How Long Does a Refrigerator Last on Average?

How long does a refrigerator last?

If you’re asking yourself that question, there’s probably something not-quite-right happening to your fridge. But how do you know whether that problem calls for a repair or a full-on replacement?

We’ve put together this guide to help you find out, so make sure you keep reading below!

Breaking Down the Lifespan of Your Fridge

It’s difficult to pin down an exact number for the lifespan of your fridge. It all depends on what type of fridge you have, how big it is, the model, etc. That said, most refrigerators last about 15 years (if you maintain it well, you may even be able to get 20 years out of it).

But again, this is just a rough estimate. You may find yourself needing to replace your fridge much sooner, especially if you don’t take care of it.

How to Make Your Fridge Last Longer

Refrigerators aren’t cheap, so to get your money’s worth out of it, you’ll want to make it last as long as possible. And there are a few simple ways to do this.

Give It Enough Space

Your fridge needs proper air circulation to keep the inside at the right temperature. If you crowd your fridge against the walls or pile a lot of heavy items on top, it won’t get the ventilation is needs. This can lead to the motor overheating, breakdowns, and other issues.

Make sure you leave several inches of space on all sides of your fridge (including the top). If your kitchen can’t give your fridge this space, you made need a slightly smaller size.

Keep it Clean

Over time, the fridge coils and vents can become caked with dust, dirt, and other grime. When this happens, your fridge has to work harder to keep running, which will make it burn through more energy. Not only will this make your energy bill go up, but it will also shorter the lifespan of your fridge.

Make sure you clean all the nooks and crannies of your fridge at least twice a year to ensure it doesn’t work too hard and that it stays energy-efficient.

Repair Any Problems as Soon as Possible

Do you think something’s wrong with your fridge?

If you see any leaks or hear any loud, strange sounds coming from the fridge, you should call a professional repair technician right away. They’ll be able to find the issue, replace refrigerator parts that are broken, and get it working again before the repair turns into a major and expensive problem.

This maintenance will keep your fridge in good condition, which will allow it to keep working for much longer.

Signs You Need to Replace Your Fridge

No matter how much maintenance work you do, at some point, there’s just no saving an old fridge. If you notice any of these signs, it might be too late to call a professional. Buying a new fridge may be your best bet when this happens.

It’s Getting Old

If your fridge has reached the 10 to 15-year mark, spending money on repairs may not be worth the cost anymore. At this point, the repairs will be expensive, and they may only give your fridge another year (or maybe even less time) of life.

Get a quote for the repairs and compare it to how much you would spend on a new fridge. If the cost is roughly a third of what you would pay for a new fridge, you should go ahead and start shopping.

You also shouldn’t make repairs (even if they’re cheap) if they won’t make your fridge last longer than a year. Otherwise, you’ll end up spending more money in the long run.

The Inside Won’t Stop Sweating

Is the inside of your fridge constantly covered in a layer of condensation?

This means there’s a problem with your temperature setting (it’s not running the way it should be) or the sealing around the door. In some cases, you may be able to repair these problems and keep using your fridge, but if the fixes are bad enough, buying a new fridge may be a better use of your money.

Your Food Spoils Too Fast

If your food keeps spoiling long before it should, your fridge might not be at the right temperature.

Try adjusting the setting first. If that doesn’t change anything, there’s something wrong with the cooling system. This doesn’t just make you waste money on food you can’t eat in time, but it also means your fridge is sucking up way too much energy (which means you’ll pay more on your energy bill).

There’s a good chance you’ll have to replace your fridge at this point.

The Fridge Feels Hot

While the inside of your fridge might be cool, try sticking your hand around to the back. The back of most fridges often feel warm (this isn’t unusual), but it shouldn’t feel hot. If it does, there’s something causing the motor to work too hard.

You may have to buy a new fridge to fix the problem, especially if it’s already on the older side.