Unless it’s time to purchase or upgrade a refrigerator, we often overlook one of the most important appliances in our homes. However, it’s also one of the most necessary household items. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to keep much of our food safe to consume.
Refrigerators are more than just necessary household appliances; they are also investments. Like any investment, you want to get the most bang for your buck. Knowing how long a refrigerator will last is a great way to save yourself money in the long run. If you’re considering a new refrigerator, make sure you know as much as you can about repairing or replacing them.
Average Refrigerator Life Expectancy
The Department of Energy says that the average lifespan of a refrigerator is 12 years.
Although many refrigerators never show symptoms of failing until it’s too late, experts recommend thoroughly cleaning your fridge’s components once per year. If you do notice anything wrong, any refrigerator that’s under eight years old is an ideal candidate for repairs. After it’s repaired, it will usually provide you with at least another five years of life.
Signs Your Refrigerator Needs to be Serviced or Replaced
It’s not always easy to tell when your refrigerator is having a problem but learning to recognize the signs and symptoms can help you catch problems more quickly.
Whether you choose to replace or repair your ailing refrigerator, staying on top of any issues can help you make an informed decision. Many modern smart refrigerators connect to apps that will notify you of any issues with your refrigerator as soon as they happen.
Here are some of the most common symptoms that your refrigerator may be on the fritz.
- Food spoils more quickly than it should. If your refrigerator is losing its ability to regulate its temperature, prematurely spoiling food could be the biggest indicator. Although some temperature repairs are simple, others might indicate that you’re better off upgrading with a newer model.
- Exterior condensation. Noticing that your refrigerator is “sweating” on the outside is never a good sign. In fact, it can be a symptom that a vital seal is broken. You should immediately call a service person when you see it happening.
- Too much or too little noise. Whether your refrigerator is making strange noises or no noises at all, both are a cause for concern. Either way, it could indicate a problem with the motor of your refrigerator, and it’s important to tackle the issue before it gets worse.
- Over ten years old. At ten years, your refrigerator has had a nice long life. However, at this point, it may not be running at top efficiency. If you have been considering a replacement, purchasing a new, energy-saving refrigerator could save you money over time.
Repairing vs. Replacing a Refrigerator
Have you noticed any of the above signs that your refrigerator is on its last legs? When deciding whether it is time to replace or repair your broken refrigerator, keep the following factors in mind:
- Repair costs versus the cost of a new refrigerator – First, get a quote or two from a professional for possible fridge repairs. Then, research current refrigerator trends and alternatives to find a refrigerator that meets your family's needs. Consider replacing the fridge if the cost of repairs exceeds 50% of the cost of a new fridge.
- Check for warranties Before making the decision to replace or repair, it’s important to go back and check your refrigerator’s warranty. Replacements or repair costs may be covered.
Spending a large amount of money on a new refrigerator may seem daunting. However, because newer models are typically designed to be more energy-efficient, you can consider the new purchase to be an investment in a more cost-effective overall solution.
Long-Lasting Refrigerator Brands
Although refrigerators are the longest-lasting appliance in our homes, eventually they all need to be replaced. Fortunately, today’s models are held to higher energy-efficient standards. Many even have technological features that can help us stay on track in our kitchens.
Before you start the buying process, make sure you research facts about the type of refrigerator that will meet your family’s needs. Some of today’s longest-lasting brands include:
- LG –LG has been a technology leader for many years, but their kitchen appliances range from basic to premium. They are a dependable addition to any home.
- GE (General Electric) – Like other appliance behemoths, manufactures a wide range of kitchen appliances. They're well-known for their dependability and durability. GE refrigerators are also reasonably priced when compared to other brands.
- Whirlpool – Many of Whirlpool's refrigerators are also energy-efficient, allowing you to store groceries while keeping your energy bills to a minimum.
- Maytag– Maytag's refrigerators are known for their dependability and functionality.
- KitchenAid – KitchenAid is well-known for its heavy-duty mixers from the 1950s, but the company also manufactures high-end refrigerators.
- Bosch – Bosch's premium refrigerator designs have high customer satisfaction ratings and are among the best sellers on home appliance websites. Their top-quality designs and features, however, come at a higher cost.
Shop Queen City Audio Video & Appliance
If you are in the market for a new refrigerator, consider talk to the experts at Queen City Audio Video & Appliance. We will help you find the perfect refrigerator for your home and needs. Check out our refrigerator stock online or visit a Queen City store near you.
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