According to the twenty-third annual report of the U.S. appliance industry. In the U.S., standard refrigerators typically last 10 to 18 years, with an average life expectancy of 14 years. The lifespan of compact refrigerators is even shorter, ranging from 4 to 12 years, with an average life expectancy of 8 years.
Most refrigerators are designed to last 10 to 20 years. If you have any of the other problems on this list and your refrigerator is more than ten years old, you're likely to save more money in the long run simply by replacing it. Otherwise, you could invest money in repairing a refrigerator that is already about to run out. When it comes to kitchen appliances, there's arguably none more important than your trusted refrigerator. After all, it's responsible for keeping your favorite foods fresh and safe from spoiling. But if your fridge breaks down and you're not ready, it can mean a huge headache.
Here's how long a refrigerator lasts and what you can do to make it last longer. The average lifespan of a refrigerator is 12 years, according to the U.S. UU. However, this number varies depending on the type you buy and the maintenance of the appliance.
In reality, a faulty refrigerator could break down in a matter of months, while an appliance in good condition could last up to 20 years. Take care of your refrigerator and freezer to extend its lifespan and save money in the future. If your refrigerator is running low, there's a good chance you know that something is going on. But here are some telltale signs that it might be time to call a technician.
Whether your freezer doesn't keep food frozen or your tomatoes are rotting faster than usual, this is a serious problem that needs to be addressed. Spoiled food creates a health problem (and a waste problem) that you'll want to correct. Basically, if food isn't staying fresh, your refrigerator isn't doing its job and it's time to call in the experts. If you notice more condensation than usual on the outside of the refrigerator, it's probably due to a problem with the seal or gasket.
If the insulation around the refrigerator door doesn't help keep things cool, it may be time to talk to a professional. While it's not unusual for a refrigerator to feel a little warm from time to time, a hot appliance is a cause for some concern. If the refrigerator is much hotter than normal (or almost hurts to the touch), it's a sign that the appliance is working harder than usual. A noisy motor can cause the machine to run harder (or more often) than normal. On the other hand, a completely silent refrigerator may not work to cool food at all.
Both are worth taking a look at with a professional. If you notice problems with your refrigerator, be sure to fix some issues before calling a technician. It seems obvious, but it can be easy to accidentally change temperature settings when you move food to one side to another. Make sure the temperature settings are correct before assuming the worst for your refrigerator.
Make sure that the refrigerator vents are clear and can effectively circulate air. Sometimes, the problem can be as simple as a clogged ventilation hole. The refrigerator must be at an appropriate distance from the walls so that the heat can ventilate properly. If there is no room for the device to breathe, be sure to correct it and check if the problems resolve themselves. While most kitchen refrigerators will eventually need to be replaced, there are some maintenance tips to keep them running for as long as possible.
The coils on the back of the refrigerator help remove heat from the appliance. If the condenser coils are full of dirt, they will not be able to operate with the same effectiveness. You should clean the condenser coils once or twice a year to help keep your refrigerator running at its maximum capacity. The door seal is the rubber that surrounds the refrigerator entrance.
Over time, this seal (also called a gasket) can crack or deform. It is important to check the rubber insulator from time to time to ensure that the seal is in place and works effectively. Look for loose, deformed, cracked, or anything that suggests that the joint is worn out. Like your refrigerator, your water filter wasn't designed to last forever.
Change the filter approximately twice a year to ensure that you drink clean, uncontaminated water. Do you think that less food means less work for your refrigerator? Think again. An empty appliance means plenty of empty space to keep you cool. While you should never pack your refrigerator to the extreme, storing even a few gallons of water in a nearly empty refrigerator will help make things easier. Why? Because fresh items will help cool surrounding items, just like packing a cooler for the beach.
While DIY is a viable option for many household projects, when it comes to the refrigerator, it's often best to ask a professional for help. They can help to accurately diagnose any problem with your appliance and resolve it quickly, so you can enjoy safe meals without spoiling. Samantha is an editor who covers all home-related topics, including home improvements and repairs. He edited home repair and design content on websites such as The Spruce and HomeAdvisor. He has also presented videos on DIY home tips and solutions and has created several home improvement review boards staffed by licensed professionals.
Jacob is the founder of Nail It Handyman, a leading maintenance personnel company in the tri-state area. With many years of experience in the construction industry, he revolutionized the small maintenance personnel industry. In his spare time, Jacob helps other small business owners with business and marketing systems. Estimates vary in terms of how long refrigerators last; some sources say they are 10 years, while others say they can last up to 25 years.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, refrigerators last approximately 12 years. At that point, it's probably time to replace it. Of course, if your refrigerator isn't energy efficient, you might want to consider replacing it before it stops working.
On average, you can expect a traditional refrigerator with a bottom or top freezer to last about 12 years before you need to install a replacement one. According to a Consumer Reports survey, you might get a little less mileage with a fridge with French doors, but it really depends on the brand. The HWA home warranty protects your budget and peace of mind against unexpected expenses resulting from inevitable home repairs. That said, if your refrigerator needs repairs and is nearing the end of its expected lifespan, you should probably consider replacing it.
According to a study conducted by researchers at Cornell University, these new units consume less energy on average than older models, meaning that the investment in a new refrigerator could be offset each month by reduced utility bills and the possibility of keeping food longer than before. Yesterday I went to an appliance store and the seller said he didn't expect any refrigerator to last more than five years at most. If your refrigerator is already nearing the end of its lifespan, you may want to rule out any possible repairs and opt for a replacement.
