how much is it to repair a refrigerator

What Are Common Refrigerator Repair Costs?

Repair	Average Cost
Refrigerator compressor replacement	$200 - $450
Refrigerant leak repair	$200 - $300
Control board replacement	$80 - $800
Thermostat replacement	$100 - $440

Jul 15 2022

Full Answer

What is the average cost to repair a refrigerator?

When these systems break down due to normal wear and tear, your home warranty will cover most of the repair costs in exchange for a small service fee and a monthly or annual price. Appliance ...

Is a refrigerator worth repairing?

Built-in refrigerators are worth repairing; Side-by-sides should be repaired within a 5-year window and considered for repair after that; Bottom-freezers should be repaired within 7-years and ...

When should I replace my Refrigerator?

Things You Should Know

• Method 1 Method 1 of 3: Replacing Old or Inefficient Refrigerators Download Article. Replace a fridge that would require expensive repairs. ...
• Method 2 Method 2 of 3: Troubleshooting Condensation and Frost Download Article. Replace fridges with interior wall damage. ...
• Method 3 Method 3 of 3: Knowing When to Consult a Pro Download Article. ...

Should you repair or replace that refrigerator?

When to replace:

1. When the freezer side is not cooling properly (0 degrees).
2. When there’s a humming noise coming from the compressor. (This can indicate the compressor is defective.)
3. If the fridge is 15 years or older. Considering energy savings alone, it’s worth upgrading to an energy-efficient model. ...
4. If the repair costs more than half the price of a new fridge.

How much does it cost to fix a refrigerator that is not cooling?

A fridge that won't stay cold is usually suffering from a bad thermostat or a dirty coil. Both of these problems can be fixed in about an hour, and will cost about $50 to $250.

Is it worth it to repair a refrigerator?

Two good rules of thumb to keep in mind are that if repairing your fridge costs less than half the price of buying a new one, it's generally worth making those repairs.

How much does it cost to fix a compressor on a refrigerator?

Depending on the type of fridge, new compressor prices range from $100 to $500. With labor, the cost to replace a compressor is between $250 and $650. A compressor moves refrigerant throughout your fridge, helping regulate the temperature. When a compressor isn't working, your food won't keep cold.

How much does it cost to replace freon in refrigerator?

Estimating Refrigerant Replacement Costs The cost of freon, more commonly known as refrigerant, is $4 to $10 per pound. If there appears to be a problem with the refrigerant, other parts that may need fixing or replacing may cost anywhere from $100 to $400 (not including labor).

Why is my refrigerator running but not cooling?

The most common reason why a refrigerator is not cooling is a problem with the evaporator coils. Over time, evaporator coils can become covered with ice, which prevents the coils from working properly. If the coils are covered in ice, the ice will need to be defrosted to fix the problem.

Why is my refrigerator not cooling?

Clogged coils can cause poor cooling. Check to make sure nothing is stuck in the condenser fan and that it spins freely (models with coils on the back won't have a fan). To do this, unplug the fridge and pull it out. Clean the fan blades and spin the fan by hand to see if it's stuck.

What are the signs of a bad refrigerator compressor?

What Are the Signs of a Bad Refrigerator Compressor?Your Refrigerator is Constantly Running.Your Energy Bill is Rising.It Doesn't Stay Cold.You Hear More Noise than Usual.The Circuit Breaker Trips.You Notice a Burning Smell.Refrigerator Problems? Appliance Repair 512 Can Help.

Is it worth replacing compressor on refrigerator?

Well, if the refrigerator has turned more than 10-15 years, there is no point of investing money on the repairing. A new compressor will cost half of the total cost of a refrigerator. So, basically, you can spend a little more and buy a brand new refrigerator equipped with a new compressor.

How do you know if your fridge compressor is broken?

Your refrigerator compressor is responsible for that humming sound. So, if the sound stops for good, or if the sound goes from faint to a constant or very loud humming noise that does not shut off, it may be a sign the compressor is broken or malfunctioning.

