What Is The Service Life Of A Frigidaire Freezer

Solved! This is How Long Refrigerators Last

This vital kitchen appliance may hang in in that location longer than you think, just information technology won't be around forever. Learn how to extend its life—and find out when information technology'south time to buy a new one.

how long do refrigerators last

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Q: My 9-year-onetime fridge is on the fritz, but information technology seems premature to supervene upon it if it's still functioning. How long do refrigerators last ? How much longer should I wait before buying a new one?

A: Given that a new fridge is not an cheap or small buy, it's wise to exist conscientious when deciding if information technology'due south time to supersede a refrigerator. A new one tin can set you back betwixt $350 and $12,000, according to The Home Depot's electric current available selections. HomeAdvisor estimates that installation costs for h2o supply lines and built-in models tin add together $70 to $iii,900 to the cost, respectively, so it's understandable to want to extend the fridge'southward lifespan as long as possible.

Even so, with the current fragility of the supply chain, it'due south important to program ahead for new appliances. While we used to be able to order a new kitchen appliance and expect delivery within days, the timing may at present be months. Then if your refrigerator is showing any obvious signs of impending failure, information technology's important to kickoff thinking about replacing information technology.

Consult a pro

Get free, no-commitment repair estimates from licensed appliance technicians near you lot.

How long does a refrigerator final?

The typical life expectancy of a refrigerator is 10 to 15 years, and the average fridge with a freezer on the bottom or top can reliably run for about 13 years. Even so, the refrigerator's lifespan varies by the model, so don't rely on its historic period solitary to determine if you're set up for a new one.

Instead, rely on the working condition of your fridge every bit a gauge. Its individual components begin to deteriorate, increasing the risk of malfunctions from pesky noises to excessive frost build-up in the freezer. Your fridge also can start to lose cooling efficiency and crusade your utility bills to spike.

Below are some signs that your fridge is impractical or impossible to fix and may warrant a replacement.

RELATED: The All-time Refrigerators for Your Home

Know the signs that it's fourth dimension for a refrigerator replacement.

The rear outside surface of your fridge is generating an excessive amount of rut.
Nutrient spoils prematurely fifty-fifty when you correctly set the temperature adjustment control to a food-rubber setting of 40 degrees Fahrenheit or less.
You lot frequently see condensation inside of the fridge, but the refrigerator door gaskets are in skillful condition.
The refrigerator buzzes loudly even later unplugging and plugging it back in.
Your fridge is completely silent when information technology'south plugged in (a gentle hum is expected), only there's no evidence on the electrical panel to suggest that the circuit breaker for the refrigerator flipped.
You frequently notice that the frozen foods you call back from the freezer are regularly covered by a thick layer of frost.
Your utility bills are mysteriously shooting up despite making no changes in your apparatus usage. If this is the case, an energy-usage monitor plugged in between the refrigerator and the refrigerator outlet will betoken that the fridge is drawing more wattage than information technology has in the by. It might be time for a more energy-efficient model.

RELATED: Solved! This is How Long Each of Your Major Appliances Should Terminal

how long do refrigerators last

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Get the most out of your refrigerator warranty.

While there are variations on warranties for refrigerators, virtually warranties for fridges just comprehend the first twelvemonth of employ, and specifically encompass defects in the materials and can include parts and labor. Equally it's hard to know whether the model you are purchasing is a good refrigerator that is defect-free, it's important to keep that warranty handy if anything happens. Plus, to get the most out of the warranty, make certain to appraise all of the refrigerator's functions before that warranty runs out.

When considering upgrading a warranty, retrieve virtually how much the warranty will price versus the cost of that fridge. For high-end hi-tech appliances, it often makes sense to have a robust warranty, as in that location are many more parts that could become amiss. According to Home Advisor, the average cost to repair a typical refrigerator is about $200 to $330, but the cost for repairing a loftier-end model could exist $1,000 or more.

Regular maintenance helps extend the boilerplate lifespan of a refrigerator.

While information technology's possible to repair some refrigerators, the average cost of repair can be as much the average cost of refrigerator replacement, if non more than. Fortunately, by troubleshooting fixable problems and regularly maintaining your fridge, yous should be able to extend its lifetime.

Clean the coils.

Condenser coils, which are the metal tubes found on the fridge exterior at the base of operations or backside your refrigerator, help liquefy vaporized refrigerant from the unit of measurement'due south compressor in order to release hot air from inside the fridge out into the kitchen. Grit and dirt trapped inside these coils prevent the efficient escape of estrus, which can crusade your fridge to constantly cycle on and off and somewhen stop running completely.

Clean the coils in one case or twice a year to aid make quondam fridges terminal longer. First, unplug the fridge, and then access the condenser coils behind the snap-on toe kick plate at the base, or pull the unit of measurement abroad from the wall if the coils are behind it. Vacuum dust on the coils with a dust brush attachment, then work a condenser scroll brush like the Vanitek Condenser Coil Brush along and between the coils to eliminate clay.

Lubricate the door gaskets.

The rubber insulation around the edges of the refrigerator door interiors seals in cold air and shuts out hot air. Over time, these gaskets tin can become misshapen, form cracks, tear, or loosen from the door. If this happens, cold air can leak out of the fridge and hot air can enter, increasing interior moisture. This tin also cause ice dams to form in the fridge and freezer. These obstructions reduce storage space and hinder heat exchange between the unit and surrounding air, making it less efficient.

