Refrigerator Reviews
    RefrigeratorHQ is reader-supported. We may earn commissions on qualifying purchases. >
    Refrigerator ReviewsRefrigerator Reviews
    • Brands
      • Amana
      • Bosch
      • Cafe Appliances
      • Electrolux Appliances
      • FORNO Appliances
      • Frigidare
      • Galanz
      • GE
      • Haier
      • Hisense Appliances
      • JennAir
      • Kenmore
      • KitchenAid Appliances
      • LG
      • Maytag Appliances
      • Magic Chef Appliances
      • Samsung
      • SMEG
      • Whirlpool
    • Refrigerators
      • Bar Fridge
      • Built In
      • Freezer on Bottom
      • Freezer on Top
      • French Door
      • Mini Fridge
      • Smart Fridge
    • Freezers
      • Chest Freezer
      • Upright Freezer
    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    RefrigeratorHQ is reader-supported. We may earn commissions on qualifying purchases. >
    Refrigerator Reviews
    Home » How Long Does A Refrigerator Last?
    Refrigerators

    How Long Does A Refrigerator Last?

    January 5, 2022Updated:June 9, 2022No Comments
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

    Table of Contents

    • How Long Does A Refrigerators Last?
    • How Do I Know If My Fridge is Dying?
    • How Do I Know If I Should Replace My Fridge or Repair It?
    • How Do I Extend the Lifespan of my Refrigerator?
    • FAQ

    Refrigerators have long been considered the center of many kitchens. With the recent upgrades and technological innovations that appliance brands have been releasing, fridges can connect through Wi-Fi to your phone, are more energy-efficient models, and have edge-to-edge-shelving that stores more food. Additionally, many people are ditching the basic white and stainless steel models in favor of customizing their fridges to match the interior of their kitchens.

    Because of this, consumers are curious about how long their refrigerators will remain in good condition. Fridges are a large purchase, and maximizing their lifespan is important. Here’s what you need to know about how long a refrigerator should last.

    How Long Does A Refrigerators Last?

    Refrigerators can last anywhere from 10-20 years, but their average lifespan is 12-14 years, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

    Explanation about how long appliances usually last

    How Do I Know If My Fridge is Dying?

    Your refrigerator will likely need a tune-up or replacement part sometime along the way, but you may be unsure if your fridge is on its last legs or if it can be salvaged. The good news is there are some things you can look out for.

    • Your food is going bad: If your food suddenly starts going bad much quicker than it used to, it’s likely that your fridge no longer has the power required to safely sustain food storage.
    • Frost inside the fridge: This means that warm air is circulating inside the fridge, whether it be from leaving the fridge open or from the fridge no longer being able to cool down the interior. 
    • The fridge is running hot to the touch: While the workings of refrigerators mean that warm refrigerant exits the fridge and heats up the coils on the back or bottom of the fridge, no other area of the fridge should be warm.
    • The motor keeps running: While you will occasionally hear your fridge’s motor, it shouldn’t be continuously running, and it shouldn’t be super loud. 
    • Your energy bill is higher than before: While this could be due to many factors, if you know that your fridge has been struggling, it’s worth checking to see if it’s the cause of your mounting utility bills. If it is, you can then swap it for a more energy-efficient model.

    How Do I Know If I Should Replace My Fridge or Repair It?

    There are two main factors in deciding if you should replace or repair your fridge, your fridge’s age, and the area that needs repair. If it is a mid-aged fridge that needs a completely new compressor and condenser, it might be time for a new one. If it is an older fridge that just needs a new shelf but is otherwise running fine, you can probably keep it. 

    How Do I Extend the Lifespan of my Refrigerator?

    Refrigerators need upkeep the same way other appliances do, and a good place to start is to check the seal around the door of the fridge. Make it a habit to regularly clean it and make sure it forms a total and complete seal. Your fridge’s condenser coils also need regular cleaning to remove any dust, errant food particles, or other debris that can compromise them. Unplug your fridge, then look for the coils on the bottom or back of your fridge and gently clean them. 

    Adequate air circulation is also key to maintaining the health of your fridge. So contrary to popular belief, the top of your fridge shouldn’t be used for storage.

