Is it better to repair or replace a refrigerator?

Refrigerators are appliances that we use every day in commercial restaurants, and they have a major impact on business. They keep our food and drinks cool, frozen, or fresh. But what if you don’t want to spend money on a new refrigerator? Is it better to repair the existing one or replace it with a new one?

In this article, we will discuss the pros and cons of repairing versus replacing your commercial refrigerator in order to help you decide which option is best for you.

When to consider replacing your refrigerator?

We all know that our refrigerator is one of the most important appliances in our commercial kitchen. It is so essential to our lives that we need to replace it when it becomes outdated and is not working properly. However, there are certain instanceswhen should a refrigerator be replaced before it malfunction and cause a bigger problem.

Overheating: Most commercial refrigerators refrigerators are designed to keep your food and beverages cool. However, because most refrigerators run on a motor, the motor can overheat. This leaves your food susceptible to bacteria growth, which causes the smell and taste of rotten food. 

The best course of action is to ensure your commercial refrigerator has adequate insulation and ventilation for proper operation. You experience excessive heat because the coils at the back of your fridge are insulated. However, as soon as you discover that your refrigerator is heating up, you should call a repairman to examine the coils. 

One of two things could come out of the repairman's mouth: either the issue is not too serious and can be resolved by changing the coils, or the fridge is beyond repair and it might be a better financial decision to replace it. Condensers in your commercial refrigerator should be dusted at least once a month to avoid this from happening.

The freezer unit is over-freezing: If your refrigerator freezer is running too cold, there could be a number of reasons. The most common reason that this is happening is that the problem may be with the thermostat. It's possible that the dial needs to be turned up or down in order to make it work properly. A second possibility could be that the power cord needs to be replaced, and there's no other explanation for why it's not working. 

We advise attempting to resolve the issue yourself before calling a specialist. Unplug the refrigerator and attempt to defrost the freezer. Watch what occurs after plugging it back in while keeping an eye on the freezer. This ought to be effective.

However, if your issues persist even after defrosting, you might want to contact an appliance repair specialist or think about purchasing a new refrigerator. Older refrigerators have a higher prevalence of this issue since they lack the automatic defrost mechanism seen in newer models. Therefore, investing in a new refrigerator or freezer will ultimately save you a lot of time, money, and trips for repairs.

There is a puddle of water around the fridge: Whenever you open up your fridge, it's good to make sure that it's not leaking water all over the floor. This is not only dangerous for your fridge, but also for you. You have to clean up the mess, and there could be a chance that the water is getting into your food. There are a variety of potential causes for a leaky refrigerator, including:

• Check the Door Seals for signs of wear and tear if the door won't close all the way.

• Hoses leading from the refrigerator to the drip pan are unfastened, misaligned, or broken.

• The drip pan is damaged.

• The freezer is very icy.

Although you can perform a self-check for some issues, we advise calling a technician to identify the true cause. There are many times when products break down, but the process of finding Replacement Parts can be difficult.

If you don’t diagnose the problem correctly, you might end up wasting money on the wrong replacement parts. In order to prevent this from happening, you should make sure that you take the appropriate steps to diagnose and replace your broken product with a more economical option.

Your food is spoiling: Don't let your refusal to get a new refrigerator force you to spend more money on energy and groceries! A very clear indication that it might be time to shop for a new commercial refrigerator is if you start to notice that your meat, produce, and/or fruits are beginning to smell bad or are spoiling more quickly. This not only taints your food but also uses up a lot of energy.

Energy is wasted by refrigerators that take a long time to cool food or can't maintain temperature settings. One of the first indications that a refrigerator needs to be replaced is the inability to maintain temperature settings.

You can hear your refrigerator running: The quietest appliances aren't typically refrigerators. The majority of commercial refrigerators do make a gentle buzzing noise, which is very normal. But it would be good to call a repairman and find out what the problem might be if you hear your fridge running when you are not in close proximity to the kitchen.

By unplugging and then replugging your refrigerator, you can resolve the issue without hiring a specialist. After doing this, if the buzz still exists, call your repairman and finally get some peace.

Extreme condensation: If your refrigerator is not cooling correctly and you experience extreme condensation, it most likely means that the rubber seal surrounding the fridge has gone bad. You can test this by touching the outside of your refrigerator and if it is sweating, then you should analyze the rubber for quality. 

In order to keep your commercial refrigerator working properly and safely, it is important to check for signs of water droplets or hints of mold or mildew. If you notice water droplets or hints of mold or mildew, you should call a technician or buy the necessary replacement parts. New sealing will help keep the cold air in and keep the Warm Air out. 

Your freezer is one of the most essential household items in your home, so make sure you keep it in good condition by keeping an eye out for hints of condensation. If you notice this happening, your temperature setting must be adjusted to stop the moisture buildup.

Know more about How to Clean Commercial Refrigerator Condenser Coils?

Should I repair or replace my commercial refrigerator?

When faced with the decision of whether to repair or replace a commercial refrigerator, several factors should be carefully considered.The following terms determine whether to repair or replace a refrigerator when to repair or replace refrigerator:

Age of the commercial refrigerator: The age of the refrigerator is a crucial factor. Commercial refrigerators, like their residential counterparts, have a finite lifespan. If the refrigerator is relatively new and the repair is minor, it may be more cost-effective to opt for repairs. However, for older units approaching the end of their typical lifespan, investing in a new and more energy-efficient model might be a wiser long-term choice. Every year there will be more refrigerator repairs, but we need to be wise in choosing repair or replacing refrigerator.

