While refrigerators usually don’t require much maintenance, they are not invincible to damage from daily wear and tear. Problems may range from something simple like a broken ice maker or water filter to more serious issues such as overheating.
Because the severity of problems varies, it can be tough to decide whether you should pay for repairs or just purchase a completely new one. In addition, fridge problems are not affordable to solve, especially if this unexpected inconvenience wasn’t something you had planned for financially – your refrigerator is one of the most energy-hungry appliances in your home or business.
The decision depends on many factors, including the age and type of refrigerator and the extent of damage done. We’ve compiled a list of factors you should consider when deciding whether to repair or replace your broken refrigerator unit to ease your decision-making process.
Extent of damage
Many tell-tale signs can indicate your refrigerator unit is breaking down and needs attention as soon as possible, including:
- Overheating.
- Unit freezing over.
- Puddle of water around the fridge.
- Spoiling food.
- Loud noise.
- Extreme condensation.
However, the extent of your refrigerator’s damage varies for each situation. There can be instances where only a few components have been affected, making home or commercial refrigeration repair services the best choice for resolving the problem.
As a good rule of thumb, however, it is probably time to replace your refrigerator if it has multiple faulty parts or it’s over ten years old. It’s recommended that you consider replacing your refrigerator if the cost to repair it is more than half the price of buying a new one.
Energy efficiency
Refrigerators before the early 90s are often not rated and checked for energy use. If your fridge was manufactured before this period, you’re probably suffering from extremely high energy bills.
It’s best to get your old and malfunctioning refrigerator replaced as it will only cost you a lot in terms of both repairs and energy use. New or refurbished refrigeration units significantly cut down operational costs and maintenance expenses.
We understand that the thought of buying a new, energy-efficient refrigerator is a significant investment. However, the benefits will begin to outweigh the costs almost immediately – you will see the result in your energy bill after the first month of installation.
Refrigerator type
When considering whether to replace or repair your refrigerator, it is vital to consider the type of refrigeration unit. Some types of fridges are more complex and costly to repair than others, such as:
- Built-in refrigeration units – these unit types are almost always worth repairing. Not only are they less expensive to repair but they typically have a longer lifespan.
- Side-by-side refrigerators – these should be repaired within a five-year window and considered for replacement after that.
- Bottom-freezer refrigerators – if you have these, they must be repaired within seven years and considered for replacement after that.
- Top-freezer refrigerators – make sure to have these units repaired within three years, considered for repair within three to six years, and replaced if older than seven years.
Most importantly, you should always check to see if you have a warranty or extended service before considering replacement or repair. Generally, if you have a warranty, you can either get the refrigerator replaced or repaired for free.
Unit lifespan
Your refrigeration units may eventually run out of energy even with routine maintenance. While the lifespan varies based on refrigerator type, consumers can usually count on their fridge to last approximately ten years. Knowing their average lifespan can help you decide between repairing or replacing them. The lifespan of your refrigerator can also be influenced by other factors, such as how well it has been cared for and its construction.
Some refrigerators, including built-in and integrated models, usually last up to twenty years. However, standard refrigerators such as freezer-top and side-by-side refrigerators typically last about 10 to 15 years. If your refrigeration units are still within their average lifespan, you can still repair them.
If you are still unsure whether to replace or repair your refrigerator, keep in mind that as they age, expenses increase as well, making replacement a cost-effective alternative.
Engage a refrigeration expert
There are several aspects to consider when deciding whether to repair or replace your refrigeration unit. Nevertheless, based on the specific problem, age, type of refrigerator, and the extent of the damage, you should have a pretty good idea about what needs to be done. If you’re still clueless, engage a refrigeration technician for expert guidance and advice.
On the other hand, if you decide that it is time to buy a new fridge, ensure you do due research and invest in a state-of-the-art home or commercial fridge in Adelaide so that you get to save thousands of dollars worth of repairs and spoiled food in the long run.
