Have you ever opened your fridge and found that your food isn’t cold? It can definitely be a panic-inducing moment to realize that your refrigerator isn't working anymore, especially when you’ve just gotten a huge Whole Foods delivery. The good news is that many refrigerator repair costs are actually quite affordable. That being said, there can be certain issues that can result in higher repair costs. To ensure you get an accurate refrigerator repair cost estimate, here are a few things you need to know.

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How Much Does the Average Refrigerator Repair Cost?

The overall average refrigerator repair cost is $242. However, it is important to keep in mind that there is a huge amount of range depending on the problem with the fridge. A small fix like replacing a drip pan or removing a scratch in a stainless-steel refrigerator door may be just around $50, while a bigger fix, like replacing the entire compressor, may be several hundreds of dollars.

Ultimately, people can end up paying anywhere between $40 to $1,000. Keep in mind that the pricier repairs are not commonly done since most people will decide they are not worth it. The average low cost for a refrigerator repair is about $200, while the average high cost is around $1,000.

What Is Included in Refrigerator Repair Costs?

There are several different costs that are bundled together into the appliance repair flat rates. First of all, there is the cost for the diagnosis. This is a fee of around $60 to $100 you pay to have an expert come to your home and figure out the problem. Many companies will waive the fee if you choose to use them for repairs. Next is the price of the labor. Some companies charge an hourly rate for labor, while others will charge a flat rate for each common task. Finally, there is the price of the parts themselves. Some parts, like connectors or hosing, may be generic parts that are fairly cheap. However, if you need a brand-name part, expect to pay a little extra.

Costs for Common Refrigerator Repairs

The type of repair you need will have a huge impact on your refrigerator repair prices. Here are some of the typical price ranges for dealing with common problems.

Refrigerant gas leak: $200 to $300
Dented refrigerator doors: $100 to $240
Frozen motor: $100 to $440
Malfunctioning thermostat: $100 to $440
Malfunctioning control board: $80 to $800
Frozen coils: $100 to $440
Broken compressor: $200 to $450
Ice maker repair: $60 to $200

Refrigerator Repair Cost Per Hour for Labor

One reason that some places may charge you a diagnostic fee for refrigerator fixes, or quote you a refrigerator repair cost per hour, is due to the labor involved with fixing a fridge. Most refrigerators are complex appliances that may contain dangerous refrigerant chemicals. Therefore, the cost of labor tends to be more expensive than the actual cost for parts. Labor cost is usually somewhere around $75 per hour. If you need emergency repairs on the weekend or late at night, expect to pay at least double. Most repairs are not something a homeowner can do themselves, so it is a good idea to pay this cost instead of attempting DIY.

Prices for Parts Used in Typical Refrigerator Repairs

One reason that some places may charge you a diagnostic fee for refrigerator fixes, or quote you a refrigerator repair cost per hour, is due to the labor involved with fixing a fridge. Most refrigerators are complex appliances that may contain dangerous refrigerant chemicals. Therefore, the cost of labor tends to be more expensive than the actual cost for parts. Labor cost is usually somewhere around $75 per hour. If you need emergency repairs on the weekend or late at night, expect to pay at least double. Most repairs are not something a homeowner can do themselves, so it is a good idea to pay this cost instead of attempting DIY.

Prices for Parts Used in Typical Refrigerator Repairs

Of course, the cost of parts does affect average refrigerator repair costs. Some top refrigerator brands like Whirlpool and Kenmore allow for aftermarket or generic replacement parts, but some brands like Liebherr only work with proprietary parts. If you have to purchase parts straight from the manufacturer, expect to pay a premium. Things like a brand-name control board are around $800, while a brand-name fridge door compartment may be as much as $300.

How to Tell If Refrigerator Repair Costs Are Worth It

There are certain refrigerator fixes, like replacing the computer controls in a high-end model, that can be almost as much as the price of a new refrigerator. In these cases, you might be wondering whether or not a repair is worth it. Deciding if you should or shouldn't repair primarily depends on the age of the refrigerator. If the costs of the repair are no more than half the cost of a new refrigerator and it is not too old, you should go ahead with repairs.

A side-by-side refrigerator that is more than five years old, a top-freezer that is over seven years old, or a bottom-freezer that is more than seven years old may be too old to repair. By this point, the refrigerator is reaching the end of its lifespan, so even if you fix it, it might break down again soon. Furthermore, newer models tend to be more energy-efficient which can save you money in the long run.

Refrigerator repairs and replacements are one of the many unexpected expenses that a homeowner can face. Being prepared with a plan from HomeServe helps protect you from the hassle and price of covered appliance repairs. Our 24/7 repair hotline makes it easy to get help and have a local repair technician at your door. Learn more about appliance plans from HomeServe.