Extent of the issue: Evaluate the severity of the problem with the commercial refrigerator. Minor issues such as a faulty thermostat or a worn-out gasket can often be repaired at a reasonable cost. On the other hand, if the problem is significant, involving critical components like the compressor or condenser, the cost of repairs may escalate, making replacement a more sensible option.

Cost of the spare parts: Before we order any item, not just the equipment but any item, we look into its price tag. That's a human tendency. Similarly, spare parts for the freezer are higher in cost, but PartsFe sells all restaurant Kitchen Equipment Parts at a low cost compared to competitors. If your freezer has an ice maker, then it can be a bit more expensive to change the spare part. 

Repair costs vs. replacement costs: Compare the estimated cost of repairs with the cost of purchasing a new commercial refrigerator. As a general guideline, if the repair costs exceed 50% of the cost of a new unit, it may be financially prudent to consider replacing the refrigerator. This ensures that the investment made in repairs aligns with the potential longevity and performance of a new appliance.

Energy efficiency considerations: Advancements in technology have led to more energy-efficient commercial refrigerators. If the existing unit is outdated and consumes a significant amount of energy, upgrading to a newer model can result in long-term cost savings through reduced energy consumption.

Future maintenance and downtime: Consider the overall maintenance history of the commercial refrigerator. If the unit has required frequent repairs in the past and is prone to breakdowns, ongoing maintenance costs and potential downtime should be factored into the decision. A new refrigerator may offer increased reliability and reduced operational disruptions.

Know more about Understanding The Basics Of Commercial Refrigeration And How It Works?

Common Refrigerator Repairs and Their Costs

Before making a decision to replace your refrigerator, it's helpful to understand the average cost of common repairs. Here are a few examples:

• Thermostat Replacement: $100–$300

• Compressor Repair or Replacement: $500–$1,000

• Evaporator Fan Motor: $150–$250

• Door Seal Replacement: $60–$100

• Defrost Heater Repair: $100–$200

If these repairs are infrequent and your refrigerator is under 10 years old, repairing may still be worthwhile. However, multiple repairs within a short period could indicate a failing system that’s better replaced.

Signs Your Refrigerator is Becoming a Safety Hazard

Beyond inefficiency and cost, an aging refrigerator can pose serious safety risks in a commercial kitchen:

• Electrical Issues: Frayed cords or recurring short circuits could lead to electrical fires.

• Water Leaks: Pooling water creates a slipping hazard and may damage floors or surrounding equipment.

• Spoiled Food: Inconsistent temperatures can cause food to spoil faster, leading to potential foodborne illness.

• Mold and Bacteria Growth: Condensation and poor sealing promote bacteria and mold in both the refrigerator and freezer compartments.

If you’re experiencing any of these problems frequently, replacing the unit is not just smart—it’s necessary for health and safety compliance.

How to Extend the Life of Your Commercial Refrigerator

Whether you choose to repair or buy new, following these tips can help extend the lifespan of your refrigerator and reduce repair frequency:

• Clean the Condenser Coils Monthly: Dust and grime on coils force the fridge to work harder, leading to overheating and failure.

• Check and Replace Door Gaskets: Worn-out gaskets let cold air escape, making the unit less efficient.

• Keep it Ventilated: Ensure the refrigerator has enough space around it for proper airflow.

• Avoid Overloading: Overloading the refrigerator can block airflow and reduce cooling efficiency.

• Regular Professional Maintenance: Schedule annual inspections to catch problems early and keep it running efficiently.

These simple practices can keep your unit running efficiently and help you avoid premature replacement.

Where can I Buy these refrigerator parts in the USA?

One of your best choices could be PartsFe. On our website, we have all the products that are related to refrigerators. Our website helps you to find any kind of spare part that is related to the refrigerator. All the good brands for spare parts can be found on our website. For example:

• Continental Shelf

• Assembly Hinge

• Cover Lamps

• Thermostat Cont

• Control Temperatures

• Guard Fans

• Fan Motors

• Gasket Drawers

• Drier

Same-day shipping is provided. No worries about the packaging and delivering the product to you. We provide the safest and sanitized packing for our customers. PartsFe also has 24/7 support for customers who need any kind of help. Payment methods are highly secure with our website. The decision to repair or replace a commercial refrigerator involves a careful evaluation of factors such as age, extent of the issue, repair costs, energy efficiency, and overall maintenance history. Consulting with a professional technician or a commercial refrigeration specialist can provide valuable insights to make an informed decision that aligns with the specific needs of the business.

FAQs

How often should you replace your refrigerator?

Refrigerators typically last about 10 to 20 years, so consider a replacement if yours is over 15 years old or if frequent repairs become necessary.

Is it worth repairing a 20-year old refrigerator?

Repairing a 20-year-old refrigerator may not be cost-effective; it's often more practical to invest in a newer, energy-efficient model for improved performance and energy savings.

How much does it cost to install a refrigerator?

Refrigerator installation costs vary, but on average, professional installation can range from $100 to $200, depending on factors like location and additional services.

Is it worth fixing a refrigerator?

The decision to repair a refrigerator depends on the age, extent of the issue, and repair cost; generally, if the repair cost is more than half the price of a new one, replacement may be a more sensible choice.