Often, refrigerators get more and more unreliable with age. They either stop working properly or start making so much noise that it’s hard to hear over the sound. When one of these things happens, you might want to call a refrigerator repairman before your next meal goes bad! It’s important to know what the costs are before your refrigerator stops working. The last thing you want is a broken fridge that you can’t afford to fix.
Average Fridge Repair Costs
The average fridge repair cost is around $250, but the price could be much higher if a spare part is needed to fix it. Repair costs can be as low as $40 and as high as $1000, depending on what needs fixing and the amount of time and effort put into doing so.
Refrigerator Repair Cost by Type of Repair
Compressor Cost
The compressor is the motor located in the back of the refrigerator, usually close to the bottom. It is responsible for producing cold air and circulating it through your fridge. Without it, your food will quickly spoil. Repairs on this part alone are not cheap and can start from as low as $50 up to $300. Replacing an old compressor with a new one can cost up to $400.
Door Dent Repair Cost
Even though dents in your door won’t stop your fridge from working, they may be a nuisance. They can contribute to energy wastage and high-power bills, especially if the problem prevents the door from shutting correctly. The cost for this type of repair is around $180, based on how big the dent is.
Ice Maker Repair Cost
The ice maker in your fridge is responsible for making ice cubes; therefore, you will need to replace or repair it when it breaks. The average cost of a new ice maker is about $150, while the repairs can go up to $300. Replacing the ice maker is, thus, more cost-effective than repairing it.
Water Filter Replacement Cost
Some fridges come with a water filter that is responsible for removing mineral deposits from your water. The cost of replacing the filter is around $50, while repairing it when damaged is about $100.
Refrigerant Gas Leak
The refrigerator uses refrigerant gas to produce cold air. If this gas leaks, it will not only make your fridge extra cold but can build up pressure that will eventually damage the compressor and other parts of the appliance. The repair cost for a refrigerant leak is about $250, while the cost of replacing it with a new component can be as high as $600
Malfunctioning Thermostat
The thermostat regulates the temperature inside your fridge. If it malfunctions, the temperatures would be unstable, and your food might go bad. The repair cost for a faulty thermostat is about $150 while replacing it can go up to $400.
Malfunctioning Control Board
The control board controls the temperature, defrosting the fridge, and maintaining the power supply. It is usually placed in the bottom portion of your appliance. When it malfunctions, you need to replace it with a new one which can cost up to $800.
Frozen Coils
Frozen coils in your refrigerator can be caused by low temperatures and excessive moisture, which in turn will lead to several problems such as high-power bills and malfunctioned motor or compressor. The cost of repairing frozen coils is about $300.
Is It Cheaper to Repair or Replace a Refrigerator?
In most cases, repairing your refrigerator will be cheaper than buying a new one. However, when the repair costs are more than half the price of purchasing a new one, you would want to consider replacing it. For instance, if the repair costs you less than $200, then it’s a good idea to repair it. On the other hand, if the repairs cost you more than $700, you should get a new one.
Factors to Consider When Choosing to Repair or Replace Your Broken Refrigerator
The Age of Your Refrigerator
Refrigerators are typically expected to have a replacement life of about 15 to 20 years. Unfortunately, during this period, the appliance is likely to encounter several breakdowns and maintenance issues. Depending on the brand, your refrigerator may last up to 20 years, while others might malfunction after a few years. It is, therefore, essential to consider your appliance’s age before deciding to repair it or get a new one.
Refrigerator Type
Along with the age of the appliance, you also have to consider the refrigerator’s type. The likelihood of your refrigerator malfunctioning depends on the model chosen. In this case, you should try to determine which type you have, as this would help you determine the appropriate repair course of action.
When To Call a Refrigerator Repairman
When you call in a professional refrigerator repairman, you are most likely facing some refrigerator problem that is causing your refrigerator to not work normally. Most refrigerator problems escalate because people do not address them in the beginning when they are manageable. If you face any of the issues below, call a refrigerator repairman as soon as possible to get it fixed.
Water Leaking
When you notice your refrigerator leaking water, it is a sign that something is not right and there is an issue that needs immediate attention. Water leakage is often caused by a blocked defrost drain on the back wall of the refrigerator. You can easily fix it using a pipe cleaner to remove the blockage. If the blockage does not budge, you can pour warm water. However, in severe blockages, you will need to call for a professional who can unclog the pipe.
Refrigerator Leaking
A refrigerator is run by a refrigerant that runs through your refrigerator and keeps the cooling process going. This substance should ideally never run out because it cycles through the machine endlessly through an evaporation process. One of the biggest signs of your refrigerator leaking refrigerant is that it does not stay cool. This problem can only be fixed by a professional refrigerator repairman and will cost you $200 to $300.
Refrigerator Is Making Loud Noise
Refrigerators are generally quiet devices and don’t make much noise. You will hear a rumble at most, but if your refrigerator starts being very loud, you may need to get it checked out. The common causes of a noisy refrigerator include dirty coils and the refrigerant cycling too often. You can clean the condenser coils by wiping them down and increasing the thermostat. Still, if the problem persists, you may need to call for professional help.
Conclusion
Refrigerators are essential in every household. If it starts showing signs of inefficiency, your food is at risk, so you should never take a chance and ignore your refrigerator when it is leaking or making a loud noise. Many things can go wrong with your fridge, and the cost of its repair can vary greatly.