How long do refrigerators last?

Jan 3, 2025 16 min read

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How long do refrigerators normally last?

When it comes to household appliances that you rely on heavily, your refrigerator is probably near the top. Refrigerators keep our food safe from spoiling and are an intricate part of our daily lives. With that being said, when a refrigerator stops working, it can be incredibly frustrating. Not only can a refrigerator breakdown mean replacing lots of groceries, but it can also mean an expensive repair or replacement. Let's examine how long a refrigerator typically lasts and some things that you can do to help keep it up and running for longer.

When you bought your current refrigerator, how long did you expect it to last? According to the Department of Energy, refrigerators last about 12 years on average. However, despite this number, a refrigerator can stop working within days or weeks if it has issues or last for 20 years or more if you do your part to extend its shelf life.

Refrigerator lifespan by brand and type

Brand	Average Lifespan (years)	Notable Features
LG	10 – 15	Known for smart features and energy efficiency
Samsung	10 – 14	High-tech options and advanced cooling
Whirlpool	10 – 18	Reliable, budget-friendly, good longevity
GE	12 – 16	Strong reputation for reliability
KitchenAid	14 – 17	Durable, well-built with premium options
Frigidaire	10 – 14	Cost-effective, basic models last longer
Maytag	10 – 15	High-quality construction with a focus on durability
Bosch	14 – 19	Premium features with efficient and quiet operation

Refrigerator Type	Average Lifespan (years)
Top-Freezer	14 – 17
Bottom-Freezer	12 – 15
Side-by-Side	10 – 15
French Door	12 – 18

How to help your refrigerator last longer

No matter what kitchen appliance you purchase, there are certain things that you can do that may help extend its life. Your refrigerator is no exception. Here are some helpful tips that may help you keep your refrigerator running properly for years.

Clean the condenser coils

Over time, the condenser coils in your refrigerator get dirty with dust and grime. This essentially makes your fridge work harder and decreases its efficiency. According to ConsumerReports, you should clean your condenser coils every six months. Keep in mind that these coils are located at the bottom of your refrigerator (on the top for built-ins), so you'll have to take off the grille or pull the fridge out from the cabinets to access them.

Clean the door gaskets

The door gaskets on a refrigerator are designed to keep cold air from escaping. This is important so that the fridge keeps running effectively and efficiently. Unfortunately, when food and drinks spill on the door gaskets over time, it impacts how much of a seal the gaskets can provide. To clean the gaskets, just use a wet sponge and wipe them off.

Change the water filter

According to USA Today, you should change your water filter (if your refrigerator has one) at least twice yearly. This is important to ensure that your fridge's water and ice are clean and bacteria-free.

Don’t overpack the refrigerator

If you can't open your refrigerator without things falling out, it probably means you have way more things jammed inside than your fridge is built to accommodate. Overpacking the fridge makes the motor work harder, which can lead to damage.

How to tell if your refrigerator is dying

While it's possible for your refrigerator to stop working without any indicators, there are typically clear signs that it is dying. Here are some signs that you should look out for.

Your food isn't staying fresh

If you notice that every time you put food in the fridge, it's going bad faster than usual, it clearly indicates that something is wrong.

There’s excess condensation

A puddle of water on the floor in front of your refrigerator is usually a sign that something is leaking or that you have excess condensation. In any event, it is not a good sign and could be an issue with a gasket.

Your refrigerator isn’t cooling the same

There's nothing like an iced cold beverage after a long day outdoors, right? Unfortunately, if your fridge isn't cooling how it should, you won't experience this joy. If your fridge seems warmer than usual, it’s cause for concern.

The refrigerator doesn’t sound right

If your refrigerator sounds too loud or quiet, there may be an issue worth looking into. If the motor in your fridge is too quiet, it may not work correctly to keep your food cool.

What factors affect the lifespan of a refrigerator?

Now that you know the average lifespan of a refrigerator and some ways you can potentially extend it, let's review some of the factors that can impact its lifespan.

The brand of your refrigerator
If you’ve ever shopped around for a new refrigerator, you know there are many options to choose from. With popular brand names like GE, Bosch and Samsung and many different kinds of refrigerators on the market, it could be tough to settle on the one you want. We advise that you research and choose a high-quality brand and model that may be more reliable.
Maintenance practices
Routine maintenance, such as cleaning your refrigerator coils and changing the filter every six months, may greatly extend the life of your fridge.
Overall usage
When you're bored and hungry, are you the kind of person who constantly opens and closes the refrigerator before deciding what to eat? If so, you're making the fridge's compressor work harder, which could lead to breakdowns and issues.

Does home warranty cover refrigerators?

Home warranties typically cover refrigerators, including various types like top-freezer, bottom-freezer, side-by-side, French-door, and built-in. Coverage usually includes repairs or replacements for components, parts and systems due to normal wear and tear.

Remember, home warranties may not cover older refrigerators, standalone ice makers, or mini-fridges so reviewing the contract terms is crucial.

Interested in learning more? Check out this article:

Does a home warranty cover refrigerators?

How a home warranty plan can help

It helps you have additional peace of mind with a home warranty* plan.

For example, Cinch Home Services offers several types of home protection plans so you can find one that meets your needs and budget. We have an Appliances Plan that covers 12 major home appliances, as well as a Complete Home Plan, which covers 25+ appliances and system components.*

When you invest in a home protection plan, you have assurance if your refrigerator isn’t working or you experience another issue with a covered appliance. Contact Cinch Home Services today to get an instant quote.

*The product being offered is a service contract and is separate and distinct from any product or service warranty that may be provided by the home builder or manufacturer.

The information in this article is intended to provide guidance on the proper maintenance and care of systems and appliances in the home. Not all of the topics mentioned are covered by our home warranty or maintenance plans. Please review your home warranty contract carefully to understand your coverage.

Our blogs and articles may link to third-party sites that offer products, services, coaches, consultants, and/or experts. Any such link is provided for reference only and not intended as an endorsement or statement that the information provided by the other party is accurate. We are not compensated for any products or services purchased from these third-party links.