When Is The Right Time To Replace The Refrigerator?

You might have had that same refrigerator from the first day you were married. You already have three kids now, rv fridge fan one just graduated from college. That fridge has been in service for quite some time, yes? There’s no problem with that really but sometimes, you have to know whether it’s wrong to hold on and it’s time to let go…

Okay, seriously now, some people walk by their refrigerators every day of their life and not notice anything wrong. The problem is, everything in the fridge screams the need for a replacement! How will you know if your refrigerator needs to be replaced? Here are some tips.

Is your refrigerator older than your kids?

None of the modern appliances have been built to last a lifetime, and your refrigerator is one of them. Sooner or later, you will have to replace it. Many people agree that a standard refrigerator’s lifespan is around 15 years. If you know in your heart that your trusty refrigerator has reached (even exceeded) fifteen years, you have to replace it immediately!

You may not notice or you may not have given that much attention but your teenager fridge had been showing signs of old age already. Do not ignore the signs and replace it with a new fridge. Buying a new refrigerator will cost you money but at the same time, it will also save you maintenance cost. Also, your food will less likely be spoiled.

Is your refrigerator hotter than the Bahamas?

Refrigerators are made to preserve food by emitting cool air, not warm air. If you notice that your old refrigerator’s temperature is not as cold as it was 15 years ago, it’s one of the sure signs that you have to start looking for newer models.

It’s important to always check the temperature of your refrigerator. A warm temperature will cause spoilage in your food, not to mention you will have difficulties in making ice. The temperature of the fridge should be around 33-40 degrees Fahrenheit while your freezer should be as cold as 0- 10 degrees Fahrenheit.

The temperature of a refrigerator can be easily adjusted but if you find out that no matter how you adjust the temperature of yours and still find it warm, don’t stick to that one. You may be endangering your family by letting them eat unsafe food.

Why should you replace your refrigerator?

Most of us would be reluctant to replace our refrigerators because of the cost we would have to pay. However, we may fail to realize that the amount we have been spending on maintaining and repairing that one old fridge we have costs so much more.

New efficiency standards have been set in 2001 by Energy Star. That was 9 years ago. Chances are, if you are using a model older than 10 years, you might be using three times more energy as it would have taken for a newer model to run. Imagine the amount of money you could have saved on paying for the electricity.

For example, you have an old 18 cubic foot refrigerator. If this is more than ten years old, chances are its energy rating is 100 kilowatts per month which is equal to around 1200 kilowatts a year. Today, you can easily find a new refrigerator, similar to your old one, still 18 cubic foot. That new refrigerator may cost below $500 and because of the new efficiency standards, you will only have to pay for less than 485 kilowatts a year.

Some would say they would rather get their refrigerator repaired than replaced because it costs so much lower. Well, here’s the news. Repairs are quite costly for old appliances because first, their components may be hard to find, and second, it simply is hard to repair. Repairing an old refrigerator may cost you $300, cheaper yes, but not if you consider the fact that you can buy a new refrigerator for $500.

Lastly, do not compromise your health or even your comfort. If you are having doubts about your refrigerator and its performance, replace it immediately. An old refrigerator with a poor performance will reflect on the food you eat. In the end, you will not be guaranteed with safe food because it has not been preserved properly.

It’s simple. If your refrigerator is not anymore functioning like a refrigerator should be, replace it. Do not be overwhelmed by the amount of money you would be spending on a new one. Do the math and see how much you will be saving if you get rid of that old fridge. And when I say get rid, do get rid of it. Letting it remain inside your house will hassle you of space and not to mention, energy and maintenance costs.