How Much Does Refrigerator Repair Cost?
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A fridge that is making loud noises or not staying cold is in need of attention. Refrigerator repair costs between $200 and $300 with the national average at $250.
Highlights
- The typical range for the cost to repair a refrigerator is $200 to $300 with a national average of $250.
- The main cost factors for refrigerator repair include the repair type, issue type, refrigerator brand, and labor.
- Signs that a refrigerator needs repair include condensation and frost, leaking, motor noise, and overheating; older and inefficient models may display similar signs.
- Homeowners may be able to do some refrigerator troubleshooting themselves, but if the problem seems advanced or there is a possibility of a freon leak, it’s important to have it dealt with by an appliance repair specialist.
A refrigerator typically lasts for 10 to 15 years—and some can last 20 or more years with proper maintenance. But sometimes, even the best refrigerators will need repairs to help them reach their expected lifespan. According to Ron Shimek, president of Mr. Appliance, “The two most common refrigerator repairs are temperature issues: too hot or too cold, and the ice maker not working.” Some other common appliance repairs are for a malfunctioning thermostat, frozen coils, broken compressor or fan, leaks, noises, and door dents. All these refrigerator repairs vary in price depending on the brand, size, and style of the fridge, as well as the cost of labor in the home’s geographic area. If the average refrigerator repair cost works with a homeowner’s budget, it will be considerably less expensive to repair the part that’s broken than buying a brand-new refrigerator.
According to HomeAdvisor and Angi, refrigerator repair costs can range between $200 and $300, with the national average around $250. Depending on the appliance’s brand, model, and age, replacement parts may be harder to find and can be more expensive. The more common brands of refrigerators are usually more budget-friendly to repair than less common, higher-end brands and models. Homeowners will want to double-check to see if the refrigerator repair technician they hire has experience repairing the brand of refrigerator in their home. Some refrigerators, such as side-by-side fridges or ones with the freezer on the bottom, require special parts. Homeowners who need fridge repairs are advised to hire an appliance repair specialist or someone with experience repairing refrigeration systems.
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Factors in Calculating Refrigerator Repair Cost
There are several factors that impact refrigerator repair costs. Prices can differ from the national average due to the type of repair required, the type of problem, the refrigerator brand, materials, and labor.
Repair Type
A refrigerator is made up of many different parts, and any one of them could be the cause of an issue. When something breaks, the cost to repair it depends on what it is, what issue it causes, and the type of repair that’s required. The following are some of the most common refrigerator repairs.
| Repair Type | Average Cost (Materials Only) |
| Coil | $60 to $100 |
| Compressor | $500 to $1,000 |
| Control board | $500 to $1,000 |
| Drip pan | $50 to $200 (includes labor) |
| Rubber door seal | $100 to $350 |
Issue Type
It might not be immediately clear what part of the refrigerator has broken, but identifying the type of issue may help to narrow it down. For example, refrigerator dent repair costs $100 or more.
If there is a pool of water collecting under the fridge, this is likely due to a problem with the evaporator coil. Depending on whether the coils will need to be repaired or replaced, this could cost $200 to $300 to repair. If the refrigerator is colder or warmer than the ideal fridge temperature, there’s the possibility one or more elements may have broken down. For this type of problem, a repair technician may have to inspect the fridge in person to give a price quote for repair. It’s helpful for homeowners to provide the repair person with as many details as possible ahead of time to help them determine a diagnosis.
| Issue Type | Average Cost (Materials and Labor) |
| Door dent | $100 to $700 |
| Freon leak | $200 to $300 |
| Ice maker not working | $350 to $500 |
| Inside water leak | $60 to $250 |
| Too cold | $50 to $250 |
| Too warm | $50 to $250 |
| Water leak underneath | $60 to $200 |
Refrigerator Brand
A refrigerator’s brand may impact the cost of repairs. The best refrigerator brands strike a balance between durability and affordability. If the fridge is a more common brand like GE or Whirlpool, it will be easier to source repair parts. Repairs for these brands usually cost around $50 to $550. Some models have more complex parts that are challenging to repair: Brands like Samsung and Sub-Zero tend to be the most expensive to fix, with repairs costing between $250 and $1,200.
