article

Replacing Your Kitchen Refrigerator

By Bluehammer Admin

Refrigerators are the most important appliance in the Kitchen. The following are some helpful tips when it comes time to replace it.

Should I Repair or Replace my Refrigerator?

If your refrigerator is out of warranty then the decision to repair or replace your old refrigerator depends on a few factors.

The first factor is identifying what is not working with your current refrigerator. Is the refrigerator not cold anymore? Does it cycle on and off frequently? Is the built-in ice-maker not making ice or is it just making weird noises all the time? Being able to isolate the problem, such as leaking coming from a hose, makes it easier to estimate the repair cost helping you with your decision. If you can't identify the problem it might be a bigger issue requiring higher costs. One thing to note, if the sealed part of your refrigerator or freezer needs to be serviced, it has to be performed by a professional. If that's the case then it is usually more cost effective to replace the appliance.

The second is age. If you have an older refrigerator, the cost to repair it vs the cost to buy a new one might not be that different if the parts needed are no longer in stock. Also if you factor in the energy savings from having a new energy efficient refrigerator, it might make more sense to replace the existing one. If your refrigerator is relatively new, it might be worth it to have it fixed as the likely culprit is one bad part instead of wear and tear of all the parts due to age.

The third factor is the type of refrigerator. If you have a built-in refrigerator, it makes sense to try and repair it first as replacing it is a much larger project. If you have a free standing refrigerator, look to the age and issue to help guide you in your decision.

If you look at your old refrigerator using these 3 factors as a guide, you should be able to determine if it makes sense to repair or replace the unit.

Cost Factors of Replacing Your Refrigerator

No doubt the biggest factor in the project cost of replacing your refrigerator is the cost of the refrigerator itself. Refrigerators come in all types, sizes and finishes from economy to designer. Built-in refrigerators install either completely flush or framed with cabinetry and generally cost more than free standing ones. Below are the main cost factors in the project of replacing your refrigerator.

  • Removal of the old refrigerator
  • Delivery and installation of the new refrigerator
  • Installing water/ice line (if applicable) and the material costs
  • Hauling away and disposing of the old refrigerator

Also note that when you get a new refrigerator it is always good to check with the manufacturer on how long to let it sit before plugging it in. When a refrigerator is transported in a non-standard position (on its side), compressor oil can run out of the compressor and up refrigerant lines. Waiting will allow the oil to drain back down to the compressor. Failure to wait could mean the compressor will start pumping without sufficient oil leading to damage of the unit. Usually 2 hours is sufficient.

Tips For Keeping Your New Refrigerator Running Great

Once you have your new refrigerator you will want to make sure you take care of your new appliance to keep it running for a long time.

  • Clean the Condenser CoilsUnplug and pull your fridge away from the wall, take a vacuum attachment and vacuum the back coils to remove dust and dirt that cling to the coils. This should be done twice a year.
  • Keep the Rubber Door Seal (Gasket) CleanThe gasket is the rubber seal on the inside edges of your refrigerator and freezer doors. It seals out warm air and can weaken and loosen over time due to dirt and grime. Clean it as needed with any universal cleaner.
  • Clean and Deodorize the InsideRemove old food particles and wipe down any spills with warm soapy water once a week. To keep the air fresh use baking soda or an over the counter deodorizer.
  • Replace the Water Filter (if applicable)Rule of thumb is to replace your water filter every 6 months.

Want to estimate your home improvement costs before talking with a contractor? Claim your home for free with bluehammer to estimate costs, secure your home inventory and learn more about your home.

* THIS REPORT IS AN OPINION THAT MAY BE INACCURATE AND IS PROVIDED SOLELY AS AN INFORMATIONAL TOOL NOT DESIGNED TO PROVIDE DEFINITIVE ANSWERS. ALL ELEMENTS ARE OFFERED "AS IS" AND BLUEBOOK EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ANY AND ALL WARRANTIES, REPRESENTATIONS, AND GUARANTEES OF ANY NATURE, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR OTHERWISE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABLITILY, NONINFRINGEMENT, TITLE, QUIET ENJOYMENT, ACCURACY, OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL BLUEBOOK (OR THEIR SUPPLIERS) BE LIABLE FOR ANY GENERAL, DIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF ANY KIND, OR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER (INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, THOSE RESULTING FROM USE OF THE PRODUCT, INCLUDING : (1) RELIANCE ON THE MATERIALS PRESENTED, (2) COSTS OF REPLACEMENT GOODS, (3) LOSS OF USE, DATA OR PROFITS, (4) DELAYS OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTIONS, (5) AND ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY, ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE USE OR PERFORMANCE OF INFORMATION) WHETHER OR NOT BLUEBOOK HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

Know what you should pay for your home improvement projects with bluehammer.Claim your home. It's free!

Popular


Replacing Your Kitchen Range

With both an oven and a cooktop, the range is the centerpiece for cooking in the Kitchen.

Expert Advice for Styling Beautiful Home Photography

Annette Joseph shares her tips for styling beautiful home photography and finding the soul of a room.

The Best Paint Colors For An Enduring Look In Your Home

Trends come and go. If you paint your walls the "provocative and thoughtful purple shade" of Ultra Violet, as Pantone, itself, calls it, you're probably gearing up to repaint them in whatever the color authority deems the "it" shade next year. If you'd rather pick a paint chip or two and keep your space the same for the long haul, you'll love these colors that endure.

Clever Tips To Make Painting Your Home Easier

Painting is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to transform a space. But it can also be a hassle, what with all that taping and prepping and cleaning up. These clever tips can make it easier. Fun, even. (That might be a stretch.)

Bright Ideas: How to Light Up Your Rooms

These clever tricks banish dim interiors and dark corners, and usher natural light into the house.

9 Ways to Eliminate Congestion In The Kitchen

Rubbing elbows with chefs isn't always a boon. Consider circulation pathways for a kitchen that lets everyone work in comfort

Home Foundations And Why Material Matters

The typical single-family home can weigh anywhere from 80,000 to 160,000 pounds. Foundations provide a solid base for a home's weight, help to ensure the house stays level and provides a base for construction to take place. Foundations matter, and so does the material that they're made of. Here's a closer look at both, starting with materials and why they matter.

Unique Ways To Dress Up Your Kitchen Cabinets With Hardware

Hardware is the jewelry of the kitchen. In a well-designed space, it can add an important finishing touch. In a space that needs a little help, it can provide some sparkle to help distract from worn or outdated features that may be more difficult to update. And, it's an easy, inexpensive project you can do yourself.

Best New Security Tips To Keep Your Home Safe While You're On Vacation

Nothing kills your vacation buzz like getting a call from the police back home letting you know your home has been burglarized. Basic home security tips are great, but safety measures are continually evolving, with new and more refined ways to keep you and your home safe.

The First-Time Homebuyer's Guide To Grown-Up Furniture

You just bought your first home. Congratulations: You're an adult! Now it's time to fill it up. But if you were planning to pack up those ratty old beanbag chairs and the bed that awakens you with a morning backache and move them to your new place, we have a few suggestions. It's time for a grown-up upgrade. Here's where to start.

See More Articles