A refrigerator that isn't staying cold is usually caused by a faulty thermostat or a dirty coil. Common appliance parts that need repair include compressors, ice machines, defrosters, fan motors, evaporator fan motors, freezer components, door seals and circuit boards. Freezer repairs are usually more expensive than refrigerators since the system is more complex. Repairing a refrigerator is worth it if the repair costs are less than buying a new one and if it is less than eight years old. The cost of repairing a refrigerator depends on the issue.
Common repairs include malfunctioning thermostats, frozen coils, faulty ice makers, broken compressors or fans, leaks, noises and dents on the doors. An experienced refrigerator repair technician should be hired to perform repairs on mechanical problems related to the motor or coils. If you're handy with DIY and willing to tackle your refrigerator issues while avoiding significant appliance repair costs, you may be able to get the job done. Refrigerator repair costs can be high and additional charges associated with repairs can add up quickly. When you need professional help with your refrigerator, you should hire an HVAC company or an appliance repair specialist.
In addition, if the repair involves an ice machine, decide if you really need this luxury, which can be expensive to repair. Always check if the refrigerator repair technician you hire has experience repairing the brand of refrigerators you have in your home. Most appliance repairs aren't fully DIY compatible, so more often than not, you'd better incur the labor costs of hiring a professional. When something breaks, the cost of repairing it depends on what it is, the problem it causes and the type of repair. For a problem that seems to be more directly related to the actual appliance, such as a problem with the control board or thermostat, an appliance repair specialist is likely to be more suitable.
If the average cost of repairing the refrigerator fits your budget, it will be considerably less expensive to repair the part that is broken than buying a new refrigerator. If you notice a leak on the bottom of the appliance or if it is making more noise than normal, the drip tray may need to be repaired or secured.