    How Does A Refrigerator Work?
    Frigidaire FFET1222UV Lifestyle
    The Guide to the Best Apartment Refrigerators
    Frigidaire FFHD2250TS 36 Inch Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator
    Picking the Best French Door Refrigerator: Buying Guide + 5 Best Picks
    Hands of woman opening fridge door and putting package of fresh ripe strawberries in it
    Review of the Best Refrigerator Brands of 2022

    FAQ

    How long do mini fridges last?

    The lifespan of mini or compact fridges ranges from 4-12 years, but on average they last about 8 years.

    What parts of my fridge do I need to clean?

    The interior shelves and drawers of your fridge should be cleaned regularly to clear away any food debris or spills, while the sides and bottoms of your fridge should be cleared to ensure that the mechanics of the fridge are free and clear and work properly.

    What new features do fridges have?

    Fridges can connect to Wi-Fi, cool more efficiently, and create more ice shapes than just crushed and cubed. You can also look for features like see-through glass doors, voice-command door open, as well as touchscreen doors.

    How long will my other appliances last?

    On average, you can expect your dishwasher and washing machine to last 12 years, your stove to last about 18 years, and your microwave to run smoothly for about 7-10 years.

    How do dirty condenser coils affect my fridge’s lifespan?

    When the condenser coils on the bottom or back become dust or debris-covered, they can’t work as they need to, and it’ll put stress on the compressor and other parts of the fridge to work harder to cool the fridge.

    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email

    Related Posts

    How to Keep a Refrigerator Outside Throughout the Year

    December 2, 2022

    Best Way to Organize a Fridge for Food Storage and Preservation

    November 23, 2022

    Top 5 Small Bar Fridges With Glass Doors Reviewed

    November 18, 2022

    You must log in to post a comment.

