Should You Repair or Replace a Refrigerator: A Complete Guide
Refrigerators have become such an integral part of life for developed countries, that almost a quarter of American homes have two or more!
While it would be great if they did, these essential appliances don’t last forever.
Wondering what is the right choice for your beloved icebox? Keep reading below to find out all the information you need in order to decide whether to repair or replace a refrigerator!
Type of Refrigerator
There are various types of refrigerators that you may have in your kitchen. Some will cost you more to repair than others. One example is side-by-side units. These can be expensive to repair, so consider just replacing these.
Before deciding on your plan of attack, it can be helpful to know what you are dealing with. For example, this company can come to your home and take a look to assess your issue.
They will be able to give you a professional opinion on if your appliance type makes more sense (financially and time-wise) to try to repair or replace.
Age
A second large factor that will help you decide when to buy a new refrigerator is the age of the unit. Fridges do have expected lifespans. On average, this is between ten and twenty years.
If you have a hard time remembering when you purchased the appliance, that may signal a replacement is a good idea. However, if it is less than eight or ten years old, definitely seek out a repair service.
Energy Efficiency Concerns
You might not initially think about it, but your refrigerator could be costing you tons of money even if you initially save by repairing instead of replacing.
Older units use excess power and will constantly drive up your electric bills. If you have an older unit it could be cost-effective down the road to replace it with a model designed to save energy.
Be sure to check out our other tips for lowering your monthly energy costs.
Current Condition Impacts the Choice to Repair or Replace a Refrigerator
One final factor you need to consider when deciding how to handle a broken fridge is the general condition. Do you have a couple issues and broken parts? Lots of dings and other cosmetic damage?
Check if you have extended warranties or coverage for service, but if you don’t, it is probably time to get a new unit.
If you are unsure what would make the most financial sense, speak with a repair business. They will be able to advise you on how much repairs would cost and how long the unit would last afterward.
Make the Right Choice for You
Hopefully, this guide helped you decide whether or not to repair or replace a refrigerator.
If you do decide to purchase a new appliance, be sure to research what features you want. Preparing and shopping around will ensure you are happy with your new refrigerator for years to come!
Ready to remodel your entire kitchen or another room after getting a new fridge? Be sure to check out our guide to saving money during the remodeling process!
