how much to repair refrigerator

Refrigerator Repair Cost Breakdown

• Compressor: $200–$450
• Control board: $80–$800
• Thermostat: $100–$440
• Defrost motor: $100–$440
• Coils: $100–$440
• Door seal: $50–$440
• Drip pan: $50–$440
• Ice maker: $60–$330

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.

Is it cheaper to repair or replace a refrigerator?

Typically, most refrigerator repairs will cost less than buying a new one. The rule of thumb is that if the cost of repairs is more than half the cost of purchasing a new refrigerator, you may be better off replacing it.

How much does it cost to fix a fridge not cooling?

This is not always the case but it also is not that uncommon. If and when a fridge compressor fails the pricing can be between $500 to even $1000 to fix, the same goes for if the refrigerator's seal system fails (the coolant circulation).

How much does it cost to repair a refrigerator compressor?

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 many years should a refrigerator last?

Most 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.

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.

What would cause a refrigerator to stop getting cold?

Dirty condenser coils – Over time, the condenser coils can collect dirt, dust, and hair which hinder the coils' ability to dissipate the heat from the refrigerant passing through the coils. This can cause the refrigerator to stop cooling.

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 fixing a refrigerator compressor?

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 I know if my compressor is bad on my refrigerator?

You'll know that your compressor is bad when it starts making abnormal noises, the compressor overheats or not providing proper cooling, or when the fridge compressor clicks on and off too frequently.

Which refrigerators have the most problems?

According to service professionals and consumer reviews, LG, Samsung, and Frigidaire are the least reliable refrigerator brands.

What to do if fridge stops working?

Cooler. The first thing you should do when a refrigerator stops running is find every cooler you have in the home. Load the coolers with ice, ice packs, or even those old frozen bags of peas to keep your perishable foods cool. (Throw away those frozen peas afterward, if they thaw.)

How long does a compressor last on a refrigerator?

Although plans for a replacement should start around eight years of service, a well-maintained compressor can reach to ten years and beyond. As it ages, efficiency loss is gradual at first.

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 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.

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 does it cost to fix a fridge?

A repairperson who visits your home may charge a service fee. This can be anywhere from $50 to $100 or more.

Is it expensive to repair a refrigerator?

Refrigerator repair is expensive, but the good news is you can use warranties to your advantage to protect yourself from such high costs. You can consider a refrigerator extended warranty to maintain coverage even when the original manufacturer’s warranty expires. You can also purchase a more comprehensive home warranty to cover your refrigerator and other appliances in your home.

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.

Other considerations and costs

If you have a refrigerator that is more than 15 years old, it is often better to have it replaced rather than continue to repair it.

DIY considerations

Making major repairs to a refrigerator is not typically a DIY project. It takes knowledge of how the systems work to ensure that they are fixed properly. Those without experience will often do more harm than good.