How Much Does it Cost to Repair a Refrigerator?
Your refrigerator plays a critical role in keeping your food fresh, but like any hardworking appliance, it can experience issues over time.
When your fridge breaks down, you might wonder how much it will cost to fix it—or whether it’s better to replace it altogether.
Let’s break down typical refrigerator repair costs, explore the factors influencing repair vs. replacement decisions, and discuss how a home warranty can help ease the financial burden.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Repair costs vary widely based on the type of issue, with typical repairs ranging between $200 and $500. Common problems include thermostat replacement ($100–$300), electronic control board replacement ($200–$800), and compressor repairs ($200–$650). DIY repairs can lower costs, but professional assistance is recommended for complex issues.
- Decide whether to repair or replace based on the refrigerator's age, repair cost (typically if over 50% of the cost of a new unit, replacement is better), energy efficiency, and frequency of past repairs. Older fridges nearing the end of their lifespan or consuming more energy may be worth replacing.
- A home warranty can help manage repair costs by covering a portion of expenses, providing discounts on maintenance, and contributing to replacement costs if repair is not feasible. It offers peace of mind by minimizing unexpected financial burdens associated with appliance breakdowns.
Typical Refrigerator Repair Costs
The cost to repair a refrigerator varies widely depending on the problem, the type of refrigerator, and the labor rates in your area. On average, homeowners spend between $200 and $500 for most refrigerator repairs.
Here’s a closer look at common refrigerator repairs and their typical price ranges:
Thermostat Replacement: $100–$300
A faulty cold control thermostat can lead to uneven cooling or a fridge that won’t stay cold. Replacing it is relatively straightforward.
Electronic Control Board Replacement: $200--$800
Many modern refrigerators use an electronic control board to manage cooling and all of the other operations of the fridge including ice making and water dispensing. A new electronic control board often costs more than $200 just for the replacement part. Add labor to the price of this repair unless you can replace the control board yourself.
For DIY’ers that want to hold down the price of this repair, you can unplug the refrigerator and follow the steps shown in this helpful YouTube video:
If you’re not completely confident that you can complete this repair on your own, schedule refrigerator repair service and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to your home to replace the control board.
Compressor Repair or Replacement: $200–$650
The compressor is the heart of your refrigerator’s cooling system. While repairs can extend its life, replacing a compressor can be costly.
When the compressor needs replacing, a service technician will need to complete the repair because recovering and recharging the refrigerant in the sealed system must be done by a service provider certified to handle CFC refrigerants.
When the compressor is okay but it won’t start due to a failed start relay, you may be able fix the problem yourself. Here’s a helpful YouTube video that shows how to diagnose and repair some refrigerator compressor problems on your own:
Fixing a compressor problem on your own can drastically reduce the cost of this refrigerator repair.
Evaporator Fan Motor: $200–$400
If your fridge isn’t cooling efficiently, a malfunctioning evaporator fan motor might be to blame.
Of course, we have a DIY video that shows how to replace this part too:
As with other refrigerator repair, replacing the part yourself will save you huge money as long as you complete the repair safely and correctly.
Don’t risk your safety though, have a service technician repair your fridge unless you’re completely confident that you can complete the repair yourself.
Condenser Coils Cleaning or Repair: $75–$300
Dirty or damaged condenser coils can cause your fridge to overheat. Cleaning is inexpensive, but repairs may cost more.
To have a Sears Home Services Technician thoroughly clean the condenser coils and maintain your entire refrigerator, schedule refrigerator maintenance and cleaning service.
To clean the condenser coils yourself, follow the tips shown in this video:
Even if you clean the condenser coils yourself, it’s a good idea to have your refrigerator professionally maintained yearly to keep it in top shape and lasting longer.
Ice Maker Repair or Replacement: $150–$400
Ice makers often fail due to clogs, motor issues, or electrical problems. This is the #1 repair performed by refrigerator service technicians.
Door Seal Replacement: $50–$200
A worn-out door gasket can lead to energy waste and temperature fluctuations. Replacing it is a budget-friendly fix.
