In just about any home, the refrigerator and important key appliance, second only to the plumbing system. This item is in operation 24/7/365, even when you’re not home, it is working. The average refrigerator will last ten to twenty years but could need repairs during that time at 8 to 15 years. It is during that period of 8 to 15 years you may need to decide to repair or replace a refrigerator. Which is the most cost-effective? Will a repair get you that much more time before having to replace it?
The discontent of the household will rapidly grow when this much needed, but often taken for granted when this appliance quits working. Not only do you lose that convenience of having chilled and frozen foods, but you also run the risk of what food is inside it is ruining. And the cost of replacing those spoiled groceries to avoid food poisoning and can set any household budget back.
Typically, knowing when should you replace your refrigerator is pretty obvious, but for information sake, we will review some indicators that tell you replacement is better than repairing.
1. The Ice Maker Isn’t Making Ice
When that all too familiar churning noise from the ice maker quits totally, it’s a good indication that it has quit producing ice. Ice makers have a lot of moving parts and it isn’t uncommon for built-in ice makers to give homeowners problems. From the augur jamming to the water valve breaking to the water line clogging, cracking, or coming loose. If you have a refrigerator home warranty coverage, one phone call to the home warranty company will get the unit fixed for minimal expense to you.
2. Floor and Inside Wet From Sweat
No matter how humid the weather may get, your refrigerator has seals that should keep the moisture out. When you notice extreme condensation inside your refrigerator or there water on the floor around it, this may be indicating now is when to replace the refrigerator. There are some things you can do yourself to see if it helps, like re-seal the unit. But if you have a home warranty plan in place, the best thing to do is make a service call.
3. The Coils Feel Hot On The Back
When the coils feel hot on the backside of the refrigerator, this is definitely an indicator that you need a professional technician to assess the unit. When the coils are overheating, the unit isn’t cooling properly and is using more energy than it should. This means the food you have inside isn’t being kept at the proper temperature and your energy bills are higher too.
4. Temperature Not Right
As refrigerators age, it will often fluctuate between working too hard and freezing foods that shouldn’t be frozen or not working hard enough and the food spoils. Either way, it’s not healthy to eat the food and it is playing havoc on your energy bill. You should look at your home warranty paperwork and verify that it does home warranty cover refrigerator and make a call for a service technician right away.
Before you decide that repairing is the best option as opposed to buying new, consider the current problem and the cost of fixing it versus the cost of a new unit. Ask the technician how much longer of a lifespan will the repair give the unit – this may be long enough for you get your finances in order to buy a new refrigerator.
A home warranty plan through Liberty Home Guard will include all the appliances and systems of your home that you choose to include. We have basic package deals and we can customize them to fit your budget and your needs. Give us a call today for a quote!
Pros and Cons of Installing Solar Panels on Your Home
Solar power can be an excellent alternative to oil and gas. Private residences can be easily updated to use solar power, which can’t always be said for other forms of sustainable energy, such as wind power or hydropower. There are some drawbacks to consider, however, if you’re thinkin
Summer Home Plumbing Maintenance Checklist for 2020
All homeowners should engage in routine plumbing maintenance to keep their homes in working order. Water, rust, mineral buildup, and temperature changes can do a number on the pipes and fixtures in your home. Most problems are easily resolved when caught early, but even minor problems c
Most Common Types of HVAC Systems in 2020
A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, more commonly known as HVAC, is one of the most critical systems in a home. Regulating temperature and air quality does more than just make a home comfortable to live in; it also protects other home systems and appliances from premature disrepa
Maintaining Your Pool Deck and Your Home
A backyard pool is a true luxury to enjoy on hot summer afternoons, but pools can require significant upkeep. Sun, precipitation, and seasonal fluctuations in temperature and humidity all cause wear and tear on your pool deck. Luckily, proactive home poo
10 Smart Home Upgrades for Your Summer To-Do List
The nice weather and plentiful hours of daylight make the summer a great time for homeowners to tackle projects around the house. After you’ve serviced your air conditioner and attended to the other tasks on your seas
What to Do When You Reopen Your Pool
As the days lengthen and the weather warms, homeowners who are lucky enough to own a pool have the itch to reopen it for the summer season. Some homeowners, especially new ones, may have limited knowledge of home swimming pool maintenance, but reopenin
Best Home Security Mobile Apps for 2020
The rise of online technology has made it easier than ever to keep tabs on our lives. There are apps out there for shopping lists, planning out projects, and keeping track of goals. Home security is one aspect that’s much more convenient and effective now, thanks to smartphones.