| Brand | Repair Cost (Materials and Labor) |
| GE | $80 to $550 |
| Kenmore | $80 to $650 |
| LG | $50 to $400 |
| Samsung | $250 to $1,000 |
| Sub-Zero | $250 to $1,200 |
| Whirlpool | $50 to $400 |
Labor
For labor, some refrigerator repair service professionals may charge an hourly rate between $100 and $250 and a service fee that can range from $70 to $120. Other professionals may charge a flat rate for the repair instead of charging by the hour. Rates may vary based on region, so homeowners will want to look up “refrigerator repair near me” to get an idea of prices in their area. Emergency refrigerator repair that requires a technician to come out on a holiday or after hours may increase the hourly fee by 10 to 20 percent. Companies commonly charge an additional diagnostic fee, although some professionals will offer to waive the diagnostic fee if the homeowner hires them to complete the repair.
Additional Costs and Considerations
While the factors above will have the most impact on the overall cost to repair a fridge, there are some additional costs and fees to be aware of.
Repair vs. Replacement
“Many times, a refrigerator can be repaired before it needs to be replaced,” explains Shimek. Typically, most refrigerator repairs will cost less than the price of buying a new refrigerator. The rule of thumb when deciding whether to repair or replace a fridge is that if the cost of repairs is more than half the cost of purchasing a new refrigerator, the owner may be better off replacing it. If the compressor needs to be replaced or the fridge is low on refrigerant, labor costs may push the price of repairs beyond what is affordable for an older appliance. On the other hand, replacement often comes with the cost of disposing of the old fridge. Homeowners will want to consider the price of labor and materials when deciding if repairing the refrigerator is worth it in the long run. New refrigerator cost may be less than the cost of repairs for a fridge that is on its last legs. In total, refrigerator replacement runs between $1,000 to $3,000 on average.
To determine the best way forward with their fridge, Shimek recommends that homeowners contact a professional who can “perform a diagnostic task on the refrigerator and then discuss with the homeowner the repairs that are needed and help them with the next steps.”
Wine Fridge or Mini Fridge Repair
Although wine fridges and mini fridges are smaller than the standard fridge size, they are mostly made up of the same components. For this reason, they tend to need similar repairs. It can cost between $50 and $350 to repair a wine fridge or mini fridge, so depending on the model it may make sense to replace rather than repair a mini fridge.
Additional Services
Scheduling regular maintenance can prolong the life of the refrigerator. Appliance technicians can clean the fridge’s coils, change the water filter, and remove dust from the condenser fan to keep the unit operating efficiently. If a refrigerator is still functioning but is looking a bit worse for wear, painting can be a good alternative to replacement. The typical cost to paint a fridge is around $350 to $450. If it turns out that the fridge is beyond repair and needs to be replaced, homeowners can save themselves the trouble of figuring out how to move a fridge by paying about $100 for fridge disposal.
Warranty Coverage
Certain fridge repairs may be covered under the manufacturer’s warranty depending on the age of the fridge and the type of repair that is needed. For those who have a policy from one of the best home warranty companies (such as American Home Shield or AFC Home Club), it’s worth checking whether the warranty covers fridge repairs. For either warranty type, there may be requirements or restrictions on who can perform the repairs. Homeowners will want to verify the terms of the warranty so they do not void it unintentionally.
