The Typical Life Expectancy Of A Refrigerator
How long does a refrigerator run? The typical lifespan of a refrigerator is 10 to 15 years, and the average refrigerator with either a bottom or top freezer can operate reliably for about 13 years. However, the lifespan of a refrigerator varies by model, so don’t rely solely on its age to determine if you’re ready to buy a new refrigerator. Instead, rely on the working condition of your refrigerator as an indicator.
Its individual components begin to deteriorate, increasing the risk of malfunctions ranging from annoying noises to excessive frost formation in the freezer. Your refrigerator may also start to lose cooling efficiency, causing your bills to rise.
Below are some signs that your refrigerator is impractical or beyond repair and may need to be replaced. Know the signs that it’s time to replace your refrigerator.
The rear outer surface of the refrigerator generates excess heat. Food spoils prematurely, even if you have correctly set the temperature control to a food-safe setting of 40 degrees Fahrenheit or less. You often see condensation inside the refrigerator, but the refrigerator door seals are in good condition. The refrigerator hums loudly even after being turned off and on again.
Your refrigerator is completely silent when plugged in (expect a slight buzz), but there is no indication on the electrical panel that the refrigerator switch has clicked. It is often noted that frozen food removed from the freezer is regularly covered with a thick layer of frost. Your bills are mysteriously growing despite the fact that no changes have been made to the way you use your device. In this case, an energy monitor connected between the refrigerator and the refrigerator outlet will show that the refrigerator is drawing more watts than ever before. Perhaps it’s time for a more energy-efficient model.
Make the most of your refrigerator warranty. While refrigerator warranties vary, most refrigerator warranties only cover the first year of use and specifically cover defects in materials, which may include parts and labour. Because it’s hard to know if the model you’re buying is a good, defect-free refrigerator, it’s important to have a warranty ready in the event of an accident. Also, to get the most out of your warranty, be sure to evaluate all of your refrigerator’s features before the warranty expires.
When considering a warranty extension, think about how much the warranty will cost compared to the cost of this refrigerator. For high-tech home appliances, it often makes sense to have a strong warranty, as there are many other parts that can fail. According to Home Advisor, the average repair cost for a typical refrigerator is between $200 and $330, but a high-end model can cost $1,000 or more to repair.
Maintain your refrigerator regularly
Regular maintenance helps extend the average life of your refrigerator. Although some refrigerators can be repaired, the average repair cost can be equal to the average refrigerator replacement cost, if not more. Luckily, by fixing fixable problems and maintaining your refrigerator regularly, you can extend the life of your refrigerator.
Condenser coils, which are metal tubes located on the outside of the refrigerator at the base or behind the refrigerator, help liquefy the refrigerant vaporized by the unit’s compressor to vent hot air from the refrigerator to the refrigerator. Kitchen. Dust and dirt trapped inside these coils prevents efficient heat dissipation, which can cause the refrigerator to keep turning on and off and eventually stop working completely. Clean the coils once or twice a year to keep old refrigerators running longer.
Unplug the refrigerator first, then access the condenser coils behind the latch in the base, or move the refrigerator away from the wall if the coils are behind it. Wipe dust off the coils with a dust brush, then run a condenser coil brush, such as a Vanitek condenser coil brush, along and between the coils to remove dirt.
Rubber insulation along the edges of the inside of the refrigerator door insulates cold air and seals off hot air.
Over time, these seals can warp, crack, tear, or come off the door. If this happens, cold air may escape from the refrigerator and warm air may enter, increasing the humidity in the room. It can also lead to ice blocking in the refrigerator and freezer. These obstructions reduce storage space and prevent heat transfer between the device and the surrounding air, reducing its efficiency. Lubricate the door seals by applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly to the outer edges.
This will keep them flexible and protect the integrity of the seal.
Ventilation holes located on the side walls of the refrigerator and in the upper part of the freezer promote air circulation inside the unit. When clogged with food, the vents do not work effectively, causing moisture or frost to accumulate and uneven cooling. To keep the vents clean, move any food placed directly in front of the vents and keep freezer bag strings or exposed food crumbs, such as cakes, out of the vents.
