At a Glance:
Repair Refrigerator When Possible
When It’s Necessary to Replace
What to Consider Before Replacing or Repairing
Best Refrigerator Replacements
It’s a heart-wrenching decision. You stare into the depths of your broken refrigerator, frantically running through all the possibilities in your head. Do you repair it or replace it? With a new unit costing (on average) between $1,000 and $2,500, knowing whether to repair or replace your fridge is an essential financial decision that can have far-reaching implications. That’s why our Albert Lee team has come together to answer this question, “ is it cheaper to repair or replace a refrigerator,” and have provided our best refrigerators to replace your old one if you need a new one.
Explore In-Stock Refrigeration
In-Stock RefrigeratorsRepair Refrigerator When Possible
There are many reasons why repairing an existing refrigerator may be the best course of action. If the fridge isn’t too old, repairs can often be relatively inexpensive — assuming they are covered under warranty — while potentially saving hundreds of dollars compared to purchasing a new unit. Additionally, repairs are typically faster than buying a new refrigerator. Before deciding to replace your fridge, getting an estimate for a refrigeration repair from a qualified refrigerator repair Seattle service or a refrigerator repair Tacoma technician would be best. Although, you can expect to pay anywhere between $80 - $435 in these Washington cities.
Common Refrigerator Replacement Parts and Their Costs
The most common issue with refrigerators is temperature control ($100-$200). If you notice that your food isn’t staying cold or the temperature inside the fridge fluctuates, this is likely the culprit. If your freezer isn’t freezing things properly or reaching its optimal temperature, this could also be an issue with your thermostat ($200-$500).
Another common problem is water leakage ($50-$150). This typically happens due to a broken water line or clogged drain tube. Additionally, if you notice a strange noise coming from your fridge (like rattling or buzzing), this could indicate a problem with one of its components, such as the fan motor ($150-$400). Lastly, if the motor is not running correctly, it may require replacing it altogether ($350-$800).
When It’s Necessary to Replace
How do you know when it’s time to replace your refrigerator? While many people would like to hang onto their beloved appliance for as long as possible, a few signs may indicate it’s time for a new one. If you’ve noticed any of these warning signs, it might be time to start shopping for a replacement.
Age Matters
The first indication that your refrigerator might need replacing is its age. Most refrigerators last around 10-15 years before they start having complications. If yours is over 15 years old, you may want to consider a new one sooner rather than later. This is especially true if the unit requires frequent repairs or has become less efficient with age.
Wear and Tear
If your fridge has been damaged by fire, water, or mold, it’s definitely time for a replacement. These damages can cause irreversible harm to the internal components and may even be hazardous to your health if left unchecked. Not only that are these damages harmful, but repairing these types of problems can be very costly and, in some cases, isn’t feasible.
Energy Efficiency
Another factor that should influence your decision is energy efficiency. Older models tend to use more electricity than newer models due to technological advances over the years. Some models on the market today use up to 30 percent less energy than their older counterparts which could end up saving you money in the long run by reducing your energy bill each month. It’s worth checking out what savings you could get from switching over!
➝ Related: Best Energy Efficient Refrigerator
Cost Considerations
Deciding on how is it cheaper to repair or replace a refrigerator can be difficult, with cost being one of the major factors. The costs can quickly add up for older models, particularly those requiring multiple components to be either replaced or repaired at once. Considering all the potential expenses associated with fixing a refrigerator, it may be more economical in the long run to purchase a new model rather than opting for repairs.
If you’re looking for additional features that your current refrigerator does not have, then replacing it with a newer model will likely be your best option. If you don’t have a warranty for repair work on your existing refrigerator, then this, too, could make it more cost-effective to go for a replacement over repairs. While newer refrigerators boast more advanced technologies and are typically much larger than their predecessors, they often come with significantly higher price tags.
What to Consider Before Replacing or Repairing
One of the first things to consider when wondering is it cheaper to repair or replace a refrigerator is cost. Repairing an existing fridge may seem cheaper initially, but if you have to repair it multiple times over the years due to its age, this can add up quickly. On top of that, older fridges use more energy than newer models, which will drive up your electricity bills in the long run. On the other hand, buying a new fridge may be more expensive upfront but could save you money in repairs and energy costs down the line.
Another factor to consider is convenience. If your old fridge needs extensive repairs and takes weeks or months before it’s operational again, this could cause significant disruptions to your family’s routine. In contrast, investing in a new model means you have access to a functional appliance sooner rather than later. Finally, consider how well each option meets your needs; if you want a specific design feature like an ice maker or French doors that aren’t available on older models, buying new is likely a better choice.
Best Refrigerator Replacements
No matter what route you take — is it cheaper to repair or replace a refrigerator — it’s important to weigh both options carefully before making a final decision about your broken refrigerator. When it’s time to switch up, Albert Lee is your go-to appliance store in Seattle and Tacoma for the latest and greatest refrigerators. Here at Albert Lee Appliances, we provide only the best quality appliances with an extensive range of features and styles for every budget. Just take a look!
Samsung 28.2 Cu. Ft. Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel French Door Refrigerator
Homeowners looking for a reliable and efficient refrigerator need not look further than the Samsung French Door Refrigerator. This high-quality appliance is designed to last while offering features that make it easier to keep your food fresh and stored safely.
The Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel finish ensures that fingerprints and smudges never become an issue when opening and closing the fridge, meaning you’ll always have a clean, presentable kitchen. The adjustable shelves give you plenty of space for larger items such as casserole dishes or other containers, as well as being able to adjust them when necessary for shorter items like juice cartons or yogurt containers.