    Search Refrigerator HQ
    Take a Survey
    Our Bestselling Refrigerator of 2022
    Sale Galanz Retro Compact Mini Fridge with Freezer, 2-Door, Energy Efficient, Small Refrigerator for Dorm, Office, Bedroom, 3.1 cu ft, Black
    Galanz Retro Compact Mini Fridge with Freezer, 2-Door, Energy Efficient, Small Refrigerator for Dorm, Office, Bedroom, 3.1 cu ft, Black
    $260.93
    Buy on Amazon
    Categories
    • Brands
    • Refrigerators
      • Bar Fridge
      • Built In Refrigerators
      • Freezer on Bottom
      • Freezer on Top
      • French Door Refrigerators
      • Mini Fridge
      • Smart Fridge
    • Freezers
      • Chest Freezer
      • Upright Freezer
    Danby 4.4 Cu. Ft. Outdoor Mini Fridge
    Sale Danby DAR044A6BSLDBO 4.4 Cu.Ft. Outdoor Mini Fridge, IPX4-Rated Stainless Steel Look All Refrigerator for Patio, Cabana, Pool Bar, E-Star Rated, Spotless Steel
    Danby DAR044A6BSLDBO 4.4 Cu.Ft. Outdoor Mini Fridge, IPX4-Rated Stainless Steel Look All Refrigerator for Patio, Cabana, Pool Bar, E-Star Rated, Spotless Steel
    $447.74
    Buy on Amazon
    Popular Posts
    Best Selling Refrigerators
    SaleBestseller No. 1 Frigidaire 17.4 Cu. Ft. 4 Door Refrigerator in Brushed Steel with Adjustable Freezer Storage
    Frigidaire 17.4 Cu. Ft. 4 Door Refrigerator in Brushed Steel with Adjustable Freezer Storage
    $1,102.76
    Buy on Amazon
    Bestseller No. 2 FRIGIDAIRE EFR756-BLACK EFR756, 2 Door Apartment Size Retro Refrigerator with Top Freezer, Chrome Handles, 7.5 cu ft, Black
    FRIGIDAIRE EFR756-BLACK EFR756, 2 Door Apartment Size Retro Refrigerator with Top Freezer, Chrome Handles, 7.5 cu ft, Black
    $339.99
    Buy on Amazon
    Bestseller No. 3 Full Size Refrigerator 10.1 Cu Ft with Top Freezer, Double Door, Low noise, Removable Glass Shelves, for Home, Office, Garage, Adjustable Temperature Settings, Stainless Steel
    Full Size Refrigerator 10.1 Cu Ft with Top Freezer, Double Door, Low noise, Removable Glass Shelves, for Home, Office, Garage, Adjustable Temperature Settings, Stainless Steel
    $499.99
    Buy on Amazon
    Bestseller No. 4 Kenmore Top-Freezer Refrigerator with LED Lighting and 20.8 Cubic Ft. Total Capacity, White
    Kenmore Top-Freezer Refrigerator with LED Lighting and 20.8 Cubic Ft. Total Capacity, White
    $949.99
    Buy on Amazon
    Bestseller No. 5 Frestec 4.7 CU' Refrigerator, Mini Fridge with Freezer, Compact Refrigerator,Small Refrigerator with Freezer,Top Freezer, Adjustable Thermostat Control, Silver (FR 472 SL)
    Frestec 4.7 CU' Refrigerator, Mini Fridge with Freezer, Compact Refrigerator,Small Refrigerator with Freezer,Top Freezer, Adjustable Thermostat Control, Silver (FR 472 SL)
    $267.22
    Buy on Amazon
    Best Selling Refrigerator Accessories
    Bestseller No. 1 12 Pcs Refrigerator Liners, MayNest Washable Mats Covers Pads, Home Kitchen Gadgets Accessories Organization for Top Freezer Glass Shelf Wire Shelving Cupboard Cabinet Drawers (12 White)
    12 Pcs Refrigerator Liners, MayNest Washable Mats Covers Pads, Home Kitchen Gadgets Accessories Organization for Top Freezer Glass Shelf Wire Shelving Cupboard Cabinet Drawers (12 White)
    $14.99
    Buy on Amazon
    Bestseller No. 2 4 Pcs Refrigerator Water Drip Catcher, Fridge Absorbent Mat Water Drip Tray Splash Guard Pads Catcher for Whirlpool,Samsung Refrigerator Water Drip Pan &Ice Dispenser Accessories-Rectangular,Black
    4 Pcs Refrigerator Water Drip Catcher, Fridge Absorbent Mat Water Drip Tray Splash Guard Pads Catcher for Whirlpool,Samsung Refrigerator Water Drip Pan &Ice Dispenser Accessories-Rectangular,Black
    $16.93
    Buy on Amazon
    Bestseller No. 3 10 Pack Refrigerator Pantry Organizer Bins, Stackable Fridge Organizer Bins with Lids, Clear Plastic Food Storage Bins for Kitchen, Countertops, Cabinets, Fridge, Drinks, Fruits, Vegetable, Cereals
    10 Pack Refrigerator Pantry Organizer Bins, Stackable Fridge Organizer Bins with Lids, Clear Plastic Food Storage Bins for Kitchen, Countertops, Cabinets, Fridge, Drinks, Fruits, Vegetable, Cereals
    $35.99
    Buy on Amazon
    SaleBestseller No. 4 Vtopmart 4 Pack Soda Can Organizer for Refrigerator, Fridge Drink Can Holder for Pantry, Fridge Can Dispenser, Can Organizer Bins Clear