Replacing the door gasket is a basic repair that you may be able to complete on your own. Here’s a DIY video that shows how to replace the door gasket on common types of refrigerators:
Repair or Replace Your Fridge? Here’s How to Decide
When faced with a broken refrigerator, homeowners often debate whether to repair or replace it. Consider these factors before making a decision:
Age of the Refrigerator
Refrigerators typically last 10 to 15 years. If yours is nearing the end of its lifespan, replacing it may save you money in the long run.
For newer fridges, repairs usually make more sense, especially if the cost is less than half the price of a new unit.
Cost of Repairs
As a rule of thumb, repair costs exceeding 50% of the cost of a new refrigerator often justify replacement.
For minor issues like door gasket replacements, repairs are the clear winner—especially when you can safely complete the repair on your own.
Energy Efficiency
Older refrigerators may consume significantly more energy than newer ENERGY STAR models.
Upgrading to a modern appliance can lower your utility bills.
Frequency of Repairs
If your refrigerator has needed multiple repairs in the past year, replacement may provide peace of mind and reliability.
How a Home Warranty Can Help with Refrigerator Repairs
A home warranty is a service contract that covers the repair or replacement of major home systems and appliances, including your refrigerator. Here’s how it can save you money and stress:
Cost Coverage
With a home warranty, you typically pay a service fee (usually $75–$125) for a technician visit, rather than the full repair cost.
Peace of Mind
Knowing your refrigerator is covered allows you to focus on daily life instead of worrying about unexpected expenses.
Preventive Maintenance Discounts
Some home warranty plans offer discounts on routine maintenance, which can extend your appliance’s lifespan.
Replacement Options
If your fridge can’t be repaired, many home warranties contribute to the cost of a replacement.
Learn more about how our Sears Protect Home Warranty plan can help you manage refrigerator and other appliance repair expenses by watching this helpful video:
Final Thoughts
Refrigerator repair costs depend on the specific problem and the age of your appliance. While repairs often make sense for newer or moderately aged fridges, replacing an older, inefficient model may be the smarter choice.
For added protection, consider investing in a home warranty to shield your wallet from unexpected repair bills.
By staying proactive with maintenance and understanding your repair options, you can keep your refrigerator running smoothly—and your food perfectly chilled—for years to come.
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Repair Refrigerator Resources
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Learn what to do when your refrigerator water dispenser is not working.
When your refrigerator fails to keep things cool, it’s more than just an inconvenience—it’s a race against time to salvage your perishables.
Find out how to fix your refrigerator ice maker when it's not making ice.
Glossary Terms
A dual ice maker is a feature in some refrigerators that includes two separate ice makers: one in the fridge compartment and another in the freezer section. This setup doubles the appliance's ice-making capacity.
A French-door refrigerator features two doors that open side-by-side on the top section for the refrigerator compartment, with a bottom freezer drawer, combining style, efficiency, and easy access to both refrigerated and frozen goods.
Refrigerant is a chemical compound used in HVAC systems and refrigerators to absorb heat from the environment by cycling through states of evaporation and condensation, enabling the cooling process through its cycle of evaporation and condensation.
R-12 refrigerant, also known as Freon-12, is a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) compound that was once widely used in air conditioning systems, refrigerators, and aerosol propellants before its phase-out due to environmental concerns.
Common Repair Refrigerator Symptoms
The most common reasons your Kenmore Elite refrigerator stopped working are a locked compressor, damaged evaporator or a defective electronic control board.
The most common reasons your Maytag refrigerator stopped working are a locked compressor, damaged evaporator or a defective electronic control board.
The most common reasons your Kenmore refrigerator is noisy are a faulty ice maker assembly, defective electronic control board or a locked compressor.
The most common reasons your Kenmore refrigerator fan is not working are a defective electronic control board, damaged evaporator or a locked compressor.
The most common reasons your Whirlpool refrigerator fan is not working are a defective electronic control board, damaged evaporator or a locked compressor.
The most common reasons your Whirlpool refrigerator is not making ice but the water works are a faulty icemaker assembly, a defective water valve, or a malfunctioning PCB.