All good things must come to an end – including your refrigerator. If yours is hissing, clunking, leaking, or constantly cycling on and off, you are left with a choice: do you repair it, or buy a new one altogether?
Unfortunately, there is no cut-and-dry answer. What is best for you depends on a variety of factors, such as the appliance’s age and the type of repair needed. If you are having trouble making the decision, use these guidelines laid out by Consumer Reports.
Use the 50% Rule
This rule is simple – if the cost of repair is less than half of the cost of a new model, then have it fixed. Likewise, if it costs more than 50% to have it repaired, then break out your checkbook and head to the appliance store.
To Ice, Or Not To Ice?
If your refrigerator has a built-in icemaker, you could be setting yourself up for future repairs. A side-by-side refrigerator with an icemaker is more than twice as likely to break down as top- or bottom-freezer models without one. An icemaker is an added convenience, but the need for constant repairs is not.
Consider the Configuration
The style of your refrigerator can impact your decision, according to Consumer Reports. Here is what they recommend doing, based on the type of refrigerator you have:
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Built-in refrigerators should be repaired unless they are completely unsalvageable.
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Side-by-side refrigerators should be repaired if they are less than five years old. After that, you should probably get a new one.
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Bottom-freezer refrigerators have a repair window of 7 years. After that, you should consider replacement.
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Top-freezer refrigerators should always be repaired within 3 years of purchase and replaced after 7 years. If it is somewhere in between, use the 50% rule.
If you are looking for a refrigerator repair service in New York, look no further than Speedy Refrigerator Service. We have over 50 years of experience and can fix any make or model of refrigerator, freezer, ice maker, or wine cooler. We guarantee one-hour service to Long Island and New York City, so call us any time at 866-782-9376.