A good fridge can last for many years; however, they can start to break down or become a problem at some point. If you are wondering whether or not to buy a new fridge, you need to consider some factors. This is especially true if you are a budget-conscious consumer. To decide whether to make that purchase now or later, take the following factors into account:
The Age of your Current Fridge
Typically, a fridge can last from 10 to 20 years. But, the longer you keep your fridge, the greater the potential repair cost. If you have an eight-year-old fridge, consider repair. But, it is already 15 years old, consider getting a new one.
The Kind of Fridge you Currently Own
Some kinds of fridges are harder and cost more to repair than others. For example, a built-in fridge is often less expensive to repair; however, a side-by-side fridge may be good candidates for a replacement if they are more than five years old. Within seven years, a faulty bottom freezer should be repaired and replaced when it is older than this. A faulty top freeze often requires replacement when it is at least 7 years old.
Energy-Efficiency
Your fridge can suck up unnecessary power and leave you paying hefty electricity bills every month. A decade-old refrigerator uses twice the energy of an Energy Star rated fridge like one from LG. Thus, if you want to save money on electricity usage and costs, replace your old fridge with an Energy Star rated unit. Also, the kind of fridge matters in terms of energy usage. For example, a unit that allows for manual defrost uses less energy than an automatic defrost unit. Typically, a unit with a top-mounted freezer uses less energy than one with a bottom freezer or side freezer.
The Amount of Damage to your Old Unit
It is also important to think about the amount of damage to your current fridge. If the unit has several faulty parts or it is very old, consider replacing it. If your service plan or warranty is still active, try to make a clam before getting rid of the unit. If you still cannot make a decision, call an appliance repair expert to get an estimate. This way, you can determine whether the repair cost would justify keeping your old unit or investing in a new one. Whatever you decide, always pay attention to the long-term efficiency of the unit so you don’t spend your hard-earned cash on unnecessary expense.
