
How much are refrigerators? HomeAdvisor’s Refrigerator Cost Guide examines the wide range of refrigerator prices. Explore the cost of installing a waterline.
The average cost to repair a refrigerator is $650
The average cost of refrigerator repair is $650, with prices ranging from $200 to $1,300.
Labor, parts, and repair frequency are key factors influencing total costs.
Professional fridge repairs help ensure that an appliance functions properly and efficiently.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
When your fridge malfunctions, a quick repair keeps the kitchen running smoothly. Most fridge repairs cost between $300 and $1,000. Labor, parts, and how often you need service have the most significant impact on what you’ll pay, so build repairs into your budget and let a trusted professional keep things running smoothly. Hiring a professional keeps your fridge running efficiently and saves your food—and your wallet—from a meltdown.
If your fridge stops working, fixing one worn-out part costs far less than replacing the whole unit. A fresh installation can cost $650 to $4,250—including $150 to $250 for labor and $500 to $4,000 for the appliance—so swapping out a single component can save you hundreds of dollars.
Component | Repair Price Range |
---|---|
Coils | $100–$440 |
Compressor | $200–$450 |
Control board | $80–$800 |
Defrost motor | $100–$440 |
Door seal | $50–$440 |
Drip pan | $50–$440 |
Ice maker | $60–$330 |
Thermostat | $100–$440 |
A coil repair or replacement costs between $100 and $440. The coils dissipate the heat from the refrigerator, where the compressor condenses the coolant. Typically, the only thing you’ll need to do to your coils is clean them. Repairs often involve replacing the entire unit, generally located on the back of the fridge.
A compressor keeps your fridge cold by removing heat from the inside. Depending on the type of fridge you own, replacing a refrigerator compressor costs between $200 and $450.
The control board acts as the brain of your fridge, controlling all the parts that keep it running. You’ll pay between $80 and $800 to have the control board repaired or replaced.
If your fridge isn’t cooling properly, your thermostat is likely malfunctioning. Repairing a refrigerator thermostat costs between $100 and $440.
Fixing your freezer costs $90 to $650. The cost of a freezer repair varies depending on the freezer’s style, which can make it more or less challenging to access faulty parts. The harder it is to access, the longer it’ll take your technician to fix it.
Ice maker repairs cost between $60 and $330, while ice maker replacements can range from $60 to $200.
Replacing the door seal on your fridge costs between $50 and $440. The part is inexpensive, and the installation isn’t complicated, but you can damage your doors when removing or installing them. The seal is often one of the first parts to fail and a primary reason for a hot fridge.
A drip pan, located at the bottom of the fridge, catches the drips from the evaporator coils, where the water evaporates. Replacing the drip pan costs between $50 and $440, with the part itself accounting for half of the total price.
Most local refrigerator repair technicians charge between $45 and $120 per hour, plus a one-time service fee of $150 to $200, which covers the trip and overhead expenses.
Expect a diagnostic fee of $60 to $100 when a pro comes out to pinpoint the issue. Many techs credit that charge toward the repair once you give them the green light.
If your fridge needs replacement parts, you might need two visits—the first to diagnose the problem and order the necessary parts, and the second to install them. Pros often have common parts on hand, but they will likely need to order model-specific ones.
You can tackle simple fridge repair jobs—such as clearing the drip pan—on your own, but anything more complicated requires the expertise of a professional appliance repair specialist.
Because high voltage and refrigerants are involved, let a certified technician handle anything beyond basic upkeep, especially Freon leaks. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency mandates a 608-certified pro for refrigerant work, and many states have extra rules. For peace of mind and a safely running fridge, hire a qualified repair service in your area.
Book a trusted local refrigeration pro, and your fridge will be back to chill mode in no time.
To keep your fridge repair costs under control, consider the following budgeting tips:
Compare repair quotes from several licensed fridge contractors.
Check your warranty for extended coverage options that include repairs.
Check your local hardware store for specials or discounts on replacement parts.
If repair costs approach 50% of the replacement cost, consider upgrading for long-term savings.
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Most fridges last 10 to 15 years on average, but careful owners can see 20 years—and sometimes even up to 27—before needing to replace them with a new model. Staying on top of professional tune-ups and everyday fridge maintenance ensures the compressor operates efficiently, protects food safety, and safeguards your investment.
As a general rule, stick with a repair if the quote comes in at 50% or less of a new unit’s price. Spending $100 to $300 on a repair keeps the fridge you already know running, extends its life, and costs far less than buying a brand new replacement.
When a control board starts to fail, you’ll begin to notice erratic temps, flashing error codes, dim displays, or controls that won’t respond. Plan on spending $80 to $800 for the fix—about $440 on average—and call a professional right away to get cooling back on track and prevent food from spoiling.
Give your fridge a quick once-over every few months: vacuum the coils, wipe the door gasket, and keep plenty of space for airflow. These small tasks prevent minor issues from escalating into costly breakdowns and help the appliance last longer. If anything seems off, schedule a pro visit sooner rather than later.
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
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