How Much Does Refrigerator Repair Cost?

Refrigerator Repair Cost by Type

Instead of buying a new refrigerator, you might only need to replace a faulty part to extend its life span. However, if you end up spending more than 50% of the price of a new fridge, it’s better to upgrade. Installing a refrigerator costs about $150 to $250 just for labor, plus $500 to $4,000 for the fridge itself, so replacing a part could save you hundreds.

Compressor Replacement

A compressor keeps your fridge cold by removing the heat to the outside. Replacing a refrigerator compressor costs around $250 to $650, depending on the type of fridge you own. If you want to DIY the job, a refrigerator compressor runs from $100 to $500. Repairing the one you have costs about $50 to $300. 

Freon Gas Leak

Repairing a refrigerant leak costs about $150 to $400. The refrigerant is the liquid that moves through the system, providing a medium for the heat to transfer out of your refrigerator. You may often hear refrigerants referred to as Freon.

• Freon is a brand name often used interchangeably for refrigerants as a whole.

• You shouldn’t have to add Freon to your fridge. If a fridge is low on Freon, it’s a sign of a leak you’ll need to repair.

Door Dent 

You’ll pay around $50 to $75 per dent for your refrigerator doors. If you get quoted any more than that, it may be best to buy a new door or door panel instead of paying the average appliance repair cost of $100 to $300 plus $50 to install it. 

This project, or almost any cosmetic repair, usually makes for an excellent, quick, and easy DIY afternoon. You’ll pay about 50% more for a new stainless steel or brushed steel panel than you would for a black or white plastic door. 

Freezer Repair 

Fixing your freezer costs about $100 to $700. A freezer repair changes based on the freezer style, which can make it more or less difficult to access faulty parts. The harder it is to access, the longer it’ll take your technician to fix. 

• Portable: $100–$350

• Chest: $100–$450

• Upright: $100–$550

• Drawer: $150–$700

Ice Maker Repair

Repairs cost around $200 to $350, with ice maker replacement costs hitting approximately $450. It’s usually more cost-effective to install a new ice maker unit, which runs from $75 to $250 for the parts alone. It’ll cost less than $200 to thaw out a frozen hose. Find a pro for an accurate diagnosis.

Control Board Replacement

The control board acts as the brain of your fridge, controlling all the parts that keep it running. You’ll pay around $500 to $800 to have one repaired or replaced. The control board runs about $300 for the part alone.

Thermostat Repair

If your fridge isn’t cooling properly, your thermostat is likely malfunctioning. Repairing a refrigerator thermostat costs around $100 to $300. You may pay a little more for anything hard to access, but the part only costs about $10 to $30. 

Condenser Loop and Evaporator Coil Repair

A coil repair or replacement costs around $100 to $450. The coils dissipate the heat from the refrigerator and 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.

Door Seal

Replacing the door seal on your fridge costs around $100 to $350. The part is inexpensive and the installation isn’t hard, but you can damage your doors when removing or installing them. The seal is usually one of the first parts to fail and one of the main reasons for a hot fridge.

Drip Pan

Located at the bottom of the fridge, a drip pan catches the drips from the evaporator coils where the water evaporates. Replacing one costs around $150 to $200, with the part making up about half the price. 

Minifridge Repair Cost

Unless the issue is easy to fix on your own, buying a new minifridge usually costs less than paying for a repair. You’ll pay an hourly rate of $45 to $120 per hour when you take it into an appliance repair shop. You’ll double that for a home visit. A service charge might add $150 to $200 to your bill.

Refrigerator Repairperson Cost

Labor generally costs $50 to $200 per hour. You’ll often pay a minimum call-out fee of $100 to $150, even if they can’t fix the issue. This covers the time and overhead of making a house call. 

If you need parts replaced, you’ll often need two visits. The first is to diagnose the problem and order any parts required. The second is to install those parts. Your pro will often have common parts on hand, but they’ll usually need to order model-specific ones.

DIY vs. Hiring a Refrigerator Service

While you might prefer the convenience of hiring a pro, here are some instances where you can safely self-diagnose and fix a fridge:

• Unclogging the drain line. Remove the drain pipe and work out any clogs before rinsing through with hot water.

• Replacing the door gasket. This can stop cold air from leaking out.

• Maintaining the drip pan. Drip pans are found at the bottom of most fridges and might need securing or cleaning.

Certain refrigerator repairs require a professional, such as dealing with Freon leaks. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requires a 608-certified technician to handle all refrigerants. Depending on where you live, other laws might exist that you’ll need to hire a specialist for.

FAQs

How much does refrigerator maintenance cost?

Refrigerator maintenance costs depend on the type of maintenance needed, but the average service costs around $200 to $300. Some technicians might charge an hourly rate ranging from $50 to $200 per hour, plus a one-time service fee between $150 and $200.

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; others might expire in eight or nine 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.

• Set the thermostat to your desired temperature.

• Unplug the fridge, pull it away from the wall, and check the coils or fan to ensure there are no blockages.

If everything looks good and your fridge still isn’t cooling, call a fridge repair specialist near you to figure out the problem.

Is it cheaper to repair or replace a refrigerator?

Once your repair bill hits about 50% of the replacement cost and your fridge is out of warranty, it’s time to replace it. Spending $100 to $300 on a repair (especially when it helps the fridge last for several more years) is a fraction of the $1,000 to $1,500 price for a brand-new one.

How do you know if your refrigerator is leaking Freon?

A fridge is low on Freon if it’s leaking refrigerant. If you notice your food isn’t staying cold, the motor is running more than usual (or even constantly), and there’s a chemical smell, this could indicate a leak. You should never need to replace refrigerant in a well-functioning fridge, but if you do, call a pro to handle this issue in a safe manner.

What would cause a refrigerator to stop cooling?

There are many reasons why a refrigerator stops cooling. Common problems are issues with the compressor fan or thermostat, clogged coils, or a broken fan. Sometimes, a fridge isn’t working simply because it’s not correctly plugged in.