A refrigerator is one of the most important necessities a kitchen can have, since it stores perishable items and can keep your drinks or produce cool. However, refrigerator problems are not uncommon, meaning you will probably need refrigerator repair sooner or later. Other times, the issues may be so severe that replacement is a better option.
Wherever possible, refrigerator repair is preferable. Here’s how you know when it’s worth the cost:
- How does the cost of repair compare to the cost of replacement? If the cost of repair is fairly close to the cost of replacement, it’s better to spend a little extra and be able to rely on a more dependable appliance. However, most of the time, refrigerator repair will be much cheaper than replacement and therefore the better option. It’s also better for the environment if you can keep using your current refrigerator longer.
- How old is your refrigerator? If you have had your refrigerator for 15 years or longer, repairs probably aren’t going to salvage it. It’s better to pay for replacement than for multiple repairs within a short period. But if your refrigerator is, say, 8 years old, it’s a bit early to replace it. You can usually be pretty confident that repairing a fridge this age will be worth it and that the appliance won’t keep failing.
- How extensive is the damage? You also need to think about how damaged your refrigerator is before you call for refrigerator repair. For example, repairing a long list of issues may not make much sense, but if there’s only one minor issue, like a broken condenser fan motor, that can be repaired easily at a fair price.