We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More ›
Refrigerators are the main appliance in any kitchen, keeping food fresh and safe for consumption. But just like any home appliance, even the best refrigerators They don't endure indefinitely. Being aware of when you should anticipate a replacement can assist in your planning and budgeting processes.
What’s the average lifespan of a refrigerator?
The expected life span of a refrigerator ranges from 10 to 20 years, varying based on factors such as the specific model, frequency of use, and how well it is maintained. As stated by the Department of Energy The typical lifespan of a refrigerator is around 12 years. Nonetheless, do not solely depend on its age to decide whether you should get a replacement.
Instead, rely on the working condition of your fridge as a gauge. Its individual components begin to deteriorate, increasing the risk of malfunctions from pesky noises to excessive frost build-up in the freezer. Your fridge also can start to lose cooling efficiency and cause your utility bills to spike.
Ahead, see symptoms that indicate that your refrigerator needs repair, and indications that you need a new refrigerator .
Indicators That Your Fridge Might Be Failing
If your refrigerator appears old or worn out, it may be necessary to think about getting a new one. Below are several typical indications that your fridge might soon reach the end of its service life:
- Your refrigerator produces extra warmth. If your fridge seems excessively warm when you touch it, this might suggest that the motor is functioning more strenuously than normal, potentially because of wear over time or problems with internal parts. This excess warmth could imply that your compressor is experiencing issues. The refrigerator is having difficulty keeping a cold temperature. And might be approaching the end of its operational life.
- Food spoils prematurely. When your food begins to go bad faster than expected, it’s a sign that your refrigerator isn’t cooling properly. This could be because of an inefficient compressor or faulty seals, both of which impact the fridge’s ability to maintain consistent, safe temperatures.
- There’s excess condensation. Moisture buildup within the refrigerator or on its outside usually indicates issues with temperature regulation or defective door seals. Although a small amount of dampness is expected, too much condensation might result in mold growth, mildew formation, and faster food deterioration.
- Your refrigerator is making strange sounds. Refrigerators usually produce a soft humming sound, yet they may also refrigerator making buzzing or rattling sounds It could indicate a problem with the compressor or fan. When there's a noise accompanied by cooling problems, it may be necessary to replace them.
- Your freezer has too much ice buildup. Too much ice accumulation in the freezer usually indicates that it’s not effectively managing humidity, which might be because of a malfunctioning defrost mechanism or defective door seals. Continuous frost problems can interfere with proper food preservation and reduce overall performance.
- Your utility expenses have unexpectedly increased. An unexpected rise in your electric bill might suggest that your refrigerator is consuming extra energy to operate normally. Typically, older models or those nearing failure tend to turn into significant drains on power, requiring more juice just to keep things chilly inside.
Ways to Prolong the Lifespan of Your Fridge
While it’s possible to repair some appliance models The typical expense for repairs often matches or exceeds the cost of replacing a refrigerator altogether. However, by diagnosing and fixing issues that can be addressed and keeping up with routine maintenance, you ought to be capable of prolonging your appliance’s lifespan.
1. Clean the coils.
The condenser coils, located outside your refrigerator either at the bottom or behind it, assist in turning the gaseous refrigerant back into liquid after being compressed by the unit's compressor. This process helps expel warm air from within the fridge into the surrounding room. However, when dust and debris accumulate on these coils, they hinder the proper dissipation of heat. Consequently, this may lead to frequent cycling of the fridge between on and off states, potentially causing it to cease functioning entirely over time.
Clean the coils Once or twice annually to extend the life of your older refrigerator. Start by disconnecting the power source, followed by accessing the condenser coils located beneath the removable front panel near the floor—often referred to as the snap-on toe kick plate—or move the appliance outward if the coils are positioned at the backside. Use a vacuum cleaner equipped with a dust brush accessory to clear off debris from the coils, then follow up using a specialized condenser coil cleaning brush like the Vanitek condenser coil brush Along with and between the coils, remove dirt.
