How Long Do Refrigerators Last?

The hub of your kitchen is the refrigerator. It contains all of the perishable foods, condiments, beverages, and even frozen foods for your family to enjoy. It’s the place for after school treats or a late night snack. So keeping it running and healthy for as long as possible is important to every member of the family.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the average lifespan of a standard refrigerator is between 10 and 18 years, with the median being about 12 years. How long should a refrigerator last? Well the answer depends on a variety of conditions ranging from daily use to how many groceries are loaded into the fridge to even where it is located.

Some feel that a regular refrigerator without all of the bells and whistles of many of today’s modern appliances will last longer than a more high-tech model. But even that may not be true as innovations and improvements in the entire construction of your refrigerator can help elongate how long refrigerators can last. How long a fridge lasts can also be aligned with certain manufacturers and their reputation for building long-lasting appliances. Also, smaller compact fridges do not have the same longevity as their larger counterparts.

Refrigerators are designed to maintain the safety of your food, which in turn can lessen the amount you may have to discard, reducing waste. When fridges start acting up, there are some symptoms that you will see to alert you that something is wrong.

• Foods won’t stay fresh. Whether it’s half-frozen food, spoiled vegetables or meat that is turning brown too quickly, this is a major indication that there are problems within your refrigerator.
• Excess condensation on the exterior. Some condensation is to be expected around the doors, especially during the hot summer months. But if you see moisture that is beyond what might be considered normal, it can be a clue that the seals or insulation around the doors isn’t holding like it should.
• Hot to the touch. It’s not unusual for a fridge to feel warm to the touch due to the motor and condenser operating. But if your appliance is extremely warm or even hot to the touch of your hand, it is signaling that there is stress on the appliance and attention is needed promptly.
• It’s too loud. It is normal for your fridge to make some sounds like when the condenser kicks in or ice falls from the ice-maker. If you hear louder than normal sounds from the fridge, or worse no sound at all, it is time to call for an appliance technician.

There are a few easy steps to troubleshoot why your refrigerator is not acting like it should. 

• Make sure that the internal temperatures are at the correct settings. Refrigerator temperatures should be below 40 degrees F, ideally between 36 and 38 degrees F. The freezer should be set at 0 degrees.
• Make sure that your fridge is not crowded against a wall and has adequate ventilation space. Like humans, the appliance needs proper air and room to breathe.
• Lastly, make sure that any vents are free and clear of dust and dirt. A blocked vent can cause inadequate air circulation.

Having to purchase a new refrigerator can be an unexpected expense. Keeping your unit running at its best can be accomplished with just a few simple tasks. These will help lengthen how long your fridge lasts.

• Clean the condenser coils at least twice a year. Simply pull your fridge away from the wall and use a vacuum cleaner to remove any dust. Newer models may have a kickplate at the bottom that can be removed so dust and debris can be vacuumed or swept away.
• Make sure the vents are clean and clear. Located inside on the refrigerator wall and inside the freezer compartment, they can sometimes become clogged or obstructed. This will lead to an uneven cooling and make your unit work harder. Keep the vents clear of obstacles and clean with a damp cloth.
• Maintain the door gaskets. These strips of flexible material help insulate your fridge’s interior, keeping the cool air in and hot air out. To keep them from growing mold or drying out, clean with soapy water and then spread a thin coat of petroleum jelly on the outer portions.
• Make any repairs promptly. Whether it’s something simple like a door seal or major like replacing the icemaker, doing what is needed on time can avoid a major repair or replacement down the road.
• Don’t overload your refrigerator. Packing your fridge full of food decreases the cooling airflow, leading to warm food and an overworked appliance. Conversely, a unit that is too empty will keep food too cold. You should fill your refrigerator at about three-quarters capacity for best results.