The average fridge repair costs $200 to $330. Homeowners might pay as low as $40 but some repairs could cost up to $1,000.
Prices depend on what needs fixing. Replacing a thermostat runs on the low end, around $100, compared to repairing the ice maker which costs $300 to $350.
On This Page
Depending on the type of fridge, new compressor prices range from $100 to $500. With labor, the cost to replace a compressor is between $250 and $650.
A compressor moves refrigerant throughout your fridge, helping regulate the temperature. When a compressor isn’t working, your food won’t keep cold.
Repairing a refrigerant leak costs about $150 to $400.
Freon is a refrigerant that’s not present in most modern fridges because it harms the ozone layer. Similar to “Kleenex,” while Freon is an actual brand it’s often used interchangeably for refrigerants as a whole.
Unlike putting gas in a car, you shouldn’t have to add Freon to your fridge. If a fridge is low on Freon, it’s a sign of a leak.
The price to repair an appliance (such as a door dent) averages between $100 and $240.
Fixing a dent in your fridge door depends on the size and location of the dent. Smaller dents might cost $100 or less to fix; larger dents or dents that affect how the door closes or seals could run $200 or higher.
Fixing your freezer ranges anywhere from $90 to $650, with an average price of $350. Freezers are more expensive to fix than refrigerators because freezing technology is more complex than cooling technology.
Most ice makers cost $330 to repair. However, these repairs could cost less if your hose is frozen and simply needs dethawing. Find a fridge repair specialist near you for an accurate diagnosis.
Depending on the issue, it might cost less to replace your ice maker than to repair it. Replacements run between $60 and $200.
Get Quotes to Repair Your Fridge
Instead of buying a new refrigerator, you might only need to replace a faulty part. Considering installing a refrigerator costs $150 to $250 just for labor (not including the fridge), replacing a part could save you hundreds of dollars.
| Type of Repair | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Control board | $500-$800 |
| Defrost motor | $100-$440 |
| Thermostat | $100-$440 |
| Coils | $100-$440 |
| Door seal | $50-$440 |
| Drip pan | $50-$200 |
An appliance technician might charge an hourly rate ranging from $45 to $120 per hour to fix a mini fridge. A service charge might add an additional $150 to $200 to your bill.
Unless the issue is easy to fix on your own, buying a new mini fridge costs less than paying for a repair.
While you might prefer the convenience of hiring a professional, here are some instances where you can safely self diagnose and fix a fridge issue:
- Unclog the drain line. Remove the drain pipe and work out any clogs before rinsing through with hot water.
- Replace the door gasket. This can stop cold air from leaking out.
- Maintain the drip pan. Found at the bottom of most fridges, drip pans sometimes might need securing and/or cleaning.
Certain refrigerator repairs require a professional, such as dealing with Freon leaks. The EPA states that Freon leaks must be handled by a certified technician. Depending on where you live, other laws might exist and require you to hire a specialist for fridge fixes.
How much does refrigerator maintenance cost?
Refrigerator maintenance costs depend on the type of maintenance needed, but the average service costs $200 to $300. Some technicians might charge an hourly rate ranging from $45 to $120 per hour, plus a one time service fee between $150 and $200.
Is it worth it to repair a refrigerator?
Repairing a refrigerator is worth it if the repair costs less than installing a new fridge and if it is less than 8 years old. Fridges older than that will likely need a total replacement in a few years, so investing several hundred in a repair isn’t worth it when that money could go towards a new one.
What is the average life expectancy of a refrigerator?
Most fridges last about 10 to 15 years. Some brands might last as long as 17 to 27 years if well maintained; other brands might expire in 8 or 9 years.
How do you know if your refrigerator compressor is bad?
The first sign of a faulty compressor is if your refrigerator stops cooling. Here are some easy checks to rule out other issues:
- Check that the fridge has power — the light should go on when the door opens.
- Make sure the thermostat is set to your desired temperature.
- Unplug the fridge, pull it away from the wall and check the coils or fan to make sure there are no blockages.
If everything looks good and your fridge still isn’t cooling, call an appliance technician near you to figure out the problem.
Is it cheaper to repair or replace a refrigerator?
Saving money on repairing or replacing a fridge depends on the issue and how costly it is to fix. Spending $100 to $300 or so on a repair isn’t bad (especially when it helps the fridge last for several more years) compared to spending $1,000 to $1,500 on a brand new one.
However, if the fridge is more than 8 years old, it costs less to replace it now than pay several hundred dollars for a repair that won’t last.
How do you know if your refrigerator is leaking Freon?
A fridge is low on Freon if it’s leaking Freon. If you notice your food isn’t staying cold, the motor is running more than usual (or even constantly) and/or you notice a chemical smell, this could indicate a leak.
You should never need to replace Freon in a well functioning fridge but if you do, you absolutely should call a professional.
What would cause a refrigerator to stop cooling?
There are many reasons why a refrigerator stops cooling. Issues with the compressor fan or thermostat, clogged coils or a broken fan are some of the most common problems. Sometimes the reason a fridge isn’t working is simply because it’s not properly plugged in!
