How long do refrigerators last?
Most refrigerators last 10 to 15 years. The NAHB life expectancy study puts the refrigerator at about 13 years; 10 to 15 is the usual spread.
A refrigerator runs around the clock, so small problems such as a dirty coil or a worn door seal show up as higher power use long before the food spoils. Most of its upkeep takes minutes and is worth doing on a calendar.
Typical lifespan: 10 to 15 years
The NAHB life expectancy study puts the refrigerator at about 13 years; 10 to 15 is the usual spread.
Refrigerator maintenance checklist by season
Spring
Pull the unit out if you can and vacuum the condenser coils (behind or under it). Dust on the coils makes the compressor run longer. Replace the water filter if it is due; many makers say about every six months, but your manual sets the interval.
Summer
Check that the fridge reads 40°F or below and the freezer 0°F with a stand-alone thermometer, which is the FDA food-safety guidance. Hot kitchens and frequent door opening push temperatures up.
Fall
Test the door seals before holiday cooking: close a sheet of paper in the door and see if it slides out easily. A seal that does not grip lets warm air in. Wash the gaskets with warm soapy water.
Winter
Defrost and clean the freezer if you have a manual-defrost model, and empty the drip pan if your model has an accessible one. If the unit sits in a garage, confirm the model is rated for cold ambient temperatures before the first freeze.
Signs your refrigerator needs replacing
- The compressor runs almost constantly or the back and sides feel hot to the touch.
- Food spoils sooner than before even with the thermostat set correctly.
- Frost builds up in a frost-free freezer, or water pools inside or under the unit.
- Repeated repairs, or a repair quote that is a large share of the price of a new one.
- A loud buzz, clicking or rattling that cleaning the coils and levelling the unit does not fix.
Typical refrigerator warranty
A limited one-year warranty on parts and labor is the common baseline. Many brands add longer coverage on the sealed refrigeration system or compressor, often five years or more, and some offer extended parts coverage on specific models. Check the exact terms for your model number.
An appliance warranty tracker keeps your refrigerator's coverage dates and receipt in one place.
What to keep for a refrigerator
- The receipt or order confirmation with the delivery date
- The model and serial number, usually on a label inside the fresh-food compartment
- The owner manual and the filter part number
- Any service invoices
Common questions
How long do refrigerators last?
Most refrigerators last 10 to 15 years. The NAHB life expectancy study puts the refrigerator at about 13 years; 10 to 15 is the usual spread.
What temperature should a refrigerator be?
The FDA says to keep the refrigerator at 40°F or below and the freezer at 0°F. Use a separate thermometer, since the dial setting is not a temperature.
Is it worth repairing an old refrigerator?
It depends on age and cost. If the unit is near the end of its usual 10 to 15 years and the repair is a large part of a new unit's price, replacing is usually the better use of money. A new ENERGY STAR model may also use less electricity.
How do I maintain a refrigerator?
Follow your manual first. Each season: spring, pull the unit out if you can and vacuum the condenser coils (behind or under it). Dust on the coils makes the compressor run longer. Replace the water filter if it is due; many makers say about every six months, but your manual sets the interval. Fall, test the door seals before holiday cooking: close a sheet of paper in the door and see if it slides out easily. A seal that does not grip lets warm air in. Wash the gaskets with warm soapy water.