When looking to buy or exchange a refrigerator, the first thing you think of when looking to buy a refrigerator is How Long Does A Refrigerator Last. How long has the energy-efficient refrigerator been in use? This is a difficult question to answer because a lot of what you do with the fridge freezer will affect its life expectancy.
Publican Anker draws on real-life experience to identify the problems that can cause your current fridge freezer to fail. To avoid these cases, read the article.
How Long Does A Refrigerator Last?
Refrigerators have a much longer lifespan than other homes quietest appliances. According to the National Association of Home Builders, the average refrigerator lasts 13 years. This is longer than freezers and dishwashers.
The lifespan of your refrigerator will vary depending on its type and size, maintenance habits, and many other factors where you put your fridge in your kitchen.
Is it possible to expect your fridge to last legs for a long time? Here are the facts.
The Average Lifespan Of A Refrigerator
The National Association of Home Builders and Bank of America (NYSE BAC) study shows that a standard fridge can last 13 years. The lifespan of compact refrigerators (trash compactors), also known as mini-fridges, is less than nine years.
This is the only average fridge. Your fridge may last longer or for a shorter time. According to the report, the life expectancy of an appliance repair is affected by how much use it gets.
How To Help Your Refrigerator Last Longer?
If you want your fridge’s life to be as long as possible, you must maintain it properly. This means cleaning your fridge regularly, changing its supply lines, and calling a professional whenever something is not right.
These are the steps to maintain your fridge properly.
1. Clean the condenser coils at least every six months
Condenser coils can attract dirt, dust, and buildup over time, especially if you have pets. This can affect their ability to cool your fridge.
These should be cleaned regularly using a vacuum cleaner and the attachment hose on your vacuum. This will ensure that they are in good working order. They are usually located under the fridge, behind a clip-on plate or grate. The frost-free model may have them in the back.
2. Clean and lubricate the door seals
Your fridge’s seals (and the one in your freezer) keep cold air circulation from escaping. However, like the coils, dirt and grime can cause them to stop doing their job. Use a warm water supply line and soap to clean your door seals.
Also, make sure to inspect your energy-star-rated refrigerator seals for tears or broken multiple faulty parts and replace them as necessary. It is a good idea to lubricate the seals, which helps keep them elastic and flexible. Apply a thin layer of Vaseline around the edges to seal it.
3. Clean out the vents
The interior vents in your fridge circulate cool air through the new unit. These vents can sometimes become blocked by food, liquid, dirt, or other debris, reducing the fridge’s ability to cool air evenly. These vents should be inspected regularly. To remove any obstructions, use a warm, damp rag.
4. Change out your water filter often
Set a reminder to change your refrigerator’s water filter at least once every six months if it has one. This ensures that your water supply and its ice maker are free from bacteria. This prevents the buildup of bacteria that can permanently damage your water dispenser or ice maker.
5. Make sure the fridge is level
If the fridge can be tipped downwards on any corner, it is not slightly on level flooring. This can damage the motor and reduce its lifespan. Adjust the feet so that the unit is perfectly level. This will ensure a long life span. You may need to place a leveler on the feet while adjusting them.
6. Give it plenty of space
Give your fridge lots of space if you can. Keep your fridge at least two inches from each side. Avoid putting heavy items on top. Refrigerators require plenty of cold air flow for optimal energy efficiency. If you close your refrigerator tightly with cabinets or other items, it can restrict that flow and decrease its operating capacity.
7. Spot issues early
You should immediately address any problems with your fridge. A professional should be contacted immediately if you notice unusual noises, decreased cooling capabilities, or problems with your ice maker or drinking water filter. A problem with the supply line or puddles around the fridge can also be a sign of trouble and should be evaluated.
Here’s a quick reminder: Do not attempt to fix refrigerator-related problems alone. Even if your handy skills are impressive, DIY repairs can cause irreparable damage. If you suspect something is wrong with your refrigerator, it’s best to call an appliance potential repair cost professional immediately.
9 Obvious Signs You Need a New Refrigerator
1. Excessive Condensation
Your fridge might seem to be sweating during a heatwave. This could indicate that your refrigerator compressor is not cooling properly. You should immediately inspect the rubber sealing around your door if you notice any water droplets, mold, or mildew. You may be able to repair it, depending on the sealing state.
There may be signs of condensation inside your fridge. This is a sign that your thermostat is not operating correctly. If this continues for a long time, your food may begin to spoil if the temperature setting is not correct.
2. The Motor’s Running Hot
It is common to feel a warmer temperature change when you touch the refrigerator. If you feel excessive heat, it is a sign that something is wrong with your fridge. Your fridge’s coils are insulated, so you don’t feel too hot.
It is a good idea to contact a repair technician to check your coils if you see this in your fridge. You might consider replacing the coils depending on the circumstances and the nature of the problem.
If you own an older fridge showing signs of fading, it might be worth purchasing a new one and continuing to repair the less efficient one.
3. Your Food Is Rapidly Spoiling
A sign your fridge is at risk is when your food starts to smell or spoil faster than it would normally. You might also notice that a 6-pack of beer is taking longer to cool in your fridge.