The AutoFill Water Pitcher ensures you never run out of cold water with just the touch of a button — no more running back and forth from the sink to fill up pitchers! This waterspout also extends beyond the interior so it can be used outside the refrigerator without opening it up, making cleanup a breeze after hosting parties or barbecues over the summer months.
Packing all your groceries in quickly doesn’t have to be stressful either, thanks to the LED lighting, which illuminates every corner inside so you can easily see where everything needs to go — no more shuffling around blindly in the dark! And if you ever forget to close the door after unloading groceries, this fridge has an alarm that will alert you before energy is wasted by leaving it open for too long.
Overall this is one of Samsung’s most impressive refrigerators with all these high-tech features at an attractive price point that won’t break your budget — a fantastic value for anyone looking for something durable yet affordable! Not only does this appliance fit perfectly into any modern kitchen, but its convenience and ease of use make it perfect for homeowners who want something reliable yet stylish when it comes to storing their food and drinks properly.
➝ Related: Revolutionizing Food Storage: Samsung Refrigerators + Reviews
Frigidaire® 18.3 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Top Freezer Refrigerator
Homeowners seeking a dependable and top-notch refrigerator that won’t cost an arm and a leg will see that the Frigidaire® 18.3 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Top Freezer Refrigerator is an excellent choice. This refrigerator offers all the features needed to ensure your food stays fresh and your kitchen looks stylish and modern.
The EvenTemp™ Cooling System in this Frigidaire Top Freezer Refrigerator unit is designed to keep food fresher for longer by providing even cooling throughout. With this feature, you can rest assured, knowing that none of your food will spoil due to temperature imbalances within the appliance.
The Flexible Interior Storage System allows you to customize your fridge’s layout to suit your needs. From large platters to small produce items, you can find a place for everything in this fridge easily and conveniently. You also have adjustable shelving and door bins that give you complete control over how much space you need and where you need it. This way, you can make sure everything fits comfortably within the refrigerator’s interior.
This top freezer includes an energy-efficient automatic defrost system, so you don’t have to worry about manually defrosting it regularly — making it an excellent option for busy families or professionals who don’t want to deal with the hassle of defrosting every couple of months! Additionally, its two Humidity-Controlled Crisper Drawers are designed to keep fruits and vegetable fresher for up to three times as long as other refrigerators in its class, ensuring maximum quality from each item stored inside its compartments.
No matter what size family or lifestyle requirements you have, the Frigidaire® 18.3 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Top Freezer Refrigerator has got you covered! With state-of-the-art features like EvenTemp™ Cooling System, Flexible Interior Storage System, automatic defrost system, and Humidity-Controlled Crisper Drawers, this fridge is sure to provide reliable performance while keeping energy costs down at the same time! For those who want peace of mind when it comes to their refrigerator purchase, please call us today for our best price on this fantastic appliance!
GE Profile™ 25.3 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Have you ever noticed how quickly the temperature of your food can change when you open the refrigerator door? Keeping this in mind, ensuring that your refrigerator runs smoothly and efficiently is important to give you optimal results. The GE Profile Side-by-Side Refrigerator is the perfect solution for homeowners wanting to guarantee their refrigerator works well and looks great.
For starters, the Turbo Cool setting helps retain maximum moisture while keeping temperatures consistent throughout different compartments. This means that regardless of what type of food you store in the fridge or freezer, it’ll remain as fresh as it did when you first purchased it. The Advanced Water Filtration system also helps remove potential contaminants from your water supply, including chlorine, pesticides, and other harmful chemicals — all while providing crystal-clear drinking water with every glass!
The Clear Look Door Bins are perfect for organizing items like juice boxes and condiments while also allowing you to see what’s inside without having to open the door itself. The Fingerprint-Resistant Finish helps keep those pesky smudges away no matter how often you have to open and close the fridge doors. And finally, this refrigerator also comes with Adaptive Defrost With FrostGuard technology, which eliminates unnecessary energy consumption by automatically defrosting only when needed — saving both time and money on your energy bill!
For all these fantastic features that help keep your food fresher for more extended periods of time, this GE Profile™ 25.3 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Side-by-Side Refrigerator is an excellent investment for homeowners who want their refrigerator to run smoothly without worrying about too much expense. With its advanced features and competitive price tag, this fridge will make life easier in any household!
Deciding on whether is it cheaper to repair or replace a refrigerator is never easy. Still, by researching and carefully considering both options, Washington homeowners can make an informed decision that suits their budget and lifestyle best. Don’t let yourself get stuck with a poor-quality product — take time now to weigh all the factors involved to ensure that whichever option you choose will be beneficial in the long run!
Why Trust Albert Lee?
Since 1939, Albert Lee Appliance, a three-generation, family-owned business, continues to grow and serve the greater Seattle area with quality you can count on and service you can trust. We are proud to have served this community for so long and wouldn’t be here without our loyal customers. There is a reason why we are Washington’s largest independent appliance dealer, and it’s not a secret. Simply put: We have the experience. We are the original appliance experts for over eight decades (and counting).
Shop Refrigerators at Albert Lee
At Albert Lee Appliance, we provide quality name-brand appliances for great prices. Shop refrigerators online or visit us today at one of our six locations in Puget Sound, WA. In the meantime, browse our website to shop Albert Lee appliance sales and check out Albert Lee appliance reviews online to ensure every purchase is an informed one. More available than ever, our experts at Albert Lee Appliance are always happy to help you find answer questions like, “is it cheaper to repair or replace a refrigerator,” whether you call us or use our online chat feature. Contact us today!
Learn More: How Albert Lee Outdoes Other Local Appliances Stores
- Subscribe to Our Email List
- Shop Appliance Deals
- Learn About Our Services
- Learn About Financing Options