Fridge Longevity: What To Expect And How To Extend It

A refrigerator is one of the most-used appliances in any kitchen, keeping our food cool and fresh. This makes it one of the most important (potentially one of the most expensive) appliances, so protecting your investment and convenience is crucial. 

Today, we’ll look a little closer at what you can expect in terms of typical lifespan, factors that’ll influence it and what you can do to extend it. We’ll even throw in when it might be time to consider a replacement.

Understanding Fridge Lifespan

Typically, a standard fridge can last between 10 and 18 years, with an average lifespan of about 14 years, while compact fridges usually last around 4 to 12 years, averaging about 8 years. That being said, investing in a high-quality brand and regular maintenance can give you a longer lifespan, so these numbers are just a roundabout.

There are a few factors that can affect this lifespan, such as the quality of construction, frequency of use, and maintenance practices. By understanding these factors, you can better gauge your refrigerator’s expected lifespan.

Quality of Construction and Materials: Higher-end models often use superior materials and craftsmanship, which can translate into more durability and maximizing your fridge’s lifespan.

Frequency of Use and Maintenance: If you use your fridge a lot, it will automatically wear out more than if you have one in your basement that you only use occasionally for beverages or snacks when entertaining. So, it will also need a little more consistent maintenance. Neglecting this can lead to earlier failures.

Environmental Conditions: There also are external factors that can affect this, such as temperature and humidity levels in your kitchen. They can impact both your refrigerator’s performance and durability.

Studies show that the average lifespan of a refrigerator is about 14 years. Common reasons for premature failure include neglecting maintenance, placing the refrigerator in a high-temperature environment (such as close to a stove or dishwasher or where it is exposed to prolonged direct sunlight), and overloading it beyond its capacity.

Signs Your Fridge Might Be Aging

Recognizing the signs that your refrigerator is aging can help you take timely action to prevent sudden breakdowns. Signs to watch for include:

Increased Energy Consumption: An old or malfunctioning fridge often uses more electricity than necessary.

Frequent Repairs or Malfunctions: If you find yourself calling for fridge repair services more often, even with regular maintenance, it could be a sign that your refrigerator is nearing the end of its useful life.

Uneven Cooling or Temperature Fluctuations: One of the most common signs of an aging fridge is trouble maintaining a consistent temperature.

By keeping an eye on these common signs, you can prevent at least some potential breakdowns and related emergency repairs. Early detection can help you take care of things quickly and efficiently before they escalate and extend your refrigerator’s life.

Extending Your Fridge’s Lifespan

Proper care and maintenance can significantly extend the life of your fridge, and it won’t take long to do so, either.

Maintenance Practices

Regular Cleaning of Coils and Condenser: Dust and debris on the coils and condenser are some of the most common culprits putting more strain on your fridge. This will cause it to turn on more often, consume more energy, and, through that, put more wear and tear on the refrigerator. Always unplug the fridge before cleaning the coils, which can be done with a vacuum cleaner and brush attachment.

Keeping the Fridge Well-Organized: Avoid blocking any vents to allow for proper ventilation, and refrain from placing heavy items on top of it

Checking and Replacing Door Seals: Regular gasket cleaning ensures a proper seal, saving energy and reducing strain on the motor. Test the seal’s effectiveness using a banknote; consider replacing the gasket if it slips out easily.

Optimal Usage Habits

Avoid Overloading the Fridge: Another common problem is overcrowding the fridge. If the air in the fridge can’t circulate and flow, the temperature may fluctuate, leading to problems keeping your food cold enough.

Allowing Hot Foods to Cool: Placing hot foods directly in the fridge can raise the internal temperature, causing the compressor to work harder and putting more strain on it.

Setting the Temperature Correctly: Setting the temperature too high or too low can affect your fridge’s performance and efficiency.

Environmental Considerations

Avoid Placement Near Heat Sources: Placing your fridge near heat sources like ovens or dishwashers or in a spot where it faces prolonged direct sunlight can increase its workload and strain the compressor.

Maintain Consistent Room Temperature and Humidity Levels: Extreme temperatures and high humidity can also affect the refrigerator’s efficiency and lifespan, so try to keep your fridge at a consistent room temperature and humidity level.

Knowing When It’s Time to Replace

Even with great and consistent maintenance, there will come a time when maintenance and repairs are no longer the best option, but knowing when to replace your fridge is essential.

Factors Influencing Replacement

Once the fridge repair costs start to add up and get close to or even exceed the price of a new fridge, it’s usually time to say goodbye. Upgrading to a newer model comes with some added benefits, as they often are more energy-efficient. This can save you some money on utility bills, helping you offset at least some of the cost over time. Many also allow you to take advantage of additional features and overall better performance.

When evaluating whether to repair or replace your fridge, consider the long-term impact as well as the short-term benefits. If you’re not sure if your current refrigerator is still worth (or economical) repairing, consult with a fridge repair professional for a full assessment to see if keeping it fixed might be more expensive than getting a new one.

Conclusion

By performing easy regular maintenance, following usage habits, and knowing the signs to watch out for potential issues or when the fridge might be on its last legs, you can maximize its lifespan and get the most out of it, sometimes for years beyond the average expected refrigerator lifespan.

If you feel your fridge is in need of some more thorough maintenance or repairs, or if you have any questions, consider calling iCare Appliance Repair, your trusted source for professional and efficient refrigerator repairs and information.

At iCare Appliance Repair, our technicians are factory-trained and licensed to service almost every major model and brand. We offer same-day and after-hours fridge repair services that include evenings and late hours. Contact us today at (647) 370-2828 or complete our convenient online form to learn more.