How Long Do Refrigerators Typically Last?

No appliance lasts forever, so if you’ve owned your refrigerator for a while, it might be getting near the end of its useful lifespan. While no hard-and-fast rule exists for how long they last, a general average for most standard refrigerators is between 10 and 20 years. While this is an average lifespan, factors like brand and usage patterns can significantly impact how long your fridge lasts. 

How Do Refrigerators Work?

In simple terms, refrigerators keep your food cool by removing heat from the fridge’s interior and dissipating that heat into the surrounding environment.

This process is done with refrigerant, which is compressed into a high-temperature gas by the fridge’s compressor. The gas becomes a liquid in the condenser coils and releases its heat. It then moves through the expansion valve and becomes a low-pressure, cold gas, which helps to cool the interior of the fridge.

The process repeats on a continuous cycle, removing heat from the interior and releasing it into your kitchen.

Parts Most Susceptible to Wear and Tear

When a fridge wears out, it is usually due to particular parts wearing out. The parts most susceptible to wear and tear are:

The compressor

Due to continuously working to circulate refrigerant, the compressor is the part of the fridge most likely to wear out. It’s also a pretty major issue if it does wear out—usually, people prefer to just purchase a new refrigerator instead of purchasing a new compressor. 

Refrigerator coils

If well maintained, refrigerator coils continue to function well for many years. If you let them get dirty or damaged, they won’t be able to efficiently release heat, leading to reduced performance. 

Seals

Refrigerator seals or gaskets tend to become dry and cracked after many years of use, which can create gaps in the seal. This prevents your fridge from cooling optimally. 

Ice maker/water dispenser

While ice makers and water dispensers are not integral to the overall function of your refrigerator, they are seen as indispensable by many consumers. Due to a lot of moving parts, they can be prone to malfunctioning before other refrigerator components. 

Signs Your Refrigerator is Getting Old

There are some telltale signs your refrigerator is getting old—and they’re easy to spot when you know what to look for! Keep an eye out for:

Poor cooling

Poor cooling is a sign that your refrigerator’s components are starting to fail. You may notice the fridge feels warmer than it should, or that food is spoiling quicker than you expect. 

Noisy operation

Banging or loud buzzing noises are a sign of a refrigerator on its last legs. Frequent operation and loud operation usually mean that the cooling process is less efficient, meaning the fridge has to work harder to keep functioning. 

High electric bills

Higher energy bills are another sign your fridge is having to work harder than it should and are a good indication it’s time to look out for a replacement. 

Frequent repairs

While a couple of minor repairs are nothing to worry about, frequent major repairs suggest you may be better off purchasing a brand-new replacement. 

Age of refrigerator

If your fridge is more than 15 years old, it’s worthwhile looking into the cost of a replacement. As technology improves quickly, you may find you will save significantly on energy costs by purchasing a replacement, even if your old model still functions. 

How To Ensure Your Fridge Lasts As Long As Possible

Proper care and maintenance can help ensure your fridge lasts as long as possible. We recommend:

Regularly checking door seals

Loose seals allow warm, moist air to get into your fridge’s interior, and allow cold air to escape. This causes frost and condensation to build up and also means your compressor has to work harder. Ensuring your seals are in good condition can help extend the lifespan of your fridge.

Keep condenser coils clean

We recommend cleaning your fridge’s condenser coils every six months. These are located at the back or bottom of your fridge and can be thoroughly cleaned with a vacuum cleaner and a coil cleaning brush. Proper maintenance ensures smooth operation and increased efficiency. 

Address issues immediately

If you notice a problem with any part of your refrigerator, get it looked at immediately by a professional technician. This will prevent the problem from getting worse and can potentially increase your fridge’s lifespan significantly. 

Don’t overload your refrigerator

An overloaded fridge can block the air vents and prevent even cooling within the fridge’s interior. This also causes the compressor to work overtime, shortening its life. 

Factors Affecting Fridge Lifespan

While luck can play a part in your fridge’s lifespan, there are some controllable factors that play a role:

Brand

High-end brands like Bosch, Miele, and GE are known for making long-lasting appliances, especially compared to less popular or unbranded models. 

Usage

A refrigerator that is only used occasionally will last longer than one that supports a large and busy household. This particularly applies to how often the door is opened, as each time it opens cold air rushes out and warm air rushes in!

Climate/environment

A refrigerator will have to work harder to maintain its internal temperature in a very hot and humid climate, which can shorten the lifespan of the compressor. 

Proper ventilation: When installing your fridge, make sure you leave at least two inches between the fridge and the wall, and at least one inch between the fridge and any other appliances. This allows for adequate ventilation and improved cooling. 

Dusty environment

A dusty kitchen or home with a large number of pets can increase dust and debris buildup on the condenser coils, leading to your fridge working harder to maintain its internal temperature.