The cost to repair a refrigerator is $200 to $300 on average, but can be between $40 and $1,000, depending on the issue
Discovering something wrong with your refrigerator is never an ideal scenario—especially if you first notice it acting strange right after getting back from the supermarket with a bag full of fresh groceries. Luckily, a fridge is definitely not the most expensive appliance to fix. Depending on the problem, fixing your fridge can cost as little as $40!
How Much Does Refrigerator Repair Cost on Average?
The cost of refrigerator repair depends more on the problem than the size or style of your fridge. In general, the national average is between $200 to $300, but you can expect to pay up to $1,000 or as little as $40, depending on what’s wrong.
How Much Does a Mini Fridge Repair Cost?
Even having a mini fridge fixed will cost about the same. Technicians may charge an hourly rate between $45 and $120, but an additional service charge can tack on an extra $150 to $200 to the final bill. In these cases, you’re often better off simply buying a replacement.
How Much Does Freezer Repair Cost?
Fixing a freezer is generally more expensive than fixing a fridge because it’s an appliance that’s more technologically complex. Expect to pay between $90 and $650 for most freezer repairs.
How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Refrigerator per Type of Repair?
Many parts go into a refrigerator—and any one of them could be the source of your problem. When something goes wrong, repairing a single part is typically more cost-effective than investing in a new fridge.
Here’s what you can expect to pay for both labor and materials, depending on what needs fixing:
Compressor
A compressor is an electric pump located behind your fridge that houses the refrigerant gas. You’ll know your fridge needs repair if it’s uncharacteristically noisy, the light inside isn’t turning on, or if it’s running low on gas (unlike a car, you should never have to refuel your fridge, so this is usually a sign that there’s a leak).
The cost to repair a fuel leak is between $200 and $300, whereas the price to replace a compressor is between $200 and $450.
Control Board
The control board is one of the most expensive refrigerator parts to fix, at between $80 and $800, because no part of the appliance can function without it. If your fridge has completely stopped working, it probably has something to do with your control board. The higher-end the brand, the more you can expect to pay.
Thermostat
The thermostat is responsible for monitoring the temperature of a refrigerator and making adjustments if it gets too hot or cold. If your fridge is ice cold in some spots and lukewarm in others, this is probably due to a malfunctioning thermostat. Having one repaired will cost between $100 and $440.
Defrost Motor
When you adjust the fridge’s thermostat, the defrost motor kicks into gear. If you notice that your fridge stays frigid even after you’ve turned down the dial, this part is likely where the issue is coming from. Repairing it will cost between $100 and $440.
Coils
The coils are what keeps everything cool; they condense warm air and lower the temperature by circulating a coolant. Because the coils are at the bottom of most refrigerators, they’re especially prone to getting dirty and damaged. Fixing them will cost between $100 and $440.
Door Seal
This fridge part is pretty self-explanatory, and you probably won’t have any trouble recognizing if this is your problem. If your door doesn’t stay shut, you’ve got a wonky door seal, and it can cost between $50 and $440 to repair.
Drip Pan
Located beneath most refrigerators, drip pans catch the condensation emanating from the defrost motor. You’ll know there’s an issue with your drip pan if your fridge is being especially noisy or leaking from the bottom. These also cost between $50 and $440 to fix.
Ice Maker
On average, it will cost around $330 to have an ice maker fixed. Replacements can range from $60 to $200, so that might end up being the cheaper option.
What Factors Influence the Cost of Refrigerator Repair?
Both materials and labor affect the overall cost of refrigerator repairs. Fixing existing parts will usually be cheaper than replacements because installation is generally a pricier process, and new parts can be expensive in their own right—a refrigerator door can cost up to $700, for example.
At the end of the day, most of what you pay for repairs will be for services rendered rather than tools and equipment used. On average, technicians charge about $45 to $120 per hour, plus a one-time service fee between $150 and $200.
When you call a local appliance repair pro to look at a fridge, they may charge a diagnostic fee that runs about $60 to $100. Some pros will drop the fee if you hire them to do the repairs.
If you have a home warranty, call them as your plan might cover fridge repairs. Keep in mind that you will most likely need to hire a pro who is a factory-authorized technician or dealer.
Have all of the information on your fridge on hand when you call, including the brand, model, type, and a description of the issue. Installing used parts could void the warranty, and a sealed system repair is usually not covered because it can cost more than half the price of a new fridge.
How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Refrigerator Yourself?
There are certain refrigerator parts that you can repair on your own, including a door seal, a clogged drainpipe, and an unstable drip pan. Here’s a quick breakdown of the cost of materials to fix these items:
Door seal: A replacement door seal is about $50.
Drip tray: These will be between $20 and $40 to replace.
Drainpipe: A new drainpipe can be as little as $10.
Other issues, such as a freon leak or a faulty compressor, should be dealt with only by a refrigerator technician in your area.
Refrigerator Repair Cost Breakdown
Here’s a quick summary of what it will cost for the materials and labor to repair different parts of your fridge.
Compressor: $200–$450
Control board: $80–$800
Thermostat: $100–$440
Defrost motor: $100–$440
Coils: $100–$440
Door seal: $50–$440
Drip pan: $50–$440
Ice maker: $60–$330
FAQs About Refrigerator Repair
How can I avoid refrigerator repair?
Regularly maintaining your refrigerator is essential to preventing damages. In order to avoid the need for repairs, clean the coils from time to time, keep the door closed, place the appliance in an adequately ventilated location, and don’t overload it.
How long should a refrigerator last?
A fridge can last anywhere from 8 to 27 years, depending on the brand. Most fridges will be good to use for 10 to 15 years.
Is it cheaper to repair or replace a refrigerator?
Unless you’re dealing with major issues or replacements, most repairs will cost significantly less than buying a new fridge. If your fridge is only a few years old, there’s usually a way to correct the problem while staying within your budget.