If your fridge takes longer to cool down your food or fails to maintain the temperature it should, it is using more energy. This is a huge waste of energy bill. This means that you are spending more energy bills than you should and losing money on food because your refrigerator isn’t working properly.
4. Your Freezer Has Become a Winter Wonderland
Your freezer may be starting to look like an iceberg, which is one of the most obvious signs. Although you want your freezer to freeze your food, it is not normal to have to break the ice off to reach your peas.
The first thing to do if you find yourself in this position is to defrost your freezer. After you’ve done that, could you turn it on again and check how it works? If the problem persists, it might be time to get a new fridge.
This problem is less common as many modern units now have an automatic defrosting feature. It’s still a problem that must be addressed as soon as possible, regardless of how old or modern your fridge is.
An alternative solution is to purchase an additional freezer to store frozen items. This will solve your iceberg problem and save you a lot of money over the long term.
5. Your Fridge Is More Than 10 Years Old
Refrigerators can last between 10 and 20 years. It is more expensive to repair a refrigerator that is older than it is. The cost of repairs eventually will outweigh the cost of replacing the unit.
It’s a good idea to save money and shop around for a replacement fridge if your fridge is more than ten years old.
This is a sign that the fridge’s life is decreasing and may go out at any moment. Although you may feel you are spending too much money, it is worth considering the savings and how much you will save on repairs.
6. You Have a Side-by-Side Fridge
It’s also important to know what type of new fridge you have to recognize signs it is time for a new one. It’s time for a new side-by-side fridge if it is more than five years old and needs constant repairs.
Bottom freezers should be replaced every seven years, and any faulty top freezers repaired after seven years.
7. Your Fridge Isn’t Energy Efficient
Inefficient home appliances could be the cause of higher energy utility bills lately. The new Energy Star refrigerators are more efficient than older fridges. A more efficient refrigerator is not only better for your wallet but also better for the environment.
When you are looking at new fridges, be sure to pay attention to the type and the features they have. If they are well maintained, manual defrost refrigerators use less energy star than automatic defrost units. A new fridge with a freezer on its top uses less energy than a freezer at the bottom.
8. You Notice a Good Deal on a Fridge
You should consider purchasing a new refrigerator if your fridge is more than ten years old. This assumes that you have done your research thoroughly and compared comparable rights-reserved models.
It may seem like you are wasting money. But keep in mind that the older your fridge is, the more expensive repairs will be, and the less efficient they are at running.
Instead of waiting for your fridge’s inevitable breakdown at the worst time and leaving you vulnerable to salespeople, grab a great deal as soon as you can. When it comes time to replace your fridge, you may not find any specials or sales.
You can also sell your old fridge to get back the money you paid for it. Be honest about the age of your fridge. You might be able, at minimum, to sell the still functional parts.
If all else fails, recycle your fridge. It’s important to do, and many people don’t know it’s possible.
Many older refrigerators, freezers, and other kitchen appliances are made of materials that must be properly disposed of.
9. You Can Hear Your Fridge Running
This is not a joke phone call from the 90s. If your fridge does indeed sound like it is running, it’s time for a repair technician to diagnose the problem.
Fridges aren’t usually the most silent appliances, but you won’t notice any noise when it’s running. If your fridge’s hum or buzz continues after you turn off the refrigerator, it can be a problem.
You only have two options if the noise persists after a technician has arrived. You have two options: either replace it or catch it before it goes away ( extended service plan).
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FAQs
Is It Worth Repairing A 10-year-old Refrigerator?
A refrigerator’s lifespan is between 10 and 20 years. According to The Money Pit, the longer your refrigerator has been in use, the more expensive it will be to repair. Consider repair if the refrigerator is less than eight years old. Consider replacing the refrigerator if it is older than 15 years.
What Brand of Refrigerator Lasts The Longest?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on a number of factors, including the quality of the product, how well it is maintained, and luck.
However, some brands often cited as durable and long-lasting include GE, Maytag, and Whirlpool. These brands have a reputation for producing quality appliances that stand the test of time.
Of course, even the best brands can’t prevent every refrigerator from eventually breaking down, but they may be more likely to last longer than other brands.
How Can I Tell If My Fridge Is Cold Enough?
It is best to check the temperature of refrigerators by using liquids or food that has been stored in the fridge for at least 24 hours. It is common to put a glass of water into the refrigerator, but not in the door, and let it rest for at least a day. To get a reading, place the thermometer inside the glass.
How Long Do Whirlpool Refrigerators Last?
Whirlpool refrigerators are some of the most reliable on the market, with many models lasting for 15-20 years. However, like any appliance, they will eventually need to be replaced.
The average lifespan of a Whirlpool refrigerator is 12-15 years, but this can vary depending on the model and how well it is maintained. With proper care and maintenance, your Whirlpool refrigerator can last many years.
Conclusion
Your use will determine the life expectancy of your refrigerator. Experts estimate that they can last for up to 13 years. If you’re a meticulous, organized person who loves cleanliness, your fridge can last for up to 15 years. If you don’t take proper care of your refrigerator, it could be damaged in 10 years.
You can comment below if you have any questions. Publican Anker will monitor and filter all questions. Your comments are a great way to help the article become better.
