Is it worth repairing an old fridge?

The good news is, that humming sound from your fridge has finally stopped getting louder. The bad news is, it's gone ominously silent. Whether your old refrigerator isn't staying as cold as it should, your ice maker has stopped working, or it's possessed by the malodourous spirit of an old blue cheese, you're now faced with a decision: fix it or farewell it. So, is fridge repair worth it, or is it time for a new one?

While your wallet might prefer appliance repair, and you feel like it's the more eco-friendly thing to do, it isn't always that straightforward. A repair might end up costing more in the long run, both financially and environmentally, especially if you're dealing with an old, energy-hungry fridge.

This step-by-step process will help you diagnose whether repair or replacement is your best option.

Before you start comparing the cost of the repair versus a new refrigerator, check if you're still covered under warranty. Most home appliances, including fridges of all shapes and sizes, come with a 2-year manufacturer's warranty, while some manufacturers offer 5 years on certain models and other ultra-premium brands even 10 years. If you purchased an extended warranty on top of a standard 2-year one (which typically adds another 2-3 years of protection), you might also be in luck.

Contact the retailer you bough it from with your purchase details handy – they should be able to confirm your warranty status and guide you through the next steps if you're covered.

If your warranty has expired, consider whether it's a problem you can tackle with some DIY troubleshooting - if you're so inclined. Some issues have simple fixes:

- Cleaning dusty condenser coils to prevent overheating
- Replacing a worn door gasket (the accordion-like rubber seal around the door)
- Adjusting temperature settings for a faulty thermostat
- Checking power connections

However, if the problem involves the compressor, electrical systems, or refrigerant, it's time to call in a repair technician – or start shopping for the best fridge to replace your old appliance.

Your fridge freezer's age is a key factor in deciding whether to repair or replace it. Most standard refrigerators – whether they're top-freezer, bottom-freezer, or side-by-side refrigerators – average around 10-13 years, while premium models might push 15-17 years. If your fridge is approaching these milestones, replacing it might make more sense than investing in replacement parts.

But age isn't just about functionality – it's about efficiency too. An old refrigerator manufactured in 2010 uses significantly more energy than its modern counterpart. The energy savings from a new, efficient model could at least partially offset the higher upfront cost of replacement versus repair (more on that in step 7 below).

To make an informed decision, you'll need to gather a few other figures:

- Your fridge's age (as mentioned above)
- Original purchase price (or current market value of a similar model)
- Estimated repair costs
- Cost of a new comparable model
- Current energy consumption vs. potential savings with a new model.

Refrigerator repairs can range from $250 to over $1,000. Here's what you might expect to pay:

- Thermostat replacement: $300-500
- Door seal replacement: $250-400
- Compressor repair/replacement: $800-1,500+
- Control board replacement: $600-1,000

Most repair services charge a call-out fee ($150-200), which usually includes basic diagnostics. Call a few repair people for a free over-the-phone quote, explaining the fridge's symptoms and asking for a full breakdown of potential costs for parts and labour.

As a general rule of thumb, if repairs will cost more than 50% of a new fridge's price, replacement is usually the better option. This percentage should be even lower for older models.

Let's look at a couple of scenarios:

Example 1:

- Current fridge: 12 years old, originally $1,200
- Repair estimate: $700
- New comparable model: $1,400
- Verdict: Replace. The repair cost is 50% of the new model's price, and the fridge is already past its expected lifespan.

Example 2:

- Current fridge: 5 years old, originally $2,500
- Repair estimate: $600
- New comparable model: $2,800
- Verdict: Repair. The repair cost is relatively low compared to replacement, and the fridge should have several good years left.

Remember to factor in running costs. A new energy-efficient fridge might cost more upfront but could save you $100-200 annually on electricity bills compared to a 10+ year-old model. This can apply when comparing older refrigerators to new models across all styles – from top mounts to French door and side-by-side models.

To work out the potential savings:

1. Check your current fridge's energy star rating

2. Compare it with new models' ratings

3. Consider that fridges typically account for 10-15% of household energy usage, so work out what that percentage of your annual electricity bill is.