There’s nothing that halts a busy household like a broken refrigerator. Whether the ice maker stopped working or the food in the fridge is starting to smell suspiciously foul, your fridge can run the full spectrum on what’s wrong with it—and unfortunately, how much it costs.
The refrigerator is the most-used appliance in the home. Unlike any of the other appliances, like the washer, dryer, or dishwasher, your refrigerator is constantly working day in and day out to keep your food cold and safe to consume.
So when something goes wrong with your refrigerator, it’s safe to assume you’ll pay whatever it takes to get your kitchen up and running again. But, what is the average cost to repair refrigerator?
We’ve done the research for you on how much you should be paying for an average refrigerator repair and how it will affect your budget. Here’s what you can expect to pay when your fridge is on the fritz.
The Average Cost of Refrigerator Repair
Though your refrigerator repair costs will largely depend on where you’re located in the country, what the issue is, and what brand you have, you can expect to spend an average of $200 –$300 to repair a broken refrigerator. But you can often get a diagnosis for as little as $89.
Freezer Repair Costs
When you open your freezer and find a few items that aren’t frozen solid, you may worry that the door wasn’t closed tight or you might have it packed too tight. While those may be legitimate concerns, a more likely cause it something is malfunctioning or broken.
It may not be a major expense, but the average cost in the U.S. to repair a freezer is around $350.
Mini-Fridge Repair Costs
A mini-fridge is a great convenience for college dorms, summer cabins, and as an extra spot to keep beverages cold. They are usually pretty inexpensive to buy, so when something goes wrong, your first instinct might be to just buy a new one. A professional repair technician may charge anywhere from $45 to $120 per hour plus the cost of parts.
The good news is unless the compressor has failed, you can fix the mini-fridge yourself for under $100.
Diagnostic Costs
It’s very common to be charged a diagnostic fee to come out to your home and determine what’s wrong with your refrigerator. The fees range from $50 to $150 but may be waived if you allow them to fix the problem. Make sure to ask before scheduling an appointment. You’ll need to add the labor fees for the repair (typically at an hourly rate) plus parts.
How Much Does Each Refrigerator Part Repair Cost?
Refrigerator repair costs can vary significantly between brand and model, parts required, and repair companies vs. DIY. Below are cost ranges for repairing the most common components that cause breakdowns:
Compressor
As the main component of the refrigerator, it’s not surprising that this is one of the most expensive parts to replace. There is a chance that the relay switch inside the unit has worn out. This $50 part might do the trick for an inexpensive fix. However, if the compressor itself is malfunctioning, you expect to pay between $250 and $650, including labor, for a new one.
Control Board
The brains of the appliance are vital to its operation. If your fridge has stopped working with no advance issues, it might be the control board. This cannot be repaired and replacement units cost between $500 and $800 for an average model. High-end appliances will likely cost more.
Thermostat
Are you noticing inconsistent temperatures inside the refrigerator or freezer areas? Are you noticing strange noises when it’s running? The thermostat may be the culprit. Make sure it’s set between 35 and 38 degrees F. If not, reset it and test again with a thermometer later. If you have a malfunctioning thermostat, expect to pay between $100 and $440 for a new one.
Defrost Motor
The defrost motor is used to rid your freezer of excess frost. Modern freezers no longer require you to spend hours defrosting it with pots of boiling water and lots of towels to catch the water. If frost is building up, test your defrost motor by turning your thermostat up or down. If there is no temperature change (check with a thermostat,) you’ll need to replace it. Average costs are between $100 and $440.
Coils
Without the coils, your refrigerator would not keep anything cold and your food would be spoiling. Their main purpose is to circulate refrigerant, condense warm air, and then cool the fridge. You can find them on the bottom or back of your appliance, depending on style. Clean off the coils once or twice a year with a vacuum or compressed air to keep them working properly. Damaged coils cost between $100 to $440 to repair.
Door Seal
If the door seal becomes damaged, you may see condensation on the edge or outside of the door. The fridge will need to run more often to make up for the loss of cold air. This will put a strain on the motor, compressor, and increase your energy costs. You can replace the door seal yourself for $40 to $100, depending on model. A professional replacement will cost up to $440 with labor.
Drip Pan
This part does exactly as the name suggests, it collects condensation that drips from the defrost motor. It’s underneath the appliance. If you see water on the floor or hear a rattling noise when the fridge is running, it may need to be secured better or repaired. Repairs will cost between $50 and $200.
Ice Maker
Most newer refrigerators have this convenient feature. Repairs are more expensive than replacements due to multiple moving parts. A common problem is a frozen hose. Try thawing it out. Repairs cost around $330 but a brand new ice maker will run you between $60 and $200.
