How Long Does a Refrigerator Last?

Is your refrigerator acting up? Perhaps it doesn’t seem to stay consistently cold anymore or it runs louder than it used to and it’s got you wondering if your fridge may need to be replaced soon. About long does a refrigerator last?

Of course the average lifespan of a refrigerator varies from brand to brand and a variety of factors can affect it. If you’re wondering if your fridge may be on its last legs, consider the following information about repair, maintenance, and life expectancy.

Lifespan of the Average Refrigerator

Your fridge is one of the most important, most often visited appliances in your home. It keeps your food fresh and your drinks icy cold (when it’s working). You rely on it multiple times during the day and maybe even during the night. It’s your trusty companion.

Until that most unfortunate moment when you open it and it doesn’t feel cold. Or you’re not greeted by the bright light as you open the door. Suddenly, it seems eerily quiet in the kitchen as you realize that something is wrong with the refrigerator.

You start to ask yourself, how old is this fridge? When did we get it? Was it in the house when we moved here? How long does a refrigerator last? And maybe you’re not sure how old it is.

The average lifespan of a refrigerator is about 10-20 years. That’s quite a wide range, because there are so many factors at play.

Factors That Affect the Life Expectancy of a Refrigerator

What makes the biggest difference in how long your fridge may last? What can you do to get the most years possible out of your fridge?

  • Installation. The first step is to ensure proper installation. Your fridge needs to have at least an inch of space between the walls, cabinets, and any other surface. Refrigerators must be fully ventilated to operate efficiently. It is also important that your refrigerator is level. If it leans forward or to one side or the other the door could fail to seal properly, making your fridge work less efficiently and causing earlier wear and tear. Most fridges have adjustable feet so that they can be leveled out effectively. If you have your refrigerator delivered by an appliance store, they should install it properly. 
  • Maintenance. There are some basic maintenance steps you can take to ensure your refrigerator is working properly. Clean dust and debris from the front vent, all around the sides, and even underneath. When dust and dirt gather on the mechanical parts of your fridge it can impede efficiency, making it work harder and wear out faster.
  • Brand. Some manufacturers of refrigerators simply last longer than others. Do your research and find out which brands last longer and require the least amount of repairs. Most appliance repair companies are willing to make recommendations based on their own experience out in the field repairing refrigerators of all makes and models.
  • Type. Standard refrigerators last longer than compact refrigerators, which have a life expectancy of closer to 8 years.

How to Know When Your Refrigerator Needs to be Replaced

The best way to find out if your refrigerator needs to be replaced is to have it evaluated by an appliance repair service. If your fridge is showing signs of a problem, whether it fails to keep a consistent temperature or your frostless freezer is developing frost, you should have it checked out. Dismissing the problem could cause it to quit working altogether, and then you’re risking food spoilage while you wait for repairs.

America’s Appliance Repair May Help You Get More Years Out of Your Refrigerator

If you’re having problems with your fridge and you’re worried it may be done for, have America’s Appliance Repair check it out. It’s possible that it simply needs a little cleaning and maintenance or a new part to run as good as new. Our technicians have years of experience repairing refrigerators of all makes and models. If it can be repaired, we will be glad to do it. If it can’t, we’ll be honest and upfront about it so that you can replace it.
Call (800) 639-9340 or request a free quote today. We provide reliable, affordable refrigerator repair in Austin, TX.