Cost of Refrigerator Repair

Average Cost

• The cost of repairing a refrigerator varies depending on where you live and what kind of repair is required. The national aveage cost to repair a refrigerator was between $203.01 and $266.19 at the time of publication, according to Homewyse. This figure includes the repairman’s transportation costs, tools and equipment, and labor. The cost does not include replacement or modifications to existing electrical, plumbing or HVAC systems. Costs are generally higher in high-income areas.

Before You Call

• Before calling a repairman or even considering replacing the refrigerator, check to see what the problem is. It may be something simple, such as a light bulb replacement or door gasket adjustment. You don’t have to be particularly handy to make these repairs. Ask someone with experience to help if you’re not sure how to fix the problem. This will save you money and requires minimal effort.

When To Repair

• Before deciding whether or not to repair a refrigerator, consider some important factors. Find out if your refrigerator is still under warranty; if it is, you may be entitled to a free replacement. Most refrigerators have a life expectancy of 15 to 19 years, according to Digital Federal Credit Union. If the cost of the repair is going to be less than 50 percent of the cost of a new appliance, repair is recommended. The average cost of a new refrigerator at the time of publication is around $1,200, according to RefrigeratorPro. Also consider the cost of installing a new refrigerator and disposing of the old one.

When to Replace

• Replacing your fridge may be the best option in certain cases. Replace the refrigerator if the cost of the repair is going to be more than 50 percent of the value of a new appliance. Also consider the energy efficiency of your current appliance versus a newer model; this can have a huge effect on your energy bill and your carbon footprint. You should also buy a new refrigerator if the replacement parts are especially hard to find, as the case may be with older models or foreign-made appliances.