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Q: I’ve had my refrigerator for a while now, and lately I’ve been experiencing a lot of issues with it. I’d prefer not to shell out money for a new one, but I’ve already spent a lot on repairs. Should I repair or replace my refrigerator?
A : The decision on whether to repair or replace a refrigerator is not always clear - cut . On the one hand , having the fridge repaired is typically more commodious and less costly than replacing it . With the average electric refrigerator monetary value being around $ 1,500 , it can seem preferable to wait until replacement is absolutely necessary . On the other hand , replacing an old icebox that is superannuated and ineffective with a shiny fresh model can be an attractive pick . There are several type of damage that signaling when a fridge is on a declivitous slope . The refrigerator ’s eld and fashion model can also factor into the decisiveness . For those who are on the fencing about whether to repair or replace their icebox , a few key factors can make this decision simpler . After all , the right selection could imply the difference between ofttimes scheduling and paying for resort or enjoy the benefits of a newer , more energy - efficient appliance .
A fridge’s age is a key factor in deciding between repair and replacement. Most refrigerators last 10 to 15 years, so it may be more cost-effective to replace a fridge that is over a decade old than to pay for repairs.
If the refrigerator is relatively new and has not had any previous issue , repairing it might be the good option . However , if it ’s onetime and nearing the end of its expected lifespan , alternate might be more monetary value - in effect in the long streamlet . Generally , thelifespan of a refrigeratoris around 10 to 15 age . If the fridge has been experiencing frequent breakdowns that necessitate reparation , it might be a star sign that it ’s becoming less reliable and is likely to give out soon . On modal , icebox repair costabout $ 350 , which can seem like a deal compared to the expense of a new refrigerator , but recapitulate hangout can add up in terms of both monetary value and worriment .
Newer fridges may still be under warranty, which means that any needed repairs or even a replacement may be covered by the manufacturer.
Say that the icebox temperature is discrepant or a refrigerator compressor substitution is needed on a newer appliance . While these can be pesky job , they ’re less of a nuisance when they ’re covered by a warranty from the electric refrigerator ’s manufacturer . It ’s a good theme to check the specific warranty policy to see what it brood , but most major widget brands pass over any repairs , parts , and labor for the first class . Samsung , for example , get across all repairs , parts , and project for the first year ; specific part replacements for up to 5 class ; and compressor renewal for up to 10 years . It all depends on the age of the refrigerator , what make and model it is , and the nature of the issue . In most cases , a warranty will cover a haunt versus a replacement .
The model of the refrigerator is another point to consider: Some types of fridges have shorter lifespans or require more complex repairs than others.
The more bells and pennywhistle a refrigerator has , the more potential it is to need expensive resort or parts that are pricy to exert or replace . For object lesson , icebox with an sparkler and water dispenser on the front can provide gizmo when it come to get at filtered imbibition piss ; however , this feature can also do military issue with thefridge leak wateror be the reason malfunctioning parts require to be replaced .
In many case , the more basic simulation have well-off sustentation and better longevity so long as even care is do ( such as clean the coils , maintain the upcountry clean , and treat any icebox repairs that pour down up over clip ) . Some type of fridge configurations will want to be replace rather than others :
Minor issues such as frost buildup or a faulty thermostat can often be easily repaired and will not typically warrant the need to replace the refrigerator.
It ’s rare for a refrigerator to go its entire lifespan without needing a mend or two . In most case , these mending can be easily accept care of by an appliance repair technician and are not cause for refilling . For case , excessive Robert Lee Frost buildup can typically be handle by adjusting the unit ’s temperature or replacing the thermoregulator . consort toConsumer Reports , the most mutual modest icebox haunt are for problems related to methamphetamine and urine dispensers . This is a common issue that can be well restore and has a relatively low repair cost to the buyer ( about $ 150 to $ 240 ) .
Other pocket-size issues that can be indemnify either by a technician or DIY admit :
The cost to repair more extensive problems such as overheating or excessive condensation could make it worth it to replace the refrigerator instead.
Several major problems with a icebox might signal that surrogate is a more practical and wallet - favorable pick compare to animate . If the fridge is not cooling or there is lots of condensation buildup , it may be good to replace it . The compressor is another major component that can lead to an expensive fixing if it live out . But before melt to the appliance fund to scope out new options , it ’s a unspoiled melodic theme to have an expert take a look at the icebox and provide an estimate for how much it would cost to mend . One of thebest contrivance repair serviceswill be able to key out what ’s going on and whether the issue is minor or major . If the cost to touch on it is more than half the Mary Leontyne Price of a fresh icebox , it may be secure to look for a Modern one .
A compressor , however , is n’t the only part that can fail and necessitate a novel contraption . There are a number of matter that can argue a refrigerator is on its last legs , including :
It’s worth considering that new refrigerators are typically more efficient, so savings on energy bills could help mitigate the cost of replacement.
Energy - efficient icebox are often designed with better insularity and more effective cooling organisation , which can give them a long lifespan and reduce article of clothing and tear on the contraption . This entail that although there will be a high up - front monetary value for the new fridge , it is potential to last longer and potentially result in low electric bills at the same meter . It ’s best to look forEnergy Star – certified refrigeratorssince they are show to be 9 pct more energy effective than other pick that meet the federal minimum efficiency standard . Additionally , zip - effective fridges are less harmful to the environs . In this same vein , it ’s a good idea to bump outhow to dispose of the sure-enough refrigeratorin an environmentally creditworthy fashion .
For those who are still unsure whether to repair or replace their refrigerator, getting a quote from an appliance repair technician can help clarify which solution is most practical.
A new refrigerator costs about $ 1,500 on average , with higher - end models extend upwards of $ 12,000 . That can be a pretty daunting orbit , peculiarly if a new fridge is n’t in the budget . Refrigerator troubleshooting can be unmanageable for those who are n’t closely familiar with all the social unit ’s element . It may be best to call a refrigerator service to fall by and assess the issue to provide a testimonial as well as a citation on how much it would cost to bushel the unit . A icebox technician often has class of experience to lean on , so they will be capable to distinguish what shape the gizmo is in and whether it has a few years left or require to be replace as soon as potential . disregarding of the category the fridge falls under , a pro ’s expertise can furnish a estimable idea of which option is best .
Purchasing a home warranty with appliance coverage can keep future refrigerator repaircosts low.
When a producer ’s warranty runs out , there are other reportage options that make it possible to avert bear fullappliance hangout costsout of pouch . While a maker ’s warranty is generally designed to plow faulty component that bump down in the first twosome of year , a home warranty covers normal vesture and tear over the lifespan of the appliance . Homeowners who have a home warranty that covers appliance are only charged a mat fee for icebox repair , which eliminates the price of a sign call on top of the actual mending . Plus , thebest home warrantee companieslikeAmerican Home ShieldandAFC habitation Cluboften have partnerships with technician so their customer do n’t have to call and schedule service themselves .
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Photo: depositphotos.com
Photo: depositphotos.com
Photo: depositphotos.com
Photo: depositphotos.com
