Updated on March 13, 2023
What Is The Lifespan Of Your Refrigerator?
Even while most refrigerators have a longer lifespan than other appliances, your refrigerator will not last permanently. It is important to know the typical life expectancy of a refrigerator in order to evaluate when a repair is more cost-effective than purchasing an entirely new unit.
Average Life Expectancy
Between 14 and 17 years, depending on type and size, a well-maintained refrigerator may expect to last for many years. The average lifespan of a compact refrigerator is 14 years, but a normal refrigerator may last up to 17 years. Your refrigerator’s lifespan is influenced by how well it is maintained and the quality of its construction. Some versions have a lifespan of 10 years, while others might live up to 19 years, depending on the model.
Prolonging Refrigerator Service Life
Your refrigerator’s lifespan may be extended with proper care and maintenance. Take care to keep the appliance out of direct sunlight and away from heat-producing devices. Regularly clean the coils on the rear to eliminate dust and dirt. Make sure they’re at least a few inches away from the wall. To prevent the gaskets from drying out and breaking, wipe the door seals with soapy water and empty and clean the drip pan at least three times a year. Make it a point to clean and empty your refrigerator at least once a month, and to check the temperature inside on a frequent basis. In order for a refrigerator to work properly, the temperature should be set between 37 and 40 degrees F.
How Long Does a Refrigerator Last?
It is estimated that the average life expectancy of a conventional refrigerator is 14 years, according to the 23rd annual appliance industry snapshot. Refrigerator longevity for compact models ranges from 4 to 12 years with an average lifetime of 8 years.
How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Fridge
Refrigerator life spans may be shown to be fairly extensive. The more time you invest into making yours last, the more time you have to save up for a new one. Follow these refrigerator maintenance suggestions to make your equipment last as long as possible.
Clean the Door Seals
When a gasket is damaged or clogged with debris, it won’t seal properly. As a result, the fridge is forced to work more, which reduces its lifetime.
Warm water and a soft cloth should be used to remove any residue from the gasket on a regular basis. Next, look for tears in the seal and replace it if necessary. Close the door on a $1 note and see what happens. If the gasket slides about or slips out, you need to replace the door seal.
Give it Room to Breathe
Refrigerators work optimally with airflow coming from all directions. Zero-clearance and front-vented refrigerators are two exceptions to this rule. Large, heavy things should not be placed immediately on top of a refrigerator unless it is clearly labelled as such. Make sure that nearby worktops and cabinets allow an inch of space. Maintaining a steady supply of fresh air might help avoid avoidable breakdowns. Coils packed with refrigerant are what allow refrigeration to take place. Dirt and dirt build up on the coils, causing them to function inefficiently. This increases your utility costs and may shorten the life of your refrigerator’s compressor.
Clean the Coils
Unplug the refrigerator before cleaning the coils. Afterwards, take off the grille from the fridge’s lower front. Find out whether the coils exist in this location. If so, use the brush attachment on your vacuum to clean them. If the coils aren’t visible, you’ll need to remove the refrigerator from the wall to clean them. They’re on the back.
Level the Fridge
Refrigerators are finicky and require that they be placed on a flat surface. You may find that it doesn’t shut correctly, causing a strain on the motor and letting in dampness. Check to determine whether the fridge is level by placing a level on top of it. To test if you can get it out of whack, try swaying it back and forth. If this is the case, a simple remedy is available.