A technician will generally spend two to three hours identifying the problem and then fixing the issue, which can range from a broken compressor to the evaporator fan in the freezer.
How Much Does Each Fridge Part Replacement Cost?
When calculating the average refrigerator repair cost, you need to factor in the cost of parts. Refrigerator parts, like labor costs, can vary depending on make and model of your appliance, difficulty to replace, and age. Below are listed the most common parts and the average cost to replace them:
Drip Pan Replacement
The evaporator drip pan or drain trough catches the water that falls from the evaporator. Located under the fresh food section, it can leak when damaged or rusted. Average cost: $31.00.
Thermostat Replacement
The thermostat controls the temperature inside your refrigerator. When you fridge runs too long or is getting too cold, you may have a problem with a faulty temperature control thermostat. Average cost: $26.00.
Fridge Seal Replacement
A simple door gasket seal can keep the temperature inside your refrigerator cool and your food fresh. If you notice the door sweating, not opening or closing properly, or that the fridge runs too long, you may need a need seal. Average cost: $80.00.
Fan Replacement
The condenser fan motor is a critical component to keeping your refrigerator compressor and condenser coils working properly and your fridge cold. It helps circulate air through the appliance. A faulty fan motor will cause the temperature inside to rise and lead to compressor overheating. Average cost: $37.00.
Evaporator Coil Replacement
The evaporator coil is the component that refrigerant is propelled though to run your refrigerator. The coil or tube is positioned at the back of the appliance and is very hot. Cold refrigerant runs through the hot evaporator tubes to produce cold air. When it malfunctions, the freezer will not freeze food. This is a large part and a key component. Average cost: $300.00.
Ice Maker Replacement
The ice maker in your freezer is a great feature and convenience. When operating properly, you’ll always have a fresh supply of cubes ready to cool your favorite beverages. When it stops making ice or the cubes come out deformed, you may want to replace it. Average cost: $140.00.
Fridge Door Replacement
There are a number of options for refrigerator door replacement. The make, model, design, and color choices will determine how much a new door will cost. If you are replacing the door due to damage, you’ll want to be sure to obtain an OEM door so it fits properly. Price ranges: $250 - $650.
Compressor Replacement
As you might expect, the compressor is one of the most important parts of the refrigerator so it is one of the most expensive. While you can purchase the part yourself, it’s not recommended that you try to replace it on your own. If your compressor stops working, both refrigerator and freezer compartments will stop working and you’ll want to contact a professional repair service near. Average cost: $415.00.
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Factors Influencing the Cost of Refrigerator Repair
There are several factors that can affect the price of a refrigerator or any other home appliances repair. Take a look at the most common:
Issue Difficulty and Type
Typically, a repair on the higher end of the price range would require replacing a major part, like a compressor, fan motor, or evaporator fan. On the lower end of the price range, however, would be fixing things like vacuuming dirty coils or replacing a faulty thermostat.
Depending on the problem, you may incur a surcharge if the repair requires a significant amount of time vs. a replacement of the part. If your refrigerator is built into a cabinet or difficult to access, you may find an extra fee on your bill.
Refrigerator Brand
Refrigerators are broken down into categories such as economy, standard, and luxury. Most are EnergyStar rated and many now have Smart features that allow you to customize everything from automatic ordering when food items run low to calling a repair service when there’s a problem. Generally, the more features, the more costly it is to repair.
Materials and Labor
Depending on the company, they may price by the hour, charge you for parts and labor, and others will only charge you a flat rate for everything. If you’re unsure of how their rates work, don’t be afraid to ask the technician before they get started on the job. Most companies also charge a diagnostic fee to come to your home and diagnose the problem. It does not include the cost of the repair but may be waived if you hire the company to do the work.
Materials and labor are two separate costs. Some companies will give you a total price that may include a mark-up on the materials and parts. Labor charges for the technician’s time and expertise will likely be calculated on an hourly basis.
Common Refrigerator Problems
There are a number of issues that occur often and present themselves with these symptoms:
- Water leakage—can be caused by a damaged door seal, overflowing drip pan, broken ice maker, or damaged defrost motor.
- Refrigerant leakage—the fridge will likely not be cooling properly, so a repair technician will test to see if the coolant is low. This is likely caused by a malfunctioning compressor.
- Loud noises coming from the refrigerator—this may be a sign of impending problems with the motor, control board, or compressor.
- Refrigerator is too cold at some parts—this may point to a faulty thermostat or blocked vents.
