Most large appliances need replacing – think of the number of times your washing machine has broken down. Compare that to your refrigerator, which faithfully stands there’s quietly keeping your foods chilled and frozen for many years.
It’s not often that your fridge gives you trouble, and requires little more than a good cleaning to prevent leaking and maintain hygiene. Does that mean you would never need to replace a refrigerator?
No, of course not, nothing last forever. So let’s explore some of the tell-tail signs that it might be time to think about replacing your faithful fridge.
What exactly is the lifespan of a refrigerator?
There is no universal answer to this question. The lifespan of a refrigerator depends on several factors and no two refrigerators will last for the same duration.
Certain factors such as how much care you take of your appliance, its in-built resilience and the brand all play a role in ascertaining how long you can go on without replacing your refrigerator.
But if you still want to place a figure on it, the average lifespan of a refrigerator is around 15 years. However, it is not uncommon to see refrigerators last more than two decades if you’re lucky.
As we mentioned earlier, it comes down to going with a brand with a track record or reliability and how well you look after your refrigerator that ultimately dictates its lifespan.
Signs Your Refrigerator Needs Replacement
Your refrigerator is not going to stop working magically one fine day. There are visible signs that a machine starts showing if it is not working to its full potential. Here are a few things you could look out for:
- Condensation: If your fridge is showing too many signs of condensation, chances are not all is well. If you notice this, your first impulse should be to inspect the rubber seal for any dew or mould. If the seal is not in a deplorable condition, you even might be able to fix it on your own. This will increase the shelf life of your refrigerator.
- Spoilt Food: If you suspect your refrigerated food is not as fresh as it should be, chances are your fridge is not cooling properly. If your water bottles are taking longer to cool, then surely your fridge is not working at its full efficiency.
- You must get your fridge checked immediately because failure to do so will not only leave you with spoilt food but also hefty electricity bills.
- Ten-Year itch: While it is not unusual for refrigerators to last more than a decade, the signs of ageing really start catching up as soon as your fridge turns ten. At this point, your fridge may not be as energy-efficient as more modern units and will start to look outdated.
- If you notice regular problems with the refrigerator, it’s probably time to start shopping for a fridge freezer deal and replace it with a new one.
- Too Hot to Touch: One of the most obvious signs that your fridge needs replacement is when the exterior starts to heat up. Excessive hot exteriors may be a sign of a faulty motor which might be a cause for concern.
Tips to Make Your Fridge Last Longer
Ever wondered why some people manage to retain their refrigerators for longer? It is because they maintain their appliance well, which ultimately prolongs its shelf life.
Here is what you can do to ensure the longevity of your refrigerator.
- Condenser Coils: Keep aside dedicated time to clean the condenser coil of your refrigerator. Doing this will increase the lifespan of your fridge.
- Water Filter: Water filters in your refrigerator need replacing every six months for optimum usage of your fridge. Make sure to replace them with the same water filters as prescribed in the user manual. Cheap water filters may seem lucrative in the short run but will ring the knell for your refrigerator sooner than they should.
- Door Gasket: The rubber insulation around the edges of your refrigerator’s door is crucial in maintaining optimum cooling temperatures.
- With time, these may crack or get loose. Make sure you get help immediately on seeing any visible signs of wear and tear because if left untreated, this will cut down your refrigerator’s shelf life by half.
- Ice Dispenser: Keep your fridge’s ice dispenser clean at all times to prolong its longevity. It would not just ensure hygiene but also prevent any water leakage from the fridge.
- Air Vents: Keep your refrigerator’s air vents clean at all times to ensure there is no accumulation of dust. This will ensure that optimum cooling temperatures are well maintained.
It is worth taking an expert opinion if you are in two minds about changing your refrigerator. Lucrative deals on leading fridges, irresistible trade-ins, visible signs of wear, dated design, and poor cooling performance are some of the most common factors why people replace their refrigerators.
Make sure you analyse the situation from all angles before making the final decision because replacing a refrigerator is an expensive purchase.
Lastly, make sure you dispose of your old fridge responsibly once you decide on buying a new one. A lot of big appliance retailers like Currys and AO will take away and recycle your old fridge on the same day your new one arrives – take them up on this offer!