Lubricate the door gaskets by applying a thin movie of petroleum jelly to the outer edges. This will maintain their elasticity and protect the integrity of the seal.

RELATED: Solved! When to Worry Nigh Refrigerator Noises

Clear the vents.

The vents located on the side walls of your fridge and on the roof of your freezer assist in air apportionment in the unit. When obstructed by food, vents work inefficiently, causing moisture or frost build-up and uneven cooling.

To keep the vents clear, move any foodstuffs placed straight in front of the vents and ensure that whatever twist ties from frozen food bags or crumbs from exposed foods similar cakes do not encroach on vent openings.

Perform timely troubleshooting to extend the life of a fridge.

how long do refrigerators last

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Resolve small-scale refrigerator malfunctions every bit they arise to go on them from progressing into more than severe problems. Below are easy fixes for common fridge troubles.

Is there a pool of water on the floor?

If you run into a puddle of h2o on the floor beneath the refrigerator, the water supply line to the water ice maker or h2o dispenser may be compromised.

To prepare the water line, unplug the fridge and close the h2o supply close-off valve in the basement or nether a sink nigh the fridge. Replace the plastic supply line connected to the valve if it is cracked or visibly leaking water.

Do yous hear an unusual audio?

If your fridge makes grinding or scraping sounds, the fan that cools the condenser coils may be to blame. Unplug the fridge and access the fan in the same compartment as the condenser coil at the base. Supplant worn or cleaved fan blades.

how long do refrigerators last

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Did the water ice maker stop working?

If your ice maker fails to produce water ice, the fill up tube behind the water ice maker may be clogged. Defrost the fill up tube past bravado hot air from a pilus dryer to restore it to working order. Brand sure everything is dry out and clear before attempting to make ice again, as any water tin can freeze and clog the tube.

Is there a mysterious spill inside the refrigerator?

If y'all spot a spill in your fridge that's not from a beverage or food, the drain tube might be stopped upwards and conveying excess moisture into the unit instead of the drain pan at the base.

Locate the drain plug on the back wall of the chief fridge compartment, moving whatsoever foods blocking information technology to some other shelf or out of the fridge temporarily. Then fill a turkey baster or a meat injector (a syringe used to infuse the meat with flavoring) with a 50-50 solution of bleach and warm water and flush out the plug (it may require several applications). When you're finished, dispose of the dirty liquid that settled in the drain pan at the base of operations of the fridge.

How do you get rid of an old refrigerator?

Fridges shouldn't be put on the curb with the rest of your garbage on trash day as they contain recyclable components likewise as chemicals that tin impairment the environment. Here are a few ways to correctly dispose of an onetime fridge.

Ask the dealer for your new refrigerator whether they can remove the quondam one upon delivery and installation; many routinely perform this service.
If the appliance dealer won't remove the old unit, contact your metropolis government to discover out if old fridges are accepted through its program. If your metropolis recycling doesn't have refrigerators, ask a local recycling agency (observe a list at the EPA'south Responsible Apparatus Disposal plan webpage).
If recycling isn't an option, inquire with your city's residential trash department nearly whether they accept bulky waste matter such as refrigerators. Depending on where you live, you may have to pay a fee (usually under $50) for this service.
Schedule a date with your city or other local recycling agency for refrigerator pick-up. Follow any recommendations for preparing your fridge for collection. You may demand to detach the doors by removing the bolts from the top of the unit. Send the fridge outdoors on a dolly and position it far away from gas meters, fences, and other nearby structures.
Alternatively, if your metropolis has DIY disposal sites for recyclable collection, tie the refrigerator to a truck bed with rope, drive information technology to the disposal site, and unload it every bit instructed by the attendants.

Final Thoughts

There are many ways to extend the life of a refrigerator. Properly maintaining the apparatus through regular cleaning, and investigating any issues as soon as they are spotted tin can help. However, if you lot have been wondering, "How long practise refrigerators terminal?" information technology may already be time to start looking for a new one.

FAQs Near Fridge Lifespan

how long do refrigerators last

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A refrigerator has go an essential part of a modern home, and without a functioning fridge, it can be extremely tough to prepare and store food properly at home. While we've shared details about maintaining and troubleshooting fridges higher up, here are some answers to popular questions about fridge lifespan.

Q: How long should a refrigerator last?

Refrigerators tin can last about 10 to fifteen years, but the lifespan of each refrigerator depends on the exact model and how it has been maintained.

Q: When is the best time to purchase a refrigerator?

The all-time time to buy a refrigerator is earlier the current one stops working. Review the signs of when a refrigerator may be failing (above), and program to order one before you need it. With the current supply chain issues, information technology may exist months before the model you desire is available. If you are just wanting to upgrade your model, there are usually appliance sales during national holidays.

Q: Which refrigerators last the longest?

Historically, fridges with freezers on acme or bottom tend to terminal the longest, and those from well-known refrigerator brands like Whirlpool and LG tend to top lists for most reliable. The fewer parts that can fail translates into a model that could potentially concluding longer and cost less to repair.

Consult a pro

Get free, no-commitment repair estimates from licensed apparatus technicians near yous.