Is It Worth Repairing Your Fridge-Freezer?

The fridge-freezer is an invaluable appliance in every home, keeping food fresh for longer. But, like all household appliances, it will develop problems as it ages. When the issues become persistent, you might start wondering whether it's worth repairing your fridge-freezer, or should you replace it? We hope that this guide will help you determine if the issue is small and fixable or if replacing the appliance would be a more cost-effective solution.

Common Fridge-Freezer Problems

Identifying and understanding how serious the problem is will help you decide whether to repair or replace your appliance. Here are some of the most common fridge-freezer issues.

Fridge-Freezer Not Cooling

There are several issues that could cause a fridge to stop cooling:

• Dirty or blocked condenser coils
• Malfunctioning evaporator fan motor
• Faulty thermostat or control board
• Low refrigerant levels
• Defective compressor
• Power supply shortage

Excessive Frost Build-Up

If you notice a significant build-up of frost in the freezer, the issue could be caused by:

• Faulty defrost timer, heater, or thermostat
• Loose or damaged door seal allowing warm air to enter the fridge
• Blocked air vents restricting airflow

Leaking Water

Water leakage from your fridge-freezer could indicate to underlying problems such as:

• Damaged or loose door seals
• Clogged or frozen defrost drain
• A faulty water inlet valve (for fridges with ice makers or water dispensers)

Unusual Noises

If your fridge is making loud or strange noises, it could be down to:

• Failing evaporator or condenser fan motor
• Faulty compressor
• Loose or damaged internal components

Fridge-Freezer Constantly Running

Fridge-freezers cycle on and off regularly, but continuous running could be due to:

• Dirty condenser coils
• Faulty thermostat
• Refrigerant leaks
• Poorly sealed doors

Fridge Light Not Working

This is a small, but common issue that could be caused by:

• Blown light bulb or bulb socket
• Faulty door switch
• Electrical wiring problems

Fridge-Freezer Door Won't Close Properly

If your fridge door doesn't close tightly, the possible culprits include:

• Worn-out door seals
• Misaligned hinges
• Other obstructions preventing full closure

Cost of Fridge-Freezer Repairs

Repair costs vary depending on what the problem is, the brand of the appliance, and the availability of the replacement parts. On average, this is what you can expect:

• Minor repairs like replacing door seals or fixing a defrost drain typically cost between £50 and £100.
• Moderate repairs such as replacing a thermostat, fan motor, or water inlet valve could range between £100 to £200.
• Major repairs - fixing the compressor, evaporator coil, or control board, can cost from £200 to £400 or more.

As a general rule, if repair costs exceed 50% of the fridge-freezer's original price, replacing it might be the better option, but there are still other factors to take into consideration, apart from the repair's price.

Factors to Consider

Age of the Fridge-Freezer

Most fridge-freezers would work without causing much disruption between 10 to 15 years with proper maintenance. If your appliance is near the end of its lifespan, would suggest that it might not be worth undertaking costly repairs.

Cost of Repairs vs. Replacement

Get multiple repair estimates and compare them with the cost of a new fridge-freezer. If the repair is not very expensive, and your appliance is still in its midlife years, fixing it may be more cost-effective, and the better choice.

Frequency of Repairs

If your fridge-freezer has been breaking down quite a lot lately, you'd know how repeated repair costs can add up. If there have already been several issues that you had to call a repairman for, it might be time to replace your appliance rather than spend more and more on repairs.

Availability of Replacement Parts

Finding spare parts for older or discontinued models is difficult and more expensive. When the parts needed for the repair are hard to find, or no longer available, it's time to replace your fridge-freezer.

Energy Efficiency

The older fridge-freezers use more electricity compared to modern, energy-efficient models. Replacing an old appliance with an Energy Star-rated model can help you reduce your energy bills.

Environmental Impact

Repairing instead of replacing your fridge-freezer can be the more environmentally friendly option as it reduces electronic waste. If the appliance is an older and inefficient model on the other hand, upgrading to an energy-efficient one would have a lower long-term environmental impact.

When to Repair Your Fridge-Freezer

In many cases, repairing your fridge-freezer can be the best choice, especially if:

• The appliance is less than five years old.
• The problem is small, such as faulty thermostat, fan motor, or door seal.
• The fridge-freezer is a premium brand, as high-end models are built to last longer, using higher-quality parts.
• The appliance is still under warranty - the repairs may be covered by your insurance.

When to Replace Your Fridge-Freezer

Consider replacing your fridge-freezer if:

• It is over 10 years old and has high energy consumption.
• Repairs costs are expected to be more than 50% of its original price.
• It breaks down often.

Tips for Extending the Life of Your Fridge-Freezer

There are some things you can do to minimise the need for repairs and keep your fridge running at its peak form:

• Clean the condenser coils every six months - this will help to prevent overheating.
• Check and replace door seals if they are worn out to make sure the doors close tightly.
• Don't overload the fridge or freezer compartments, as this can restrict airflow.
• Set and maintain the correct temperature, which is 3-5°C for the fridge, and -18°C for the freezer.
• Defrost manually if your fridge-freezer model is not frost-free to prevent excessive ice build-up.
• Keep the fridge level to make sure there is no strain on its internal parts and door hinges, and the doors close properly.

Also, read our guide on How to Fix Common Fridge Problems? for further help on what you can do on your own, without the need of a professional fridge-freezer repair technician.