Should I Repair or Replace My Refrigerator?

Short answerCompare the refrigerator's age with its average life. Sources put it at about 13 to 14 years, so, as our rule of thumb, a younger machine with one failed part favors repair, and an older one with repeat problems or a costly repair favors replacing it. Our repair estimate is on this page.

What this costs

Our national estimates, not quotes.
Option	Job	Low	High
Repair	Appliance Repair	$90	$460

Our rule of thumb

No source sets these age bands. This is our own rule of thumb, derived from the lifespan figures in NAHB's 2007 study and from the Department of Energy, which put average life at about 13 to 14 years.

Younger than the low end of that range, with one problem: lean toward repair.
Inside the range, with a minor problem: it could go either way, so get an estimate first.
At or past the high end, or with repeat problems: lean toward replacement.

Energy use can tip the decision

ENERGY STAR says an old refrigerator uses about twice as much energy as a new ENERGY STAR model. The Department of Energy's Energy Saver Guide says replacing one that's more than 10 years old could save money every year. ENERGY STAR's calculator at energystar.gov/refrigerator/calculator can estimate your savings.

Run the numbers

Our repair estimate is on this page. Get a quote for a replacement and compare the two.

Refrigerator Not Cooling? What to Check First

Common questions

Should I fix a 10-year-old refrigerator?

A single inexpensive part may be worth fixing, since the average life is 13 to 14 years. But check the energy savings too, since the Energy Saver Guide flags models more than 10 years old.

Should I keep the old one as a second fridge?

ENERGY STAR's 2019 fact sheet says a second refrigerator in a basement or garage could waste about $125 per year, and that rebates for recycling may be available.