Your refrigerator is on the fritz, but do you need to book a repair, or is it time to start appliance shopping? Making the right choice between a fix and a full replacement depends on a few key factors: the unit’s age, how well it is currently performing, and the true cost of the repair.

This article outlines seven clear signs to help you figure out the smarter move for your kitchen. If the answer still feels unclear, Wilshire’s expert appliance technicians in Southern California and Las Vegas are available to provide professional guidance.

How Long Do Refrigerators Usually Last?

Most refrigerators have an expected lifespan of about 10 to 15 years. This range shifts based on the brand, how much the unit gets used, and how well it has been maintained over time.

Age alone is not the only factor needed for a final decision. Some older, durable models still run perfectly well, while some newer units start showing serious signs of wear much sooner than anticipated. Before rushing into a decision, a person must evaluate the appliance’s overall performance, past repair history, and current energy consumption.

7 Signs It’s Time to Repair or Replace Your Refrigerator

If the unit is not keeping up, these signals help determine if a repair is worthwhile or if the time has come to shop for something new.

1. Your Fridge Is Over 10 Years Old

As appliances get older, they inevitably become less efficient and more likely to fail. Even if the fridge appears to be running fine, an older unit often draws significantly more electricity than a modern one. Repairs become more frequent, and finding replacement parts for discontinued models can turn into a headache. The cumulative costs quickly add up.

2. Food Spoils Too Quickly

When groceries do not stay cold or perish faster than expected, something is fundamentally wrong with the cooling function. Inconsistent temperatures usually signal a failing compressor or thermostat. Depending on the model, replacing either of these core components can be very expensive.

3. It’s Making Strange Noises

A fridge should run quietly. Unusual sounds like a loud, persistent buzzing, a clicking noise, or a grinding hum usually point to trouble with the fan motor or the compressor itself. These parts are vital for cooling, and ignoring the noise often leads directly to a full-system breakdown. It is a problem that requires immediate attention.

4. Your Energy Bills Are Creeping Up

Notice a sudden, unexplained jump in the monthly electricity bill? The culprit could be an appliance working too hard, and the refrigerator is often the prime suspect. Older units simply draw more power, especially when key components are worn out or struggling. Upgrading to a modern, energy-efficient model often results in noticeable utility bill savings.

5. You’ve Already Repaired It More Than Once

If the same refrigerator has needed service calls repeatedly in a short period, it typically indicates bigger, underlying issues. The expense of recurring service calls quickly becomes frustrating. At a certain point, replacing the entire appliance offers far better long-term financial sense than continuing to patch up an unreliable unit.

6. Visible Damage or Wear

Damage is not always purely cosmetic. Rust spots, cracked rubber door seals, or damaged condenser coils all affect how efficiently the fridge runs. Air leaks caused by a bad seal force the motor to work constantly, which shortens the appliance’s lifespan and drives up operating costs.

7. It Leaks or Has Excessive Frost

Puddles of water pooling beneath the unit or a sudden, heavy buildup of ice inside the freezer compartment often indicate a serious malfunction. These issues point toward a clogged drain line, a broken door gasket, or a failing defrost system. Any of these problems can significantly impact cooling performance and potentially lead to major mechanical failures if neglected.

When Should You Repair Instead of Replacing?

A repair is usually the most economical move if two conditions are met: the refrigerator is less than 10 years old, and the estimated repair cost is under 50% of the price of a new replacement unit.

Simple fixes are often worthwhile. Replacing a broken thermostat, a worn door gasket, or a faulty fan motor makes sense, especially on newer, high-end models that still have many years of expected service life remaining.

When It’s Definitely Time to Replace Your Fridge

Some malfunctions are simply not worth the investment to repair, especially when they suggest deep or recurring problems.

• The appliance is old, inefficient, or constantly failing.
• The required replacement parts have been discontinued by the manufacturer or are prohibitively expensive.
• The model has been subject to a safety or performance recall.

What About Energy Efficiency? Is Your Fridge Worth Upgrading?

It is a fact: older refrigerators consume significantly more energy than modern appliances, particularly those carrying the ENERGY STAR® label. Trading in an aging unit for a more efficient one can dramatically reduce utility expenses over time. Plus, a person will gain the peace of mind that comes with reliable, consistent cooling and fewer unexpected problems.

What Should You Consider Before Buying a New Fridge?

Replacing a refrigerator involves more than simply selecting an attractive model. Planning ahead prevents expensive errors.

• Measure the kitchen space carefully to avoid frustrating delivery day issues.
• Choose a brand known for a solid service record and a strong warranty policy.
• Think practically about the features that will actually be used, such as smart technology, adjustable shelving, or filtered water dispensers.
• Make sure the size and configuration fit the home’s actual needs. An oversized unit often wastes both space and energy.

When to Call a Refrigerator Repair Pro Like Wilshire

When faced with the repair-versus-replace dilemma, a professional technician can offer the necessary clarity to make the right choice.

• When basic troubleshooting attempts have failed, and the problem keeps recurring.
• When a second, informed opinion is needed before committing to the cost of a new appliance.
• Factory-trained technicians can quickly and accurately diagnose complex issues and source the correct parts the first time.

Wilshire’s expertise lies in servicing luxury and high-end refrigerators, ensuring that a significant investment is handled with precision and care.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does one know if a fridge is worth fixing?

If the appliance is under 10 years old and the estimated repair cost is reasonable, a fix is generally the best approach.

Should a person replace a fridge after 10 years?

Not necessarily. If the unit continues to run efficiently and has not had serious issues, it can often provide a few more years of dependable service.

What is the average cost to repair a refrigerator?

Most common repairs fall in the range of $150 to $400, depending heavily on the specific issue and the parts needed.

How does one know if a fridge compressor is faulty?

Common indicators include the fridge feeling warm, hearing a loud clicking noise, or noticing the unit running constantly without cycling off.

Can an old fridge raise the electric bill?

Absolutely. Older appliances consume more power, especially when components are struggling to maintain the correct temperature.

Don’t Guess—Let Wilshire Help You Decide

Still undecided about the next step for your refrigerator? Let Wilshire assess the situation. The factory-trained technicians are experts in handling luxury and high-end appliances with both precision and care.

They will provide a clear, honest diagnosis so you avoid wasting money on unnecessary fixes or rushing into a replacement you do not yet need. If the fridge can be fixed, Wilshire will complete the job correctly. If replacement is the better choice, the team will help you determine the best path forward. Give us a call today at (818) 898-9999 for same-day service, or schedule an expert technician to come out depending on your availability!