Types of Refrigerator Repairs
It’s best to get a refrigerator fixed quickly instead of waiting until the problem develops into a bigger issue. Here are some of the most common refrigerator issues and how much they typically cost to repair.
| Type of Repair | Average Cost (Materials and Labor) |
| Compressor | $500 to $1,000 |
| Condenser coil | $60 to $100 |
| Control board | $500 to $1,000 |
| Door dent | $100 to $700 |
| Drip pan | $50 to $200 |
| Evaporator coil | $200 to $300 |
| Fan | $120 to $200 |
| Freezer | $100 to $1,150 |
| Ice maker | $350 to $500 |
| Rubber door seal | $60 to $100 |
| Sealed system | $800 to $1,200 |
| Thermostat | $100 to $260 |
| Water dispenser | $170 to $500 |
Compressor
The compressor acts like the heart of the refrigerator, circulating refrigerant through the system. Normal wear and tear will cause a compressor to stop working. When that happens, the refrigerator will no longer stay cold, it may become unusually noisy, and ice buildup may appear. Replacing the compressor is one of the pricier refrigerator repairs. Including labor, refrigerator compressor repair costs can run between $500 and $1,000.
Condenser Coil
Refrigerator coils are responsible for keeping everything cold. They circulate the coolant to condense warm air and lower the temperature. They’re typically located on the bottom or back of the appliance, so they can get dirty quickly. Condenser coils can get clogged with pet hair, dust, and lint. It’s recommended that homeowners pull out their refrigerator, blow out the coils with compressed air, and vacuum them thoroughly at least once a year. Condenser coil repair can cost $60 to $100.
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Control Board
The control board is a vital part of the refrigeration process since no part of the fridge can function without it. This makes it one of the most expensive parts of a refrigerator to fix. If the refrigerator has stopped working suddenly, it may have something to do with the control board. Replacing the control board can cost between $500 and $1,000. Homeowners can expect to pay more if they have a high-end refrigerator.
Door Dent
The cost to repair a refrigerator door dent depends on the number of dents and how large they are. Smaller refrigerator door dent repair costs around $100, and costs rise for larger dents—especially if the dent prevents the door from closing or sealing properly. If the dent is severe, the door may need to be replaced, which costs $500 to $700.
Drip Pan
The drip pan is found beneath most refrigerators and is the depository for condensation from the defrost motor. If the homeowner notices a leak from the bottom of the appliance or if it’s running louder than usual, the drip pan may need to be repaired or replaced. Repairs cost between $50 and $200.
Evaporator Coil
A fridge evaporator coil helps keep the refrigerator at an optimal temperature. In order to do so, it holds the liquid coolant while the coolant becomes a gas; this process causes the coolant to expand and retract, which in time can weaken the evaporator coil. The cost to replace this part runs between $200 and $300.
Fan
A refrigerator fan prevents the unit from overheating. If the fan stops working, this can put stress on the fridge and eventually cause it to stop cooling. If the fridge is unusually silent or is making excessive noise, either of these could indicate an issue with the fan. It costs about $120 to $200 to fix or replace a malfunctioning fan.
Freezer
Freezer repair costs are usually more expensive than refrigerator repairs since the system is more complex. Repair prices can range between $100 and $1,150.
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Ice Maker
Ice maker repairs typically cost around $350 to $500. One common issue with ice makers is a frozen hose. If thawing the hose doesn’t fix the problem, a repair or replacement will be needed. If the ice maker is making louder noises than it usually does, it could also be a sign that the ice maker needs to be replaced.
Rubber Door Seal
If the refrigerator door won’t stay closed or the homeowner notices condensation on the outside of the door, the seal may need to be replaced. Damaged rubber door seals can cause the fridge to run more often to compensate for cold air loss. This can tax the compressor and make the appliance run less efficiently, which can result in higher energy costs. Replacing the door seal can cost between $60 and $100.
Sealed System
When an appliance technician refers to the “sealed system,” they are talking about all of the fridge parts that are involved in the cooling process. This includes the coils, compressor, and the evaporator. Since this system is complex and also crucial to the fridge’s functioning, it is one of the more costly parts to repair at $800 to $1,200.
Thermostat
If the temperature inside the fridge is inconsistent, the thermostat may be the problem. A faulty thermostat can also cause unusual or loud noises from the appliance. Homeowners can double-check the thermostat setting if they notice the fridge isn’t as cold as it used to be. The temperature setting can easily get bumped when items are being moved in a crowded fridge. It’s recommended to keep the fridge temperature set between 35 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal fo