save more money in the long run by simply replacing it. Otherwise, you could invest money in repairing a refrigerator that is already about to run out. Cost of a new refrigerator: First, ask a professional for a quote or two about possible repairs to your refrigerator. Then, research current refrigerator trends and options to find a refrigerator that fits your home's needs. If the cost of repairs exceeds 50% of the cost of a new refrigerator, consider replacing the refrigerator.
The age of the refrigerator: According to wikiHow, built-in refrigerators are worth repairing, 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. Sure, shelling out a large sum of money to buy a new appliance can seem painful. However, since newer models are often designed to be more energy efficient, you can think of the new purchase as an investment in a more cost-effective solution overall. If you think you need a replacement refrigerator, see our Refrigerator Buying Guide and check out Howard's current selection of refrigerators and freezers.
A broken evaporator fan may make you think your refrigerator is running low, but it's often a repair worth doing to your refrigerator. If you have decided to opt for repair, you will have to decide if you want to try the repair on your own or hire a professional. Before fully committing to a repair or replacement, there are a few additional considerations you should weigh. Always check if your appliance is still under warranty before using the tools, as attempting to repair it yourself may void your warranty.
Use the sliders to enter the age of your refrigerator, the original cost, and any estimate you have for a repair. Previous surveys indicated that refrigerators are fairly easy to repair: 62 percent of repairs are done correctly on the first attempt and an additional 25 percent do so after two or more attempts. Some, such as a faulty thermostat or a clogged drain, can be addressed with the right tools, a repair guide, and a positive attitude. Once you get the answer, keep reading for tips to help you repair your refrigerator or choose a new one.
They are the most economical type of refrigerator, and repair costs represent a larger proportion of the purchase price. Repairing your new refrigerator may not only be less expensive for you, but also better for the planet. But if it's sealed cooling systems, power supply components, or any repair that's out of your reach, don't hesitate to call a professional. In that survey, 27 percent of CR members who discarded their refrigerator instead of repairing it cited expensive repair costs as the reason for doing so.