How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Refrigerator?

A broken refrigerator or freezer is a major headache. When a dishwasher goes, you can at least wash things by hand. But a broken refrigerator inhibits the food you can keep in your own home. You’ll want to attend to the problem quickly, but how much will a refrigerator or freezer repair cost?

The average fridge repair cost is about $300, but it can run significantly higher. Let’s look at some common problems that can affect refrigerators and freezers and what their repair entails.

Common Refrigerator and Freezer Problems

•          High or low temperature. A refrigerator isn’t very useful if it can’t keep food cold. And you don’t want thing to get too cold. Temperature issues are often caused by a bad thermostat, but condenser coils or electrical components can also be the to blame.
•          Broken ice maker. A busted ice machine may be a mechanical, plumbing, or electrical issue.
•          Unusual noise. All refrigerators make noise, but if you notice yours is unusually loud or making noises you haven’t heard before, something may be wrong. It could be due to a faulty part or insecure internal component.
•          Broken water dispenser. Many refrigerators have filters that need to be changed every so often. There are also internal valves and pipes that can wear down or become clogged with minerals.
•          Leakage. A leaky fridge may signify a plumbing problem, but leaks can also mean there are other faulty components.

As you can see, many common refrigerator problems can have multiple causes. Refrigerators are complex machines and require the attention of a professional technician.

Costs Associated with Refrigerator Repair

•          Diagnosis. The first step in repairing a fridge is determining what the problem is. A repairperson who visits your home may charge a service fee. This can be anywhere from $50 to $100 or more.
•          Labor. Once the problem is identified, you’ll need to pay labor costs for a technician to correct the issue. An experienced tradesperson can charge $100 to $200 per hour. Expect repairs to take an hour or two.
•          Parts. Replacement parts for a fridge or freezer can add up. A new thermostat or valve may be cheap, but a new compressor can cost upwards of $400.

So how much does it cost to repair a freezer or refrigerator? It’s hard to say definitively because of the variables involved, but expect to pay around $200 at a minimum and as much as $1,000 if the problem is more complex.

At a certain price point, it may make more sense to purchase a new refrigerator. You don’t want to replace an expensive part only to have something else fail a short time later. It’s a good idea to defer to an expert’s opinion on this. A qualified technician can help you know when to replace refrigerator or freezer components and when to replace a refrigerator entirely.

Reduce Your Costs with Home Warranty Refrigerator Replacement and Repair

Refrigerator repair is expensive, but the good news is you can use warranties to your advantage to protect yourself from such high costs. You can consider a refrigerator extended warranty to maintain coverage even when the original manufacturer’s warranty expires. You can also purchase a more comprehensive home warranty to cover your refrigerator and other appliances in your home.

Liberty Home Guard has many such plans available. For as little as a dollar per day, you can avoid being responsible for a steep bill if your refrigerator ceases to work. Use our website to request a free quote, or call us today at (833)-544-8273.