6 Questions to Determine If It’s Time to Replace Your Refrigerator

The refrigerator is one of the few appliances in your home that doesn’t need a lot of attention. Most of the time, it won’t cause you too much trouble or require a lot of maintenance, especially with the newer models that come with automatic defrost. With regular cleaning, you can enjoy using a quality refrigerator for a long time. But like other appliances, your fridge will wear out eventually and may need to be repaired or replaced. 

In these circumstances, you need to be certain whether you need to call a repairman or buy a new fridge. There are a lot of options nowadays, so it can be daunting to choose the best one. Different refrigerator brands offer a variety of options with appealing features and modern designs, not to mention an affordable refrigerator price. 

But before you head out to the appliance store or order online, you need to confirm that your fridge is beyond repair. Usually, it will give you a couple of clues. To help you determine if your refrigerator is due for a replacement, here are some things you need to observe.

Do You Notice Excessive Condensation?

It’s normal for you to sweat a lot, especially with the Philippines’ tropical climate. Your refrigerator? Not so much. Refrigerators need to maintain a balanced temperature, so there shouldn’t be any condensation on the exterior.

However, do note that this can be just a minor issue. When you see excess condensation on your fridge’s exterior, inspect the rubber sealing around the doors immediately. Depending on the state of the sealing, you may be able to fix the issue on your own.

In some cases, you can also see condensation inside the refrigerator. This can mean that the temperature setting isn’t working as well as it should. Before you decide to get a new fridge, have it checked by a local appliance repairman.  

Is It Too Hot to Touch?

While it’s natural to feel some warmth from the back of the refrigerator due to its ventilation system, an excessive amount of heat is not normal. Since the coils found at the back of your appliance are insulated, they shouldn’t release too much heat. If you notice an unusually warm temperature, it’s best to call an expert. They can inspect your fridge and tell you if you just need new coils or if you need to buy a new fridge altogether.

Can You Hear the Motor Running Consistently?

The refrigerator is not the most silent appliance in your kitchen, but it shouldn’t produce too much noise. The motor also shouldn’t be running all the time; rather, the condenser should click on and off periodically throughout the day. If your fridge continuously buzzes or hums, it’s not a good sign. Call a technician and have them check your appliance. After the necessary repairs and re-plugging your refrigerator, if you still hear a constant noise, it might be time to bid your fridge goodbye and get a new one.

Is Your Refrigerator More than 10 Years Old?

Most refrigerators can last for 10 to 20 years. If you own a refrigerator that is past its tenth birthday and constantly requires repair, it’s time to save up and look for a replacement. While it can be costly to buy a new refrigerator, you need to take a closer look at the amount you have spent to repair your old appliance and the trouble it has caused you for not functioning well. You’ll likely find that the fees for repairs and replacement parts are higher than the cost of getting a new fridge, making the latter a more practical option. 

Does the Food Inside the Fridge Spoil Quickly?

Noticeable changes on the exterior are always helpful to determine if there is something wrong with your refrigerator. Still, you also shouldn’t forget to keep an eye on how the inside is working. After all, the main function of your fridge is to keep your food cold so it won’t spoil fast. If you notice your food is going bad quicker or it is taking quite some time to chill your favorite beverage, there’s most likely a problem.

When your refrigerator has some trouble maintaining the temperature, it’s also using more energy than intended. While a new fridge means you will be shelling out some money, it’s the more practical option in the long run. When you factor in the increased electricity consumption and wasted money because of throwing out spoiled food, you’ll immediately appreciate the savings.

Is Your Electricity Bill Increasing?

At times, the sign to replace your refrigerator cannot be seen through the condition of your appliance but in your increasing electricity bill. If you see a surge in your energy bill even if your power consumption hasn’t changed in the past months, the culprit can be your inefficient appliances—like your old refrigerator. With inverter technology and other modern features, newer fridge models are more energy-efficient than older ones. 

In general, a refrigerator is a low-maintenance appliance. Still, it won’t last forever. Take note of the situations above and when they happen, call a technician immediately. This way, you can figure out ASAP if your fridge only needs repairs or if you need to get a new one.