As an expert in the field of appliance repair, I am often asked the question: is it worth repairing a fridge freezer? And my answer is always the same - it depends. While there are some general guidelines to follow, ultimately the decision to repair or replace your fridge freezer comes down to a few key factors. First and foremost, consider the age of your refrigerator. If it is more than ten years old, it may be time to start thinking about a replacement. This is especially true if you have multiple faulty parts that need to be fixed.
According to Consumer Reports, if the cost of repairing your fridge freezer is more than half the price of buying a new one, it's probably best to just replace it. But before you make any decisions, let's dive into some tips that can help you make the best choice for your situation. Whether you decide to repair or replace, these tips will come in handy.
Repairing Your Fridge Freezer
If you've decided that repairing your fridge freezer is the way to go, keep in mind that some professionals may charge a fee for their initial visit to diagnose the problem and give you a quote for the repair. However, don't let this deter you from seeking professional help. In fact, earlier surveys have shown that refrigerators are fairly easy to repair, with 62 percent of repairs being successful on the first attempt and an additional 25 percent being successful after two or more attempts. One of the main reasons people choose to repair their fridge freezer instead of replacing it is because of high repair costs.In fact, 27 percent of Consumer Reports members who discarded their refrigerator cited high repair costs as the reason for doing so. So if you're looking to save some money, repairing your fridge freezer may be the way to go. Not only is repairing your fridge freezer potentially less expensive for you, but it's also better for the planet. By extending the life of your appliance, you are reducing waste and helping to conserve resources. However, keep in mind that older models are much less efficient than newer ones, so their potential repair costs may be higher.
Common Fridge Freezer Problems
As someone who has repaired countless fridge freezers, I can tell you that this appliance is responsible for the vast majority of repair orders.And while there are a variety of problems that can occur, some are more common than others. One of the most common issues is a broken evaporator fan. This may cause you to think that your fridge freezer is breaking down, but it's often a simple and worthwhile repair. Other common problems include faulty thermostats, clogged defrost drains, and malfunctioning ice makers.
Repair or Replace: The Final Decision
So how do you make the final decision between repairing or replacing your fridge freezer? Well, there are a few additional considerations to keep in mind. First, use the sliders on our online tool to enter the age of your refrigerator, the original cost, and any budget you have for a repair. This will give you an estimate of how much a repair may cost and help you determine if it's worth it. Next, consider the overall condition of your fridge freezer.If it has been giving you trouble for years and constantly needing repairs, it may be time to cut your losses and invest in a new one. Lastly, think about your personal preferences and lifestyle. Do you want the latest and most energy-efficient model? Or are you content with a basic fridge freezer that gets the job done?