Know the life you’re able to expect from your refrigerator and what you’re able to do to unfold it .
Similar to otherlarge household convenience , the lifespan of a fridge is expected to be well over a decade . Exactly how long it lasts depends on how it ’s used and maintained . Time , wear and tear , and part nonstarter can make replacing a icebox urgent .
bang how long a fridge typically lasts let householder be intimate when a fixture is ( or is n’t ) worth it and when to budget for a replacement . We called on experts to share how long fridges usually last and signs that it ’s time to get a new one .
Credit:Kimberly Gavin
The Average Lifespan of a Fridge
“ refrigerator are build up to last , and the pauperization toreplace a refrigeratorvaries with how the product is being used and deal for over time , ” says Rebecca Cottrell of BSH Home Appliances . The average lifespan for refrigerator ranges from 10 to 14 years , she says .
Kimberly Gavin
Different fridge type have slenderly different lifespans . harmonise to the U.S. Department of Energy , the average lifetime for a received refrigerator is 12 years . Aside - by - side refrigeratorusually lasts just over 11 years , says Chris Doscher from the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers .
“ It is hard to gauge a timeline for electric refrigerator longevity from French door vs. top / bottom deep-freeze , as there should be footling to no dispute in how long they work in a home , ” Cottrell say . little , morecompact refrigeratorshave a light life-time of four to 12 eld , with the average live around eight years .
The tone , brand name , and maintenance of the electric refrigerator can determine how long it will last .
Signs a Fridge Should Be Replaced
“ Refrigerators are built to last , and the need to supersede a icebox varies with how the product is being used and cared for over clock time , ” Cottrell says . “ Regular cleaning and military service can put up to a refrigerator ’s life . ”
Several telling sign suggest it ’s the righttime to supervene upon your fridge .
Spoiled Food
“ Iffood is spoiling , it may be meter to have your refrigerator serviced , ” Cottrell says . give attention to where food spoils and how frequently . It could mean only a localized motor , drawer , or part take to be replaced .
Water Leaks
If the fridge or attached Deepfreeze temperature drop without warn , you’ll in all probability see leaksor puddles form under or behind the appliance . If there are frequent breakdowns like this , it may be more cost - effective to replace the refrigerator with a newer , more energy - efficient model .
Age
Age is a good index number that a electric refrigerator is coming to the end of its life sentence . Around the 10 - class mark , keep an eye on the fridge to see if it start to break down , overproduce condensation , let out excessive heat , or systematically address fixed solid food in thick layers of icing . Any combination of these augury indicates it may be clip to supersede the electric refrigerator .
Noise
Too much noise or none at all are signaling it ’s time for a icebox replacement .
Skyrocketing Energy Bills
Suddenincreases in your electric billsmight sign the fridge is working harder than it should to maintain its nerveless temperature . It could be time for amore zip - efficient model .
How to Help Your Fridge Last Longer
Proper maintenance and care for a fridge can maximize its lifespan . “ It is important to acquaint yourself with your icebox ’s use - and - care manual , ” Doscher says . “ The manual of arms will contain entropy on sustainment and cleaning that is specific to your refrigerator . ”
In addition , Cottrell says to regularly clean out the electric refrigerator and get to out to a service supplier sooner rather than afterward if you remark a service job .
Waiting too long to fix a modest problem can create even grown problems , like moulder flooring under the fridge , wet spot in the walls or adjoining cabinets , and foul odors throughout the family .
Toclean the icebox , pass over down the interior and pull out any removable drawers . wash off both with warm , buttery water supply . “ A just fourth dimension to clean is before you go grocery shopping when your icebox is n’t full , ” Doscher state . fair and disinfect the refrigerator doorway handle weekly , especially during inhuman and flu season , he add up .
Doscher indicate unplugging your icebox and removing detritus from the icebox coils at least every six months . He also says to learn the water transmission line to the fridge to ensure it does n’t have any kinks that impede water flow .
These tips , tricks , and hack writer can insure that your refrigerator hold out many years .
Frequently Asked Questions
Determining whether to repair or supercede an elderly icebox depend on a few factors . If the stamping ground cost is more than half of what it cost to buy a fresh refrigerator , repairs may not make economical sense . Some types of icebox can be more hard and be more to repair than others . If your refrigerator is still under warrant , that may overlay some hangout expenses .
Common repairs include wrong or inconsistent temperature , internal wet , and problem with the water and frappe dispenser .
Before calling a haunt service , check the refrigerator ’s plug and wiring to check that nothing is damage or escaped . ensure the sales outlet is work , and check the racing circuit surf to ensure it has n’t stumble .
Shopping for Appliances and Electronics . U.S. Department of Energy .