What is average life of a refrigerator?

between 10 and 20 yearsMost refrigerators are designed to last between 10 and 20 years. If you're having any of the other problems on this list and the fridge is over ten years old, you'll probably save more money in the long run by simply replacing it. Otherwise, you could sink money into repairs for a fridge that's already on its way out.

How long does a fridge last?

According to the United States Department of Energy, refrigerators last approximately 12 years. At that point, it's likely time to replace it. Of course, if your refrigerator is not energy-efficient, you may want to consider replacing it before it stops working.

How do I know if my refrigerator needs Freon?

To tell if your refrigerator needs more Freon, simply unplug the refrigerator, turn off the temperature control and place your ear on the side of the unit. A hissing or gurgling sound indicates that Freon is present. However if you hear nothing it's likely that your fridge may be low on Freon.

Keep your home running and your budget on track

Home insurance protects your home, home warranties protect your appliances. Click your state to learn more about home warranty providers.

How Do Refrigerators Work?

Although the look and options with mechanical refrigerators have come a long way since they were invented in 1899, the components and mechanisms at work are much the same as they were more than one century ago: Refrigerators stay cool with the use of evaporative refrigerant chemicals.

Which Professional Can Help With Refrigerator Repairs?

If you are looking for professional help with your refrigerator problem, you may wonder whether you should call an appliance repair specialist or an HVAC technician. The truth is that it depends on the nature of the problem.

What Are Some Common Refrigerator Problems?

When you call a professional to help with a refrigeration system repair, you are paying for both their time and the expense of any parts that are needed for the fix. There is a direct correlation between the ease of the repair and the cost you will pay.

What Are Common Refrigerator Repair Costs?

Depending on what exactly is the issue, refrigerator repair costs will vary. The cost may also increase beyond the national average if your refrigerator is old or an uncommon model because both of these scenarios make it hard to find the correct replacement parts.

Can I DIY Refrigerator Repair?

If you are handy with DIYs and willing to address problems with your refrigerator while avoiding major appliance repair costs, you may be able to get the job done. Some relatively easy and straightforward DIY refrigerator repair projects include cleaning the coils, unclogging the defrost drain and fixing a door gasket.

How much does it cost to fix a refrigerator?

There is a range of costs associated with refrigerator repair. The national average cost to repair a refrigerator is between $200 and $500, with most people paying around $350 for repairing a broken ice maker with one new part.

How much to fix a mini fridge?

Unfortunately, the cost to repair them is often comparable to the cost of a full-sized refrigerator. For small repairs, expect to pay between $50 and $250. You may want to replace the mini fridge for larger repairs because the replacement cost may be less than the repair costs. This includes fixing the condenser, evaporator, coils, and freezer. If the issue is the door seal, thermostat, or dirty coils, these are all easily repaired.

Why is my freezer freezing?

The other alternative is that your door gasket has failed. If this is the case, your freezer will develop ice, making it appear colder. Meanwhile, your fridge is warming up. The costs to repair this issue range from $50 to $250, depending on the problem.

Why is my refrigerator too warm?

It keeps the air circulating over the coil, which keeps it cooling down the liquid as it returns to the compressor. If your fan fails, the evaporator is not as effective. When this happens, you may find that your fridge is too warm.

How to repair a refrigerator?

Additional Considerations and Costs 1 Refrigerator repairs should come with a guarantee. However, not all of them are the same. Make sure you know if yours covers parts, labor, or both. For example, many warranties cover the cost of replacement parts but do not account for labor charges. 2 Knowing as much information as possible helps your technician make an accurate diagnosis. Provide the make, model, type, and context on the problem when placing your service call. 3 Ask your service technician about used or factory-reconditioned parts. Used parts do not normally come with a guarantee. Installing used parts might also void your warranty. 4 Many repairs are covered under a warranty or extended warranty. Some warranties require you to have the work done by a factory-authorized repair shop or the dealer who originally sold you the appliance. 5 A builder’s guarantee or home warranty may cover appliance repair. Check the coverage details if you recently purchased a home and received a homebuyer’s warranty at closing. 6 Some minor problems like condensation, rattling, broken fridge light, or poor water dispensary may have easy DIY solutions, such as emptying the drip pan or replacing the clips ( $5-$10 ), replacing the lightbulb ( $2-$10 ), or changing the filter ( $20-$40 ).