Perform timely troubleshooting to prolong the life of your refrigerator. Troubleshoot minor refrigerator problems that arise so that they do not develop into more serious problems. Below are simple solutions to common refrigerator problems.
Are there puddles on the floor? If you see a puddle of water on the floor below the refrigerator, the ice maker or water dispenser’s water supply line may be damaged. To fix the plumbing, unplug the refrigerator and turn off the water supply in the basement or under the sink next to the refrigerator. If the valve is cracked or leaking, replace the plastic supply tubing attached to the valve.
Do you hear unusual sounds? If your refrigerator is making rubbing or scraping noises, it may be a fan cooling the condenser coils. Unplug the refrigerator and use the fan in the same compartment as the condenser coil in the base.
Replace worn or broken fan blades. Ice maker stopped working?
If your ice machine is not making ice, the fill pipe behind the ice machine may be clogged. Defrost the filling tube by blowing hot air from a hair dryer into it to restore its functionality. Make sure everything is dry and clean before trying to make ice again, as the water can freeze and clog the pipe.
Is there a mysterious leak in the refrigerator? If you notice that something other than food or drink has been spilled into the refrigerator, the drain hose may be clogged and excess moisture is being drawn into the refrigerator instead of the drain pan at the base. Locate the drain plug on the back of the main compartment of the refrigerator by temporarily moving any food blocking it to another shelf or out of the refrigerator. Next, fill a turkey stick or meat injector (a syringe used to flavor meat) with a 50/50 solution of bleach and warm water and rinse the cap (multiple applications may be required).
When finished, drain the dirty liquid that has settled in the bowl at the bottom of the refrigerator.
How to get rid of an old refrigerator?
Refrigerators should not be thrown on the sidewalk with other trash on the day of garbage collection, as they contain recyclable components and chemicals that can harm the environment. Here are a few ways to properly dispose of your old refrigerator.
Ask the seller of your new refrigerator if they can remove the old one for delivery and installation; many regularly perform this service. If the appliance dealer won’t remove the old refrigerator, contact your local authorities to see if old refrigerators are accepted through their program. If your city’s recycling center does not accept refrigerators, contact your local recycling agency (see the list on the EPA’s Responsible Appliance Recycling Program website). If recycling is not possible, check with your city’s household waste department to see if they accept bulky waste such as refrigerators.
Depending on where you live, you may have to pay a fee (usually less than $50) for this service. Make an appointment with your city or other local recycling agency to pick up your refrigerator. Follow all the tips for preparing the refrigerator for harvest.
It may be necessary to detach the doors by removing the bolts from the top of the unit. Transport the refrigerator on a cart outdoors and place it away from gas meters, fences, and other nearby structures. Alternatively, if your city has makeshift recycling yards, tie the refrigerator to the back of a truck with a rope, take it to the landfill, and unload it according to the workers’ instructions. There are many ways to extend the life of your refrigerator. Proper instrument maintenance can be beneficial through regular cleaning and analysis of any problems as soon as they are discovered.
How long do refrigerators last?
However, if you’re wondering, “How long do refrigerators last?” The refrigerator has become an integral part of the modern home, and without a functioning refrigerator, it can be extremely difficult to properly prepare and store food at home. While we have shared details about refrigerator maintenance and troubleshooting above, here are a few answers to the most frequently asked questions about refrigerator lifespan.
Q: How long should a refrigerator run?
Refrigerators can last from 10 to 15 years, but the life of each refrigerator depends on the specific model and how it has been maintained.
Q: When is the best time to buy a refrigerator?
The best time to buy a refrigerator is before your current one stops working. Look for signs that your refrigerator may not be working (see above) and plan to order it before you need it. Due to current supply chain issues, it may take months for the model you want to become available. If you just want to upgrade your model, there are usually sales on the national holidays.
Q: Which refrigerators last the longest?
Historically, fridges with freezers on top or bottom tend to last the longest, and those from well-known refrigerator brands like Whirlpool and LG tend to top lists for most reliable.
Feature Image by Khusen Rustamov from Pixabay