1. Built in Refrigerators
Built in refrigerators are designed to have a long lifespan of 20 plus years with proper maintenance. If your appliance is good quality, it shouldn’t need repairs often, hence the higher initial price tag.
Generally speaking, built in refrigerators are usually worth repairing when they are relatively new. If your refrigerator is under ten years old, you should look at hiring a reliable repair technician.
But, if you are needing to call in a repair technician on a regular basis, you will need to think about a replacement. You will also need to consider the cost of the repair vs the cost of a new appliance. If the cost of the repair is over half of the price of a new refrigerator, it is probably a good idea to buy a new one.
2. Side by Side Refrigerators
Side by side refrigerators are typically not as durable as their built in counterparts. You can usually keep it running for 15 years plus, but once it reaches 20 years old, you are likely to need a replacement. There is usually a five year period where you can reuse and repair without serious issues. After this time, you are likely to need to call in a repair technician more frequently. It may be possible to extend the lifespan of the fridge to a full twenty years, but the repair costs are likely to start to accumulate.
If your side by side refrigerator is approaching 15 years old, you should consider a replacement. A new model will be more energy efficient, so you can save money on repairs and avoid repair bills.
3. Tips to Help You Decide if You Should Repair or Replace
If you’re still unsure about whether you should bother repairing your fridge, there are some tips to help you to make a decision.
4. Keep Track of Your Repair Costs
When you look at the cost of a new refrigerator, a repair bill of one or two hundred seems like nothing. Unfortunately, those smaller repair bills can quickly add up. So, take a realistic look at how much you are spending on repairs. Remember that you also need to factor in the cost if you need to stay home from work to wait in for the repair technician every month.
5. Do Some Math
Even if you have not needed to pay for repairs often, you will need to do some math to consider if it is worth repairing your fridge. Generally, if the repair bill is more than half of the cost of a replacement, it is not economically viable. On the other hand, if this one time repair is less, then it is likely to be a better option to call in a technician.
6. Don’t Forget to Check Your Warranty
Finally, don’t forget to check your warranty documents. You may have forgotten that you actually purchased an extended warranty when you bought your fridge. In this case, your fridge may still be covered for any repair issues due to a manufacturer’s fault.
If you are having issues with your fridge, you can rely on the expertise of a professional repair technician. An experienced specialist can evaluate your appliance and provide you with guidance about whether it is economically viable to repair it or if it is time to head out appliance shopping.