What happens if a refrigerator compressor breaks?

When this breaks, the coolant cannot be circulated, meaning that the fridge will warm up. If the compressor breaks and is not replaced right away, this can lead to spoiled food.

Why does my refrigerator shut down?

This includes the coils, evaporator, and compressor. Sometimes if the sealed system fails, it is because of one piece like the evaporator or compressor . This can start a cascade of problems that can cause the entire system to shut down.

How much does it cost to fix a refrigerator?

Repairing it will cost between $100 and $440.

How much does a repair technician charge?

On average, technicians charge about $45 to $120 per hour, plus a one-time service fee between $150 and $200.

How much does it cost to fix a fuel leak?

The cost to repair a fuel leak is between $200 and $300, whereas the price to replace a compressor is between $200 and $450.

What is compressor in refrigerator?

A compressor is an electric pump located behind your fridge that houses the refrigerant gas. You’ll know it needs to be repaired if your fridge is being uncharacteristically noisy, the light inside isn’t turning on, or if it’s running low on gas (unlike a car, you should never have to refuel your fridge, so this is usually a sign ...

How much does it cost to fix a refrigerator?

So, how much does the labor for fridge repair cost? Labor typically costs $100 to $200 an hour, depending on where you’re located. Some repairs will naturally take longer than others.

How much does it cost to fix a leaking fridge?

Both of these problems can be fixed in about an hour, and will cost about $50 to $250. A leaking fridge is usually a sign of a clogged freezer drain pipe, and could cost a little or a lot to fix, depending on how much ice is clogging the pipe.

How old should a fridge be to be repaired?

As for other styles of fridge, a side-by-side unit should be repaired if it’s less than five years old; a bottom-freezer fridge should be repaired if it’s less than seven years old; and a top-freezer model should be repaired if it’s less than three to six years old.

Can you repair an ice maker that won't shut off?

A frozen hose can be thawed out in warm water, and this could restore function to your ice maker. If your ice is ready and your ice maker still won’t shut off, it could need repairs.

Is it worth fixing a fridge?

If your fridge repair is straightforward and not too expensive, it may be worth it . Some repairs that are generally worthwhile include cleaning a dirty coil, unclogging a drain line, or replacing a faulty thermostat.

How much should I spend to fix a fridge?

Saving money on repairing or replacing a fridge depends on the issue and how costly it is to fix. Spending $100 to $300 or so on a repair isn’t bad (especially when it helps the fridge last for several more years) compared to spending $1,000 to $1,500 on a brand new one.

How much does it cost to maintain a refrigerator?

Refrigerator maintenance costs depend on the type of maintenance needed, but the average service costs $200 to $300. Some technicians might charge an hourly rate ranging from $45 to $120 per hour, plus a one time service fee between $150 and $200.

How to check if refrigerator compressor is working?

The first sign of a faulty compressor is if your refrigerator stops cooling. Here are some easy checks to rule out other issues: 1 Check that the fridge has power — the light should go on when the door opens. 2 Make sure the thermostat is set to your desired temperature. 3 Unplug the fridge, pull it away from the wall and check the coils or fan to make sure there are no blockages.

How much does it cost to fix a dent in a fridge door?

Fixing a dent in your fridge door depends on the size and location of the dent. Smaller dents might cost $100 or less to fix; larger dents or dents that affect how the door closes or seals could run $200 or higher.

Why is freon not in refrigerators?

Freon is a refrigerant that’s not present in most modern fridges because it harms the ozone layer. Similar to “Kleenex,” while Freon is an actual brand it’s often used interchangeably for refrigerants as a whole. Unlike putting gas in a car, you shouldn’t have to add Freon to your fridge.

How to fix a fridge that is not cooling?

Make sure the thermostat is set to your desired temperature. Unplug the fridge, pull it away from the wall and check the coils or fan to make sure there are no blockages. If everything looks good and your fridge still isn’t cooling, call an appliance technician near you to figure out the problem.

Why is my refrigerator not cooling?

Sometimes the reason a fridge isn’t working is simply because it’s not properly plugged in ! Return to Top. Help us improve this article.

