How long do refrigerators last Consumer Reports?

CR members expect refrigerators they buy to last 10 years, on average, according to our 2018 survey, and that lines up with what most manufacturers tell us: Their fridges are built to last 10 years.

What is the average lifespan of a refrigerator?

According to the United States Department of Energy, refrigerators last approximately 12 years. At that point, it's likely time to replace it. Of course, if your refrigerator is not energy-efficient, you may want to consider replacing it before it stops working.

Which refrigerator brand lasts 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.

Can a refrigerator last more than 20 years?

A refrigerator can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years. The older your unit is, the more it may cost to repair it. Eventually the cost of repairs will start to outweigh the cost of a replacement.

How do you know when it's time to replace your refrigerator?

If the seal looks fine, or if condensation also appears on the inside of the fridge, then the appliance's internal temperature isn't cold enough to keep food from spoiling, and it's probably time to replace.

Refrigerator Buying Guide (Interactive Video) | Consumer Reports

What is the best month to buy a refrigerator?

The best time to buy appliances is when new models roll out: washers, dryers, and dishwashers in September and October, refrigerators in May, and ranges/ovens in January. When manufacturers unveil the latest models, retailers reduce prices on models from previous years to create more room for the new inventory.

Should I replace my 15 year old refrigerator?

A typical refrigerator has a 10- to 20-year lifespan. The longer you have had your refrigerator, the greater the potential repair cost, says The Money Pit. If the refrigerator is less than eight years old, consider repair. If the refrigerator is more than 15 years old, consider replacement.

Is it worth fixing a refrigerator?

Two good rules of thumb to keep in mind are that if repairing your fridge costs less than half the price of buying a new one, it's generally worth making those repairs.

What brand of refrigerator has the least problems?

Whirlpool refrigerators are the most reliable. Fancy models have fancy (and expensive) problems.” What is this? Almost all appliance repair experts said LG and Samsung are the least reliable refrigerator brands.

What is the best refrigerator in 2020?

What is the most reliable refrigerator brand 2021?

Is Frigidaire a good brand 2021?

Frigidaire remains an easy choice for many consumers because of its good reputation within the refrigerator market. Despite not having significant, standout features, Frigidaire's designs are competitively priced and include beloved features.

Are any refrigerators built to last?

Liebherr makes a huge number of refrigerators that are long-lasting and durable. SuperQuiet operation allows for a virtually silent compressor that lasts longer than a traditional one, as there are fewer moving parts.

How can I make my fridge last longer?

What is the life expectancy of a Whirlpool refrigerator?

Depending on model and size, a properly maintained refrigerator can last between 14 and 17 years. A standard refrigerator can run up to 17 years on average, while a compact refrigerator can run for 14 years.

How fast do refrigerators depreciate?

The depreciation of a fridge's value changes depending on how many years you've had it. A rule of thumb is that in the first year, the value halves, then it goes down by an additional 10 percent of its original price every following year.

Do bottom freezer refrigerators have more problems?

Heavier Items on the Bottom

Frozen foods can be weighty, especially frozen turkeys and hams. Because your freezer is on the bottom, removing these items will require more work. This can be a safety concern for seniors and anyone who has trouble bending and lifting heavier objects.

Do French door refrigerators have more problems?

Using Consumer Reports data as well as its own claims data, Safeware says French door units are more susceptible to damage than all other types of refrigerators.

What refrigerator brand is best?

LG refrigerators seem to make the most owners the happiest, at least among major-brand models, which usually cost less than $4,000. Whirlpool and GE are pretty good, too. Among the most popular fridge styles, the French-door design (with half-width fridge doors and a pull-out bottom freezer) is the most beloved type.

Should I repair a 10 year old fridge?

Extent of Damage

But, as a good rule of thumb, if you have multiple faulty parts or if your refrigerator is over ten years old, it is probably time to replace it. Consumer Reports recommends replacing your refrigerator if the cost to repair it is more than half the price of buying a new one.

What causes a refrigerator to stop working?

Typical causes are: 1) the door is left open frequently, 2) the condenser coils need cleaning, 3) the door doesn't seal against the refrigerator box, 4) the cold control is set too cold, or 5) something is blocking the flow of cold air inside the fridge.

What would cause a refrigerator to stop getting cold?

Clogged coils can cause poor cooling. Check to make sure nothing is stuck in the condenser fan and that it spins freely (models with coils on the back won't have a fan). To do this, unplug the fridge and pull it out. Clean the fan blades and spin the fan by hand to see if it's stuck.

How much does it cost to fix a refrigerator that is not cooling?

A fridge that won't stay cold is usually suffering from a bad thermostat or a dirty coil. Both of these problems can be fixed in about an hour, and will cost about $50 to $250.

Does an old fridge consume more electricity?

Old refrigerators are usually less energy efficient than new high star rated fridges. Condition. If the seals are in poor condition, your fridge will be less efficient.

Are new refrigerators more energy efficient?

The good news is that home appliances, and refrigerators in particular, have become much more efficient over the years, costing people less and less. “Newer refrigerators use much less energy than their predecessors,” says Larry Ciufo, CR's test engineer for refrigerators.