Measures to Keep Your Refrigerator in Good Shape
There’s nothing that extends the lifespan of your appliances' more than by doing regular maintenance on it. Keep these items on your to-do list to keep your fridge running smoothly:
- Vacuum or use an air compressor to clean off the condenser coils. Do this once or twice a year to remove dust, debris, and pet hair.
- Wipe down and lubricate the door seals with petroleum jelly or rubber protectant regularly. Clean sticky spills, food particles, and test the flexibility of the rubber often.
- Clean refrigerator vents located on the inside wall of the fridge and top of the freezer. They help circulate air throughout the appliance and can become dirty or blocked. Keep food from blocking these vents and blocking the airflow. Wipe them down with water or vinegar often.
- Don’t overload your refrigerator. Airflow is critical to the proper operation. Make sure the vents are clear and that there’s space in between food for good circulation.
- Change your water filter as required to keep water tasting fresh and reducing the chance of small dirt particles that could block the tubes.
- Clean your water and ice dispenser regularly to keep bacteria from growing and affecting the taste and safety of your drinking water and ice cubes.
- Repair your refrigerator as soon as you notice a problem. Delaying it can lead to more significant problems and shorten the lifespan of your appliance.
FAQs
Should I repair or replace my refrigerator?
The majority of times it will cost less to repair a fridge than replace it. There are a few instances when you will need to start shopping—when the repair is more than half the cost of a new refrigerator or if your appliance is more than 10 years old.
How do I know when the refrigerator compressor needs repair?
You may notice the compressor clicking on and off, humming constantly, or a grinding or rattling noise. Ice build-up or spoiled food are also symptoms the compressor is not working properly. These are significant signs that it should be replaced which will cost between $250 and $550.
What should I check first when my fridge stops working?
While it may seem obviously, check your power cord. Make sure it’s plugged tight into the outlet. Next, check the circuit breaker. If your fridge isn’t on a dedicated 20 amp circuit, other appliances may draw too much power and trip the breaker. If neither of these are problems, check to see if the outlet itself is bad. Plug a small fan or lamp into the outlet. If none of these are the problem, contact a professional repair service to troubleshoot the problem.
Should I repair my refrigerator myself?
If you’re a DIY-er and want to try to save a little money, you may want to tackle simple repairs yourself. Some repairs like cleaning the coils, unclogging the drain line, putting in a new door seal, or replacing the thermostat should be simple enough to handle on your own. Anything that requires handling refrigerant or repairing the internal components of the appliance should be left to a professional. Not only can this be dangerous, it may compound the problem and cost more in the end.
How can I avoid a refrigerator repair?
Regular maintenance will help you avoid breakdowns and extend the life of your appliance. Vacuum or use canned air to clean the coils one or two times a year, wash and lubricate the door seals, keep vents clean and unobstructed, and take care of repairs quickly.
Is it worth it to repair a fridge?
Yes, if your refrigerator is less than 10 years old, it is definitely worth repairing it. Simple repairs can be a DIY project with very little cost. Even if you require a professional repair service, a few hundred dollars for repairs will be much easier on your budget than having to potentially spend thousands for a new one.
The Bottom Line
There’s never a good time for your refrigerator to break down. It’s inconvenient, it’s annoying, and it’s expensive. Not only can you potentially lose a lot of expensive food to spoilage, repairs or replacements can really throw your budget out of line. Maintain your fridge, don’t overload it, and take care of repairs quickly to keep it running smoothly and efficiently for years.
Schedule a Refrigerator Repair Right Away with Puls
No matter what’s ailing your fridge, our skilled technicians are able to handle whatever your appliance throws their way. From fixing a clog in the drain lines to replacing the ice maker to replacing a faulty compressor, our technicians are highly trained and specialized in fridge maintenance and repair.
And if you’re uncertain what’s going on with your fridge, our Puls technicians will act as your personal appliance detective team, using their in-depth knowledge and fridge expertise to determine what the problem is right away.
When you hire a run-of-the-mill repair team, you may have an idea of a figure that they will charge based on national averages, but until they’re in your home you don’t know how much they will charge to even look at your fridge.
With Puls, it’s the complete opposite. Our appliance repairs start at $139 and our in-home diagnosis is only $89—which is completely waived should you decide to use us to repair your fridge. Puls has a solution to avoiding unexpected appliance breakdown expenses—become a Puls+ member and for just $34.99 per month, gain peace-of-mind knowing all your appliances are covered.
Scheduling an appointment with Puls is easy and only takes seconds, thanks to our convenient, user-friendly website. Plus, our technicians are typically able to get to you quickly, often even arriving to fix your appliance within the same day that you schedule it.
And rest assured, all of our work comes with a 90-day guarantee on all parts and labor. Visit our website, book an appointment today and save 5% off your first Puls service.