    Vtopmart 4 Pack Soda Can Organizer for Refrigerator, Fridge Drink Can Holder for Pantry, Fridge Can Dispenser, Can Organizer Bins Clear
    $13.99
    Buy on Amazon
    Bestseller No. 5 ELCOOR Refrigerator Door Handle Covers, Set of 6, Trimmable, Washable, Appliance Handle Covers, Fridge Door Handle Protector, Get Rid of Dirty Handprints. Timesaver, Kitchen Decor Accessories (Grey)
    ELCOOR Refrigerator Door Handle Covers, Set of 6, Trimmable, Washable, Appliance Handle Covers, Fridge Door Handle Protector, Get Rid of Dirty Handprints. Timesaver, Kitchen Decor Accessories (Grey)
    $14.99
    Buy on Amazon
    Best Selling Freezers
    Bestseller No. 1 Frigidaire EFRF696-AMZ Upright Freezer 6.5 cu ft Stainless Platinum Design Series
    Frigidaire EFRF696-AMZ Upright Freezer 6.5 cu ft Stainless Platinum Design Series
    $399.99
    Buy on Amazon
    Bestseller No. 2 Midea MRC04M3AWW, White 3.5 cu. ft. Mini Freezer, Cubic Feet
    Midea MRC04M3AWW, White 3.5 cu. ft. Mini Freezer, Cubic Feet
    $248.89
    Buy on Amazon
    Bestseller No. 3 Arctic King Chest Freezer 5 cu ft (Black)
    Arctic King Chest Freezer 5 cu ft (Black)
    $249.99
    Buy on Amazon
    Bestseller No. 4 Midea WHS-109FW1 Upright Freezer, 3.0 Cubic Feet, White
    Midea WHS-109FW1 Upright Freezer, 3.0 Cubic Feet, White
    $229.00
    Buy on Amazon
    Bestseller No. 5 R.W.FLAME Chest Freezer 2.8 Cubic Feet, Deep Freezer, Adjustable Temperature, Energy Saving, Top open Door Compact Freezer, Black
    R.W.FLAME Chest Freezer 2.8 Cubic Feet, Deep Freezer, Adjustable Temperature, Energy Saving, Top open Door Compact Freezer, Black
    $159.99
    Buy on Amazon
    Best Selling Freezer Accessories
    Bestseller No. 1 Freezer Wire Baskets, Kitchen Storage Organizer Bins for Chest and Upright Freezer, Refrigerator Dividers Containers with Handles - Pearl White (4)
    Freezer Wire Baskets, Kitchen Storage Organizer Bins for Chest and Upright Freezer, Refrigerator Dividers Containers with Handles - Pearl White (4)
    $29.99
    Buy on Amazon
    Bestseller No. 2 KoolMore - MCF-9C Commercial Ice Cream Freezer Display Case, Glass Top Chest Freezer with 3 Storage Baskets and Sliding Lid, Large 9 cu. ft. Capacity, White
    KoolMore - MCF-9C Commercial Ice Cream Freezer Display Case, Glass Top Chest Freezer with 3 Storage Baskets and Sliding Lid, Large 9 cu. ft. Capacity, White
    $1,099.00
    Buy on Amazon
    Bestseller No. 3 PIAOLGYI Tray Mats Set For HARVEST RIGHT Freeze Dryer Trays,Accessories Compatible with HARVEST RIGHT Freeze Dryer Medium Trays (4 Pack)
    PIAOLGYI Tray Mats Set For HARVEST RIGHT Freeze Dryer Trays,Accessories Compatible with HARVEST RIGHT Freeze Dryer Medium Trays (4 Pack)
    $15.99
    Buy on Amazon
    Bestseller No. 4 Medium Freeze Dryer Parchment Paper, Custom fit for Medium Harvest Right Trays, 100% Natural Unbleached Wood Pulp, (17 1/4' x 7')
    Medium Freeze Dryer Parchment Paper, Custom fit for Medium Harvest Right Trays, 100% Natural Unbleached Wood Pulp, (17 1/4" x 7")
    $19.99
    Buy on Amazon
    SaleBestseller No. 5 PIAOLGYI 12 Pcs Tray Stackers for Harvest Right Freeze Dryer Accessories Compatible with Harvest Right Trays ,Yellow(ONLY Tray Stackers)
    PIAOLGYI 12 Pcs Tray Stackers for Harvest Right Freeze Dryer Accessories Compatible with Harvest Right Trays ,Yellow(ONLY Tray Stackers)
    $11.99
    Buy on Amazon
    Navigate
    • Refrigerators
    • Freezers
    Site Information
    • About Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Contact Us
    • How Star Ratings Work
    Powered By The DealNews Network

    501 Madison St SE Suite 200
    Huntsville, AL 35801
    (256)971-6840
    DealNews, Inc

    Affiliate Disclaimer

    RefrigeratorHQ contains links to affiliate websites, and we may earn commissions for any purchases made by you on the affiliate website using such links. Learn more about our affiliate disclaimer.

    © 2023 DealNews. Built by Press Foundry.
    • Refrigerators
    • Freezers

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

     

    Loading Comments...
     

    You must be logged in to post a comment.