2. Check the doors.
The rubber seal along the perimeter of the inside of your refrigerator door keeps cool air trapped within and prevents warm air from getting in. With age, however, these seals might warp, develop splits, rip, or detach from the door itself. Should this occur, cold air may escape from the fridge, allowing warmth to seep in as well. This situation could raise humidity levels internally. Additionally, it has the potential to create ice build-up both in the refrigeration compartment and the freezer area. Such blockages diminish available storage room and interfere with how effectively the appliance exchanges heat with the ambient environment, thus lowering overall efficiency.
Apply a light layer of petroleum jelly along the outer edges of the door gaskets. This ensures they stay flexible and preserves the seal’s effectiveness.
3. Reorganize the items inside the refrigerator.
The vents located on the sidewalls of your fridge and on the roof of your freezer aid in air circulation in the unit. When obstructed by food, vents work inefficiently, causing moisture or frost build-up and uneven cooling .
To maintain unobstructed airflow, shift any items stored immediately in front of the vents out of the way. Make sure that twist ties from frozen food packages and debris from open foods such as cakes do not block these ventilation areas.
Additionally, make certain to change your refrigerator’s filter periodically to ensure your device operates efficiently and continues to provide clean, great-tasting water.
Typical Refrigerator Problems to Keep an Eye On
Resolve minor fridge malfunctions as they arise to keep them from progressing into more severe problems. Below are easy fixes for common fridge troubles.
- Is there a puddle of water on the floor?
- Do you hear an unusual sound?
- Did the ice maker stop working?
- Is there a mysterious spill inside the refrigerator?
The solution: Find the drain plug located on the rear wall inside the primary refrigerator section, shifting any food items obstructing it onto another shelf or outside the fridge for now. Next, use either a turkey baster or a meat injection tool filled with a mixture of half bleach and half lukewarm water to clear the plug; this might necessitate multiple applications. Once done, remove and discard the contaminated fluid collected within the drainage tray situated beneath the refrigerator.
Should You Fix or Get a New Refrigerator?
When deciding to fix or get a new fridge , consider its age, repair costs, and overall performance. Generally, if your fridge is over 10 years old and repairs cost more than half the price of a new model, replacement may be the better option. However, if your fridge is newer and the issue is minor—like a faulty seal or fan—repairing it can extend its life and save money.
Refrigerator Warranties
While there are variations on warranties for refrigerators, most warranties for fridges just cover the first year of use, and specifically cover defects in the materials and can include parts and labor. As it’s hard to know whether the model you are purchasing is a good refrigerator that is defect-free, it’s important to keep that warranty handy if anything happens. To get the most out of the warranty, make sure to assess all of the fridge’s functions before that warranty runs out.
When considering whether you should upgrade a warranty, think about how much the warranty will cost versus the cost of that fridge. For high-end, hi-tech appliances, it often makes sense to have a robust warranty, as there are many more parts that could fail. According to Home Advisor, the average cost to repair a typical refrigerator The price ranges from $200 to $330; however, fixing a luxury model might cost $1,000 or even higher.
Final Thoughts
There are numerous methods to prolong the lifespan of your refrigerator. Maintaining it properly via routine cleanings and promptly addressing any problems can make a difference. Nonetheless, if you've found yourself pondering, "How long do refrigerators typically last?" it might be wise to begin considering replacements soon.
FAQs
The optimal moment to purchase a refrigerator is prior to the failure of your present unit. Examine the indicators suggesting that a fridge might be malfunctioning (as mentioned above) and arrange to place an order well ahead of time. Given the ongoing supply chain challenges, it could take several months for your desired model to become available. Should you simply aim to replace with a newer version, keep in mind that there are typically discounts on appliances around U.S. national holidays.
Historically, refrigerators with freezers on top or bottom typically have the longest lifespan, and models from well-known refrigerator brands like Whirlpool and LG tend to top lists for most reliable. The fewer parts that can fail translates into a model that could potentially last longer and cost less to repair.
When disposing of your old fridge , refrain from placing it at the curbside, since it includes recyclable elements and potentially hazardous substances. Rather, consult with your appliance retailer, local recycling initiative, or an environmental service provider for proper disposal. local disposal agency If they can eliminate or approve it. Several municipalities offer bulky waste programs or self-service facilities for the proper recycling of refrigerators.
Post a Comment