A refrigerator is one of the most important appliances in any home — so when it breaks down, it can be stressful. The big question most homeowners face is this: Is it worth repairing, or should you replace it with a new one?
Here’s a practical guide to help you decide.
1. Identify the Problem First
Before deciding, check for common issues:
- Not cooling properly
- Loud or unusual noises
- Water leaking
- Freezer icing up
- Fridge cycling on/off too often
- Broken door seal
- Power supply issues
Sometimes, the fix is simple and cheap — like cleaning clogged coils, replacing a thermostat, or tightening a loose fan.
2. When It’s Better to Repair Your Fridge
Repairing is usually worthwhile if:
✔ The refrigerator is less than 8 years old
Modern fridges have a lifespan of 10–15 years. If yours is still relatively new, repairing makes sense.
✔ The repair cost is less than 40% of the price of a new fridge
This rule of thumb helps ensure you don’t overspend.
✔ The issue is minor
Examples of affordable repairs:
- Faulty thermostat
- Damaged door gasket
- Fan motor issue
- Sensor or relay failure
- Clogged defrost drain
These repairs often cost $50–$200 depending on the brand and parts.
✔ It’s an expensive, high-end model
Premium brands (Bosch, LG inverter models, Samsung French door units) may justify repairing rather than replacing.
3. When It’s Better to Buy a New Refrigerator
Replacing your fridge is more cost-efficient when:
✘ The fridge is more than 10 years old
Older units use more electricity and break down more frequently.
✘ The repair cost exceeds 40%–50% of a new fridge
For example, if a new fridge is $800 and repair costs $350+, replacement is the smarter option.
✘ The compressor is faulty
A compressor replacement is expensive and often not worth repairing for mid-range models.
✘ Frequent breakdowns
If you’ve repaired your fridge multiple times within the last year, consider the long-term cost.
✘ Your electricity bill is rising
Older fridges consume more power, especially if the seals or compressor are failing.
4. Cost Comparison (Singapore Context)
Here’s a quick look at typical costs in Singapore:
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Small repair (seal, relay, thermostat) | $50–$120 |
| Medium repair (fan, sensor boards) | $120–$250 |
| Major repair (compressor change) | $300–$500+ |
| New 1-door fridge | $250–$500 |
| New 2-door fridge | $500–$1,200 |
| New large fridge (3–4 door) | $1,200–$3,000 |
| Disposal of old fridge (HDB bulky item or private contractor) | $40–$80 |
5. What to Do If You Decide to Replace It
If buying a new fridge is the better option:
- Measure your space — height, width, depth.
- Decide between top freezer, bottom freezer, side-by-side, etc.
- Look for energy-efficient models (tick rating in Singapore).
- Request proper disposal of your old refrigerator.
Many shops charge for disposal, or you can engage a disposal service like Dispose It! for proper recycling and transport.
6. What to Do If You Decide to Repair It
Make sure to:
- Choose a licensed technician
- Get a diagnosis before agreeing to repair
- Ask for a warranty on parts and labour
- Clean your coils and seals regularly to prevent future breakdowns
7. Final Verdict: Repair or Replace?
Here’s a quick summary:
Repair if:
✔ Under 8 years old
✔ Minor issue
✔ Repair cost < 40% of replacement
✔ High-end model
Replace if:
✘ More than 10 years old
✘ Compressor failure
✘ Expensive repair
✘ Regular breakdowns
✘ High electricity usage
If you would like to dispose your fridge, do reach out to us at 8839 8865 or check out our price list to get a free & easy quote!