How Long Do Your Home’s Systems And Appliances Last?
No matter how expensive, high-end, or well-built our home appliances and systems are at purchase, everything eventually requires repairs and replacements. We often take our home devices like washing machines,
The Ultimate Weekly Home Maintenance Checklist for 2020
You have a lot on your plate as a homeowner. From paying the mortgage or rent to buying necessary furnishings, it’s easy to miss out on one of the most important tasks: home maintenance.
No matter how long you have owned your home, you will always something new come along to learn.
How to Get Rid of Mold in Showers and Bathrooms?
Mold is the enemy of any homeowner. It can grow anywhere, even within walls. It’s difficult to remove and prevent, and it poses significant health risks for you and your family.
10 Tips for Maintaining Your Oven
With cooktops costing hundreds of dollars to replace, according to average appliance repair costs, it would be wise for homeowners to maintain their ovens regularly.
Your pool is likely one of the biggest investments in your home, and one of the most significant
How IoT and Telematics will change your home life
IoT has already begun disrupting a ton of commercial applications, with companies like Uptake
The 6 Best Automatic Pool Cleaners
Here at Liberty Home we’re constantly seeking out and evaluating all the ways home ownership
Best Smart Home Devices for People over 50
With all the options out there it can be daunting to find a device that actually enhances your
Your Home Maintenance Checklist For Every Season
Do you know how frequently you need to perform maintenance on your home systems
The Best Five Laundry Tips For Any Home
Laundry might be a hassle, but doing it carelessly can ruin your clothing and guess
2020 Hurricane Season Preparation Guide
As the entire nation keeps a cautious eye on Hurricane Florence, the first major
Common Dishwasher Problems & How to Fix Them
Have you opened your dishwasher the next morning only to find that the dishes are still
2020 Average Appliance Repair Costs With Prices
When considering purchasing a home warranty plan, even cheap home warranty plans, it is
3 Advantages of Ductless Heating and Cooling Systems
Maybe you have heard about ductless cooling and heating systems, and you have probably seen one
How do I change my HVAC filters?
Homeownership is exciting and comes with maintenance responsibilities, like cleaning gutters
Liquid Drain Septic Tank Home Maintenance Tips
Your home is a valuable asset and so the components within your home are important
How Do I Schedule Routine Home Maintenance?
There is more to owning a home than the financial responsibility. The routine home
Top Reasons Why It’s Important To Repair Your Garage Door
Why would you want a garage door opener home warranty coverage? It is estimated that over a
Differences Between Regular and High-End Appliances
There’s a lot to consider when you’re designing your new living space. Perhaps you want a homey
How to Troubleshoot an Attic Fan
An attic fan pulls the hot air out of the attic and helps cooler air be drawn through the house. If the
How to Take the Best Care of Your A/C Unit
Keeping your home’s temperature under control is more than a luxury, and sometimes it is even
The Most and Least Profitable Home Improvement Projects
While home improvement is more than just about the dollars and cents, we’ve compiled
10 of the Most Common Air Conditioner Problems in 2020
Hot summer days can be fun and exciting but also uncomfortable when you don’t have a working
What Does a Garage Door Replacement Cost? A 2020 Guide
You have many options regarding complete garage door replacement, though you may be
Best 10 Home Maintenance Mobile Apps for 2020
There are apps to help you plan out vacations, make reservations at restaurants, find nightclubs, and share
