Repair or Replace a Refrigerator?
Short answer
Repair usually makes sense when the refrigerator is otherwise in good shape and the problem traces to one component — a fan, a defrost part, a control, the door gasket, the ice maker or a water valve. Replacement is worth considering when the fault is in the sealed cooling system of an older or inexpensive unit, when several major parts are failing at once, or when parts for your model are no longer available. The deciding information comes from the diagnosis: what actually failed and what the written estimate says.
What the decision depends on
- What failed. Fans, defrost parts, controls, gaskets and ice-maker parts are separate components. A compressor or refrigerant problem involves the sealed system and is a bigger repair.
- The written estimate compared with what a comparable new refrigerator would cost you, including delivery and installation.
- The condition of everything else: cabinet, liner, shelves, door seals and whether other parts are showing wear.
- Whether parts are still available for your model.
- How the refrigerator fits your kitchen. Built-in, panel-ready and counter-depth models can limit replacement choices or mean cabinetry work.
When repair usually makes sense
- It runs but cools poorly because of a fan, defrost or control problem.
- The ice maker or water dispenser stopped working, or a water line leaks.
- Water collects under the crisper drawers or on the floor because the defrost drain is blocked.
- The door gasket is torn or no longer seals.
- It is a premium or built-in unit, where replacement would also involve the cabinetry around it.
When replacement is worth considering
- The compressor or sealed system has failed on an older or lower-cost refrigerator.
- Different parts keep failing one after another.
- The cabinet or inner liner is cracked, rusted or damaged.
- Parts for your model are discontinued.
- You already wanted a different size or configuration.
Safe checks before you call
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends keeping the refrigerator at or below 40°F (4°C) and the freezer at 0°F (-18°C), and suggests an appliance thermometer to check. If your refrigerator can't hold those temperatures, move perishable food to another cold place while you arrange a repair.
- Make sure the temperature setting wasn't changed by accident.
- Check that the doors close fully and nothing inside is pushing them open.
- Keep food away from the air vents inside the compartments.
- Follow your owner's manual for routine care such as keeping the condenser area clean.
- If you notice a burning smell, sparking or repeated loud clicking, unplug the refrigerator only if you can reach the plug safely, and call us. Don't open panels or touch the cooling system.
What the diagnostic visit tells you
A technician comes to you, finds the actual cause and gives you a written estimate before any repair. The $69 diagnostic is credited toward the repair if you approve it; if you decide not to repair, the diagnostic is the only charge. Approved repairs carry a 12-month warranty on parts and labor for the same repaired issue.
Our compressor page covers that component in more detail, and the LG error-code guides explain what those codes usually point to.
Find Out What's Actually Wrong
$69 diagnostic, credited toward the repair if you approve it. Written estimate before any work.