Is It Worth It to Replace a Refrigerator Compressor? [ANSWERED]

If you’re like most people, the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word “refrigerator” is probably not something along the lines of “refrigerator compressor.” For many homeowners, refrigerators are just a necessary appliance for storing food and drinks. They might never think about their refrigerator’s inner workings. Yet if anything goes wrong with your refrigerator compressor, it can be expensive to repair or replace it.

Obviously, this doesn’t happen too often! But what do you do if yours does? Should you buy a new one, or try to fix it? This blog post will answer these questions and more. It’ll explain how your fridge works – including why replacing your fridge compressor might not be worth it in some cases – as well as what you can do to prevent it from breaking down in the first place.

Is It Worth It to Replace a Refrigerator Compressor?

No, it’s usually not worth it to replace a refrigerator compressor. It can cost between $300 to $500 for parts and labor to replace the compressor. Usually, by the time a compressor fails, the refrigerator is relatively old and could be prone to other issues, making it not worth the cost of repairing vs investing that money into a new refrigerator.

If your refrigerator is still relatively new, it might be worth replacing your compressor instead of buying a new refrigerator. If your compressor dies suddenly, you can replace it and be back in business. However, if your refrigerator is old and has not been well-maintained, the cost of replacing the compressor will likely exceed the value of a new fridge.

Why Replacing Your Refrigerator Compressor Might Not Be Worth It

There are a few reasons why replacing your refrigerator compressor might not be worth it:

1. The cost of the parts and labor to replace your refrigerator compressor can often exceed the value of your fridge on older models.
2. With older refrigerators, the compressor might not be the only part that is failing. Even if you replace the compressor, there is no guarantee of the fridge working properly.
3. New refrigerators are much more energy-efficient. If you’re planning to keep your home for the long-haul, it’s better to invest in a new refrigerator whose improved energy efficiency will save you money on your monthly utility bills.
4. Refrigerators are not built to last forever. With time and use, they begin to wear down whether you’re repairing them or not. Replacing your old refrigerator with a new one can be more cost-efficient.

When Is It Worth It to Replace Your Refrigerator Compressor?

If your refrigerator is still relatively new, it’s likely worth replacing the compressor. Modern refrigerators can often cost upwards of $1,500 dollars, so if you have a relatively new unit that cost around that much when you bought it, it’s more economical to replace the compressor.

Is Replacing Your Refrigerator Compressor Better for The Environment than Getting a New One?

Yes, repairing your refrigerator by replacing your compressor is better for the environment. If you’re repairing your refrigerator, there’s only one part that needs to be replaced and disposed of, the compressor. Compared to the total size of a fridge and all the materials it takes to build, a compressor makes up a relatively small portion of that despite how crucial it is for the refrigerator to function.

Manufacturing a new refrigerator takes a lot of materials, and will include a new compressor anyways, so simply repairing your current one generates less waste and uses less energy and water in the production of parts.

Do I Need to Have a Professional Replace My Refrigerator Compressor?

Yes, it’s important to have someone experienced in repairing refrigerators replace your compressor. Refrigerators contain hazardous chemicals that could cause serious injury so having someone who knows what they’re doing take care of the repair is important.

Replacing your refrigerator compressor is not always an economical decision. Not only can the cost of parts and labor exceed the worth of a new fridge on older models but refrigerators are prone to other issues as they age which may negate any benefits gained by repairing or replacing their compressors. Newer refrigerators also offer better energy efficiency than those made in years past so if you plan on keeping your home for the long-haul, investing in one might make more sense than trying to repair an old unit with no guarantee of success.