How much does Refrigerator repair cost?
Based on 57,591 real quotes from businesses in United States.
$50
TYPICAL
$99
Yelp calculates estimated costs by gathering and analyzing real quotes provided to consumers by businesses on Yelp. Actual costs may vary.
Key takeaways
When your fridge stops working correctly, you’ll need to hire a certified repair technician
Repair costs vary widely, depending on the parts and amount of time required
If repairs are too costly, it may make more sense to replace your refrigerator
Your refrigerator is an essential home appliance, and you depend on it to work properly 24/7. So, if you start hearing a buzz or rattle, notice leaks, ice buildup, or food that doesn’t stay cold—or if it stops working entirely—you’ll need repairs done as quickly as possible.
When that happens, it’s best to call a certified technician to assess and fix the problem. Refrigerators are complex machines—with a lot of parts that can go wrong—so repairing them requires experience and expertise. If ignored, even seemingly minor problems may get worse and more costly to fix.
When you call a refrigerator repair service, be sure to provide your unit’s make and model number so they can arrive prepared. A refrigerator repair technician should be able to assess the problem and provide a quote on the spot that includes parts and labor. (For more complicated issues, they may need to order parts and return to install them.) Hourly rates for certified repair technicians typically range from $60–140.
This cost guide will explain how much you’ll pay for common refrigerator repairs, and when it may be more cost-effective to buy a new fridge.
Total cost of refrigerator repair
Common problems can range from simple fan malfunctions or drain line clogs to broken control panels or compressors. Some are easy fixes, while others require expensive parts and hours of labor. Costs depend on the part (or parts) causing the trouble, ease of accessing the area, and time required to do the job. While these vary widely, the average cost for common repairs is $200–500.
Here are some typical repairs by price level:
Low-cost repairs. Usually performed in a couple of hours with parts the technician has on hand, these repairs include: Cleaning or replacing dirty coils; replacing a freezer thermostat, fridge door seal, or door gasket; or repairing a leaky evaporator or evaporator fan. Average cost: $75–200.
Medium-cost repairs. Repairs that involve difficult-to-access parts, such as those on water dispenser and ice makers, typically increase the service fee. Replacing an evaporator fan motor or refrigerator door also tend to be more complex, pricey fixes. Average cost: $175–550.
High-cost repairs. The most expensive repairs involve replacing essential components like refrigerator compressors and control boards. They typically require several hours of labor and require ordering expensive parts. Depending on the overall condition and age of your refrigerator—especially if it’s at least 10 years old—it may be more cost-effective to buy a new one than to pay for an expensive fix. Average cost: $500–1,200.
Cost factors
In addition to parts and labor, a number of other elements can affect how much you’ll pay for refrigerator repair.
Service call or diagnostic fee. A minimum charge for the technician to come to your home, service fees are applied to the first hour of labor. If the problem can be fixed in under an hour, you don’t owe any additional money. If it takes longer, the fee should be deducted from the total cost of repairs. Average cost: $75–125.
Guarantees. Most certified repairs come with a guarantee that covers parts, labor, or both. If the fridge stops working again within a certain amount of time (often 90 days) for the same reasons, the repair should be redone at no charge. Be sure to ask your technician about their guarantee before contracting for the job.
Emergency repairs. If you require repairs at night, on a weekend, or during holidays, labor rates will typically be 10–20% higher.
How to save money
You may be able to reduce refrigerator repair expenses by doing the following:
Check your warranty. New refrigerators come with a manufacturer’s warranty that covers repairs for a certain amount of time after purchase (usually 1 year). You can often purchase an extended warranty that lasts longer. In some cases, repairs must be made by a factory-authorized shop or the dealer that sold you the appliance, so check these details before hiring a repair company. If you pay for a home warranty (or “appliance insurance”)—a service contract that covers all your home systems for a monthly fee—refrigerator repairs are usually included.
Do simple tasks yourself. It’s fairly easy for homeowners to replace clips, change water filters, or replace light bulbs by following instructions in the owner’s manual. Replacement parts cost $5–40.
Follow a maintenance plan. By treating your fridge well, you can help reduce repairs and extend its life. Don’t load it more than ¾ full, so air can circulate around food items freely. Make sure the doors stay closed and seals are airtight, so cold air doesn’t leak out and stress the cooling system. And at least once a year, clean the condenser coils—usually located underneath and at the back of the unit—by vacuuming out any pet hair, dust, or lint.
FAQs
Is it cheaper to repair or replace a refrigerator?
New refrigerators typically cost $1,000–3,000, while average repairs cost $200–500. It’s usually more economical to fix it rather than replace it. But if repair costs are on the high side and the fridge is at least 10 years old—or if you want to upgrade to a newer, more energy-efficient unit—it may make sense to buy a new one.
How much does it cost to have someone fix your refrigerator?
For common problems, the average refrigerator repair cost is $200–500, including parts and labor. But you could pay as much as $1,200, depending on the price of replacement parts, type of fridge, and time it takes to fix. A certified technician may charge a service fee of $75–125, which should be deducted from the total repair cost.
How many years does a refrigerator last?
The average lifespan of a refrigerator is 10–15 years, but they can sometimes last longer with proper maintenance.
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How are Yelp’s cost estimates calculated?
Every year, millions of consumers request quotes on Yelp from top-rated local professionals. We combine these real-life project quotes with data from the millions of people who interact with businesses on Yelp today. We use our years of expertise to create handy local cost guides that you can trust. Get accurate estimates on projects in your area, from roofing to moving.
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