Do you pay by the hour for parts and labor?

Depending on the company, they may price by the hour, charge you for parts and labor, and others will only charge you a flat rate for everything. If you’re unsure of how their rates work, don’t be afraid to ask the technician before they get started on the job.

Is it safe to use a refrigerator when something goes wrong?

So when something goes wrong with your refrigerator, it’s safe to assume you’ll pay whatever it takes to get your kitchen up and running again.

How to know if it is worth it to repair a refrigerator?

The best way to know if it is worth it to repair your fridge is to calculate how much money you’ve had to spend on the fridge including any prior repairs or part replacements. If you have spent a ton of money on your refrigerator or freezer before now then it is not advisable to repair it again.

How long does a refrigerator last?

The lifespan of most standard refrigerators is between 10 years to 18 years. And on average, the life expectancy of a standard refrigerator is about 14 years. Compact refrigerators, on the other hand, have a shorter lifespan which is usually between 4 to 12 years with a life expectancy of about 8 years. However, in both cases, how well the ...

How to tell if refrigerator compressor is bad?

Here are a few signs that your refrigerator compressor is bad: 1 The fan in the refrigerator compressor stops. 2 The compressor stops frequently. 3 The refrigerator temperature is higher than the set temperature. 4 The refrigerator is not cool enough. 5 The compressor suddenly becomes noisy.

Why is my refrigerator not cooling?

A refrigerator that is not cooling most likely has a dirty coil or a bad thermostat. It will cost you about 50 to 200 dollars to fix these two problems if you have a faulty thermostat or dirty condenser coils.

What is labor cost?

Labor Costs. The actual cost of repairing the unit is another cost to consider. This is known as workmanship. Some repairs are straightforward and quick, while some require extra time, concentration and caution, especially for delicate parts of the appliance. Labor costs are usually charged on a per-hour basis.

Is it bad to repair a refrigerator?

While carrying out a repair may be inconvenient and costly, it is not as bad as dealing with an inefficient appliance. This is because an inefficient appliance will give you issues and may be risky for your food and drinks. Now, there’s a varying number of reasons why your refrigerator may require a repair.

Can a refrigerator compressor be damaged by a surge?

A high voltage surge, on the other hand, creates excess heat that can damage the refrigerator’s control board. Good enough , a damaged refrigerator control board can be replaced easily and at a little cost. It, however, because more serious if the refrigerator compressor gets damaged by a power surge.

How much does it cost to replace a refrigerator compressor?

The cost of replacing a refrigerator compressor varies from about $100 to $550. Here are some factors that affect how much it can cost you to replace your refrigerator compressor: The type of compressor. The compressor you decide to purchase may either be new or reconditioned.

What happens if your refrigerator compressor is damaged?

This cycle repeats itself all the time to keep your refrigerator cold. All that being said, a damaged compressor means your refrigerator would stop functioning.

How to ensure a new refrigerator compressor fits?

To ensure that the new compressor fits your refrigerator, purchase a compressor of the same model as the old one. Because compressors are not so cheap, you may discover that the price is higher than that of a new refrigerator. In such a case, you may just want to get a new refrigerator. Connect the capacitor.

How does a refrigerator compressor work?

When the refrigerant leaves the evaporator as a liquid, the compressor draws the cold air in. In the compressor, this liquid is compressed under pressure. Then, it is released as hot compressed gas through the coils at the back of the refrigerator. The coils let out heat to the surrounding.

What is compressor in refrigeration?

A compressor is both a pump and a motor that plays a great role in the refrigeration cycle. It is the compressor that moves the refrigerant through this cycle. When the internal temperature of the refrigerator rises above a particular point, temperature sensors start working.

What is the coil in a refrigerator?

These coils are known as the evaporator coils and provide the air that cools your refrigerator and freezer. As the liquid moves through the evaporator coils, it draws heat from the freezer and refrigerator. Afterward, the liquid moves back to the compressor.

Why does my refrigerator compressor keep failing?

Your refrigerator compressor could also be contaminated with dust, dirt, or debris that will prevent it from functioning properly.