How Long Do Refrigerators Last? Lifespan Breakdown by Brand

Your refrigerator is central to daily life; think about it. Many households rely on their refrigerators to store essential medications, perishable items, and pet food, so long-term malfunction without it could lead to a major loss. The typical refrigerator should last you well beyond a decade, but how do you know exactly when it’s reached the end of its life? How do you know whether to repair or replace your refrigerator?

Never fear. We’ve dug deep to fully answer the question, “how long do refrigerators last?” so you can feel confident in your appliances for their full lifespans.

 

How Long Can You Expect a Refrigerator to Last?

Your refrigerator should last around 15 years, but your mileage may vary. Built-in refrigerators tend to last a little longer, with a typical lifespan of 20 years, while standard refrigerator models last 12 to 15 years. 

You can gauge your refrigerator’s expected lifespan by reading customer reviews before you purchase it or asking for maintenance records from the previous homeowner. 

Purchasing a reputable model from a well-respected brand, strictly adhering to the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions, and staying on top of minor repairs as needed are the best ways to ensure your refrigerator realizes its full lifespan. 

Common Refrigerator Lifespans by Brand

Some refrigerator brands, like Bosch, go above and beyond the typical lifespan of their competition, but you’ll often pay more upfront. Unfortunately, Samsung freezers and refrigerators are among the most finicky, so it can be helpful to avoid those. 

To pick a refrigerator that lasts, take time to shop around, read reviews, and ask questions at the dealer. That said, not everyone has the luxury of purchasing a new refrigerator. Whether you are inheriting a refrigerator in your home purchase or buying secondhand to save money, knowing the brand can give you a better idea of what to expect, allowing you to save for the future. 

 

 

Factors that Affect Refrigerator Lifespan

Refrigerator lifespan isn’t predetermined, so many variables contribute to its longevity. The following factors are important to keep in mind:

• Energy efficiency: In general, energy efficiency is a good predictor of refrigerator functionality. The more energy efficient it is, the longer it’s likely to run. 
• Maintenance schedule: Routine maintenance, including cleaning and timely replacing parts, will undoubtedly contribute to your refrigerator’s life expectancy. 
• Model: Fully built-in refrigerators last longer than standard models. 
• Design: Your selected appliance’s design and build quality can directly impact its lifespan. 

7 Common Signs Refrigerator is Dying

No one wants to hear their refrigerator is dying, but knowing what to expect when the time comes can be helpful. These 7 common signs don’t mean your refrigerator is officially done, so it’s always a good idea to call in a professional to assess it thoroughly. 

Condensation

Excess condensation will be evident if your fruits and vegetables are spoiling faster or you notice water droplets or puddles inside the unit. You may also notice the exterior door “sweating.” Undetected condensation issues can lead to foul odors and mold growth

Loud Noises

A functional fridge often produces a dull humming sound, but anything other than normal noises could suggest that your fridge is dying. If you notice your refrigerator is constantly running or it’s producing other loud noises––especially a banging noise––start by ruling out any debris or fallen objects behind the unit. If that doesn’t solve the issue, it may be time to consider repairs.

Leaking Water

Puddles around your refrigerator can signal door seal issues, frozen coils, or a blocked defrost drain. Persistent leaks can cause secondary damage to your floor, other appliances, electricity, and surrounding area, so acting quickly is important. 

Higher Energy Bills

As refrigerators age or otherwise become obsolete, they may draw more energy than they used to. Newer appliances have the latest energy-efficient technology, so if you notice an unexpected hike in your electric bills and nothing else has changed, it may be time to conduct an energy audit. 

Hot Coils or Motor

Your refrigerator is supposed to be cold, but it’s still a machine, so certain components may be warm to the touch. If you notice the coils or motor are hotter than usual, it could be a sign of trouble. 

Temperature Fluctuations

Temperature fluctuations are a major issue for refrigerators because they can lead to premature food spoilage, mold, and a host of other issues. If your refrigerator and freezer are hotter or colder than the set temperature, consider using an analog thermometer to track the exact temperature.

Icy Freezer

Your freezer should freeze your food, but it shouldn’t have ice build-up everywhere. Icy freezers can be a sign of door seal and condensation issues, leading to less-than-satisfactory performance. 

 

Pro Tip: Liberty Home Guard home warranty can provide unmatched peace of mind. When you enroll in an appliance plan, you can request service from one of our vetted technicians as quickly as checking your email. 

Refrigerator Maintenance Tips to Extend its Life

Taking care of your refrigerator is key to extending its life. We’ve rounded up some practical tips to ensure your refrigerator runs smoothly for its entire life:

• Clean under, behind, and around the appliance to reduce build-up and other debris on the coils. 
• Locate your vents and clean them thoroughly every few months to improve airflow.
• Defrost the freezer once a year with the auto-defrost feature or manually remove all items.
• Replace the water filter as instructed if you have a built-in water dispenser.
• Set the proper temperature according to your manufacturer, refrigerators should hold a temperature between 35 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit, and freezers do best set around 0 degrees.
• Inspect door seals by visually checking them and wiping them with a mild detergent to ensure they’re clean and debris-free.
• Arrange items properly by following fridge placement guidelines. 

Protect Your Wallet with a Liberty Home Guard Home Warranty

At Liberty Home Guard, we know homeowners live busy lives. We also know you depend on your home’s appliances and systems to feed your family, wash your clothes, and maintain your comfort. When your refrigerator breaks or malfunctions, it can really throw a wrench in your plans. 

While we can’t prevent refrigerator malfunctions, we can support you when they happen. With an Appliance Guard or Total Home Guard plan, you’re covered up to $2,000 per appliance after you pay the small service call fee outlined in your agreement. 

Our network of vetted, local contractors enables you to act quickly without worrying about the expense or energy of finding a reliable provider on your own time. At your service call, the technician will assess and diagnose the issue and determine if it’s a covered event. If we determine the malfunction is the result of normal wear and tear, we’ll go ahead and repair the parts. In some cases, you may be eligible for a full replacement of a similar brand and model, saving you a major headache if it’s the end of the line for the essential appliance. 

Request a custom quote online today to learn more about your coverage options. You can call us at (833) 566-9189 too!