Recently, I had some problems with the compressor in my fridge. It had broken down and my fridge was no longer working the way it should. I had a big decision to make. Should I repair or replace it? So, I did some research to find the correct answer.
If the refrigerator is under 15 years old, it’s often a wise move to replace the compressors. You’ll need to consider the extent of the damage, which will have a big impact on the repair costs. Usually, it will cost around $300 to repair a compressor. This means that repairing the problem will generally be cheaper than purchasing a new fridge.
Because this is such an important decision, it’s often worth taking your time to think over the options. This could end up saving you thousands of dollars.
Should I Repair or Replace a Compressor on a Refrigerator?
The compressor is one of the most important parts of the fridge. It helps disperse the refrigerant, keeping everything cool. If the compressor breaks down, it will be harder for the fridge to maintain a consistent temperature. Because of this, you’ll need to take action as soon as you discover the problem.
Whether you should replace the compressor or purchase a new fridge will depend on a few factors. The most important is the age of the fridge. As a general rule, the older the fridge is the more costly it will be to replace the compressor.
Often, once the fridge is over 15 years old, it’s a good idea to purchase a new one. This will often be cheaper than replacing the compressor. It’s also likely that the older the fridge is the more other problems you’ll have. On the other hand, if you have a younger fridge, it might be worth replacing the compressors. It’ll be able to keep working for many years.
The other important factor that you might want to consider is the type of fridge that you have. Often, this will have an impact on its life. For example, top freezers will last longer than the bottom freezers. The type of fridge will impact replacement costs. As we’ll discuss later a high-end fridge can cost thousands. In this case, it might be better to repair the broken compressor.
You need to think about the type of refrigerant that you are using. Some models have been using older types of refrigerants. If you are using R12, R22, or R502 it might be time to consider getting a new fridge. These types of refrigerants are no longer commonly used. Because of this, it will be harder to obtain the parts you need.
Finally, you’ll need to consider the condition of the compressor. If the problem has been occurring for a long time, other parts of the fridge might be affected. This can increase the repair bills, meaning that buying a fridge might be the most viable option. When they arrive, the repairman will be able to give you a good indication of the extent of the damage.
How Much Will it Cost to Replace the Compressor?
You must understand how much it will cost to purchase and install a new compressor. This will determine whether it will be best to fix the problem or get a new fridge. There are a few things that will impact how much you’ll need to pay to replace the compressor.
First, you’ll need to consult a qualified repairman. They will be able to look at the issue and assess the damage. They’ll be able to give you a good idea of much the part will cost. In most cases, you’ll need to order it in. When tallying up the costs, don’t forget to include labor. Often, repairmen will charge between $100 to $200 per hour.
In most cases, it will cost somewhere between $200 to $400 to replace the compressor. However, if you have an older fridge or a higher-end model, this can end up being more expensive. Talking with the repairman can often give you a good indication of how much you’ll need to spend.
Once you know how much it costs to replace, you can compare it with the expenses associated with a new fridge. This will depend on the type of fridge you select and how difficult it will be to install. For example, a basic fridge will cost $800. However, the more expensive models can cost over $12,000. These will often need a water line to be plumbed in. The average fridge can be installed for between $1,000 to $2,000.
However, before you start paying these costs, you should check whether or not the device is covered by a warranty. If it is, you might be able to contact the manufacturer and tell them about the issues with the compressor. By doing this, you might be able to have the problems fixed for free.
How can you Tell When it’s Time to Replace the Compressor?
The longer that you leave a bad compressor in your fridge, the worse the damage will become. Because of this, you need to know what signs to look out for. If you spot these, you should call in a professional to check the fridge. They will be able to help you identify the source of the problem.
First, you’ll need to listen to the noise that the fridge makes. When your fridge is working properly, it shouldn’t make any noise. In most cases, the only thing that you’ll be able to hear is a soft humming. If the fridge is louder than normal, it might be a sign that you need to look at the compressor. This will often be accompanied by additional heat from the back of the fridge or an oily smell.
In other cases, you might notice that the compressor is always running but the fridge isn’t cooling down. This is a clear sign that there is something wrong. Often, the issue will be the compressor. However, it can also mean that there isn’t enough refrigerant left in the system.
How to Take Care of your Compressor?
If you take care of your compressor, you’ll be able to extend its life. Thankfully, this isn’t a very difficult task. Sometimes dirt and grime will buildup on the compressor coils. You’ll need to keep them clean. Most models will have a panel at the back of the fridge that you can unscrew to check and clean the panels.
When maintaining the compressors, turn off the fridge. Then get a damp, soapy cloth. Run this over the compressor, to get rid of any dirt or grease. You should also use a vacuum cleaner, to get rid of the dust. While you’re doing this, inspect the compressor, to see if you can spot signs of damage.
Leave the compressor to dry. Once it’s ready, close the vent and turn on the fridge. As long as you do this every few months, you’ll be able to keep your compressor running smoothly.
Final Thoughts
The compressor is one of the most important parts of the fridge. If it breaks, it can be very expensive to get it fixed. But this doesn’t always mean that it’s a good idea to replace the fridge. Before you make this decision, you’ll need to consider the age, type of refrigerant, and extent of the damage. It’s often a good idea to see a quote from a qualified repairman. You can then weigh the costs of replacing the fridge against the costs of fixing the problem.