A refrigerator is a key appliance in any household. But how long does a fridge usually last? The lifespan of a refrigerator can vary depending on several factors, including the brand, model, usage, and maintenance. In general, refrigerators last between 10 and 20 years—pretty long for an essential appliance!
Want to know more about the longevity of your fridge and how to keep it in top shape? We’ve got you covered!
Signs You Need To Replace Your Fridge:
- Too much condensation: If your fridge is wet to the touch, this may be a sign that it’s at the end of its life. Moisture collecting on the outside of the fridge is usually indicative of a faulty door seal, which can be replaced. In some cases, however, it might be easier to just get a new fridge.
- Frequent breakdowns: If your fridge breaks down (stops running) often, this usually indicates power issues and generally means it’s no longer able to function. Unfortunately there’s not much you can do for a fridge that breaks down—it might be time for a new one.
- Inconsistent temperature: If your fridge is having trouble maintaining a steady temperature, this could be due to motor issues. Motor issues can be costly to fix and are a typical sign of a dying fridge.
- It’s noisy: A noisy fridge is also an indicator of motor issues..
- It’s damaged: An obvious problem with your fridge could be visible damage: dents in the door, a broken cooling system, and so-on. It depends on where the damage is, but physical damage to major parts (like the motor) could spell disaster for your fridge.
- It’s leaky: A leaky fridge is not only a hazard but also a sign of a bigger issue. If there’s a leak, the fridge may not be level or could have a blocked defrost drain. While these issues are manageable, a leaky fridge can also be caused by other internal issues that are expensive to fix.
- Food expires quickly: Food expiring is an obvious sign of a fading fridge. If your food is expiring long before it’s expected to go bad, it could be because your refrigerator isn’t regulating the temperature properly. Double check your temperature setting before you decide to get a new model.
- Too much frost: Too much frost on the inside of your fridge can build up when your motor isn’t working properly. This can be a sign your fridge is on its last leg.
How To Maintain A Fridge:
- Keep it clean: The most obvious thing you can do to keep your refrigerator in good shape is to it keep it clean. Clean the shelves, the door’s gasket, and all the drawers to help ensure debris doesn’t build up.
- Set the temperature correctly: Keeping your fridge set at or around 39 degrees fahrenheit is ideal. This will ensure your food stays fresh longer. Similarly, your freezer should stay at around 0 degrees fahrenheit. Maintaining a consistent temperature allows for ideal performance and will help your fridge’s motor last.
- Avoid overloading: Overloading your fridge will put undue stress on its hardware, potentially shortening its lifespan. As mentioned, you should clean your fridge often and make sure you only store what you need.
- Regularly defrost (for non-frost-free models): If your fridge doesn’t defrost automatically (check its manual to determine this) you’ll need to defrost it every month or so. You’ll need to turn off the freezer, unload it, and drain it. Then you’ll need to allow the ice to melt and clean up any water before starting it back up. Fortunately most modern refrigerators don’t require defrosting, but if you have an older model, you’ll want to take this step.
- Keep coils clean: The condenser coils help diffuse heat from the fridge and need to be kept clean. A dirty condenser not only raises the temperature but also raises your electricity bill! Clean your condenser coils according to your manual’s instructions.
Getting Rid Of An Old Fridge:
When it’s time to replace your old fridge, it’s important to dispose of it responsibly. One option is to hire a Tasker or professional junk removal service to help with the heavy lifting and proper disposal. They can safely transport your old refrigerator and ensure it is taken to an authorized recycling facility. Be sure to inquire about their recycling practices to ensure environmental responsibility.
Keep Your Cool With Help From Taskers
Decided it’s time to part ways with your old fridge? Hire a Tasker to help haul it away. No need to do all the heavy lifting on your own! Just task.
