Fridge on the Fritz? Here's How to Choose Between
Are you struggling with a fridge that has started leaking or has stopped cycling on and off? Whatever the problem, you need to choose between refrigerator repair for the broken parts or total refrigerator replacement. Here are some facts to consider before making your final decision.
If you're like most homeowners in America, then you rely on a fully functioning refrigerator for all of your food storage and daily meals. Helping you prevent perishable items like milk and cold cuts from spoiling, your refrigerator is vital to everyday food safety and the overall health of you and your family. Given that our refrigerators are in constant use, it's easy to forget that they're just like any other appliances in that they weren't built to last forever. In time, one or more of your unit's parts will wear out, and you'll be left with a decision: repair it or replace it?
First, let's talk about the pros and cons of refrigerator repair. Whether you choose to repair the unit yourself or hire an appliance repair technician to perform the work for you, repairing the broken part of you refrigerator will cost significantly less than replacing the whole entire unit. However, the downside of opting for refrigerator repairs is that you'll need to make certain that at least one qualified individual is at the helm. That means you'll either have to study a refrigerator repair manual intensively or hire a licensed repairman to complete the job for you. The first option allows you to save even more money but will cut a big chunk into your spare time; the latter option requires you to pay for the outside labor but will get the job done without detracting from your weekend plans.
The alternative to repairing your refrigerator is, of course, replacing it altogether. Many homeowners take this course of action when they feel that their current fridge has become outmoded and worn out, concluding that this particular malfunction is just the first in a series of malfunctions that will only increase in severity as time goes on. Generally speaking, this is sound logic when it comes to units that are nearing double-digits in age.
However, the price of a brand-new fridge more than doubles the average cost of refrigeration repairs, so you'll want to be sure about the poor condition of your fridge before making such a sizable purchase. Moreover, while purchasing a new fridge will certainly save time--as you won't have to wait to study a refrigerator repair manual, order parts, or wait for the arrival of a repairman--you will have to consider the difficulties of installing it and properly disposing of the old one. This is an extremely important consideration, given that improper disposal can lead to hefty fines on top of what you already paid for your new fridge.
In short, your choice is between saving money and saving future hassle. Hiring a refrigerator repair service or performing the necessary refrigerator repairs yourself will be significantly more budget-friendly (price range for refrigeration repairs: $200 - $270; price range for all-new refrigerators: $400 - $3,500), while replacing your worn-out model with a new one will prevent future inconveniences from cropping up all over again. It's a tough decision, but don't take too long to think about it: You can't go much longer without a working fridge!