How much does refrigerator repair cost?
How much does refrigerator repair cost?
$125 – $500 average total cost to repair a fridge
$700 – $1,250 cost to replace refrigerator compressor
Refrigerator repair cost
Refrigerator repair costs $125 to $500 on average. A refrigerator compressor costs $700 to $1,250 to replace. Fridge repair costs $50 to $125 per hour with minimum call-out fees of $70 to $130. The cost to fix a fridge depends on the parts needed and if the unit is under warranty.
| Part | Average cost to repair |
|---|---|
| Compressor | $700 – $1,250 |
| Evaporator fan motor | $250 – $400 |
| Control board | $400 – $750 |
| Door dent repair | $125 – $250 |
| Door replacement | $220 – $530 |
| Thermostat | $100 – $400 |
| Defrost heater | $120 – $400 |
| Water valve | $100 – $250 |
| Water dispenser tubing | $140 – $200 |
| Water supply line | $275 – $550 |
| Condenser fan motor | $200 – $350 |
| Cleaning coils | $70 – $130 |
| Door seal | $100 – $300 |
| Drip pan | $125 – $225 |
| Entire sealed system | $600 – $1,400 |
| Freon / gas leak | $400 – $1,100 |
| Condenser | $650 – $1,400 |
| Freezer | $100 – $400 |
| Ice maker | $100 – $225 |
| Wine / mini fridge | $200 – $450 |
Average cost of refrigerator repair
The following chart shows the average cost of a refrigerator repair:
| National average cost | $300 |
| Minimum cost | $70 |
| Maximum cost | $1,400 |
| Average range | $125 to $500 |
Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.
Fridge repair cost by part
Cost to replace refrigerator compressor
The cost to replace a refrigerator compressor is $700 to $1,250 on average. A new refrigerator compressor costs $200 to $400 for the part alone. The compressor circulates refrigerant through the sealed cooling system. Compressor replacements are the most expensive sealed-system repair.
Compressor failure causes cooling issues, odd noises, and higher electric bills.
Replacing the compressor requires cutting it out, welding the new part inside, and recharging with new refrigerant.
Extra fees apply for fixing refrigerant leaks in the lines, which also damage the evaporator and condenser coils.
Fridge evaporator-fan motor replacement cost
A fridge evaporator-fan motor replacement costs $250 to $400 on average. A new evaporator-fan motor costs $30 to $150 for the part alone. This motor powers the fan that circulates cold air in the fridge. Evaporator fan failure stops the fridge from cooling while the freezer still works.
Refrigerator control board repair cost
The cost to replace a refrigerator control board is $400 to $750 on average. A new control board for a fridge costs $100 to $300 for the part alone. The control board regulates the refrigerator’s electrical components. All fridge functions will fail with a damaged control board.
Refrigerator door dent repair cost
Fridge-door dent repair costs $125 to $250 on average, depending on the number, size, and location of the dents. A door replacement costs $220 to $530 installed when the damage is extensive. Prices increase for new doors on designer models.
Refrigerator thermostat cost
Replacing a refrigerator thermostat costs $100 to $400 on average. The temperature control thermostat keeps the fridge cool by controlling how long the compressor runs. Signs of a broken thermostat are temperatures that are too hot, too cold, or that fluctuate wildly.
Cost to replace defrost heater in refrigerator
The cost to replace a defrost heater is $120 to $400 on average. The defrost heater melts frost from the evaporator coil, which is inside the freezer of fridge/freezer units. Signs of a broken heater are frost buildup on the evaporator and increased fridge temperatures.
Cost to replace a refrigerator water valve
The cost to replace a refrigerator water valve is $100 to $250 on average. The water inlet valve at the back of the fridge regulates the water flowing up to the ice maker and water dispenser. A clogged or failing valve results in fewer ice cubes than usual.
Refrigerator water line repair cost
Refrigerator water line repair costs $140 to $200 on average for replacing the water dispenser and ice-maker tubing. If the fridge isn’t near a sink, then replacing the water supply line costs $275 to $550 depending on if the pipes are plastic or copper.
Higher prices apply for installing a water line in a new location when the line runs under the floor.
Replacing a water line is a common way to fix a blocked water dispenser.
Patching a leak with a coupling attachment is cheaper than replacing the line.
Other fridge repairs
Other common fridge repairs include:
Condenser-fan motor – A fridge condenser-fan motor replacement costs $200 to $350 total. A broken condenser fan causes the fridge to run constantly and overheats the compressor.
Coil cleaning – Vacuuming and inspecting condenser coils cost $70 to $130 on average. When this part under the fridge clogs with dust, it reduces the fridge’s cooling power.
Door seal – Replacing a door gasket costs $100 to $300. A broken seal causes leaks, condensation, and overworks the fridge.
Drip pan – Replacing a drip pan costs $125 to $225 on average. The drip pan collects condensation from the evaporator coils and stops leaks.
DIY fridge repair part prices:
Clip replacement – New shelf-support clips cost $5 to $15 each.
Lightbulb replacement – A new bulb costs $3 to $9 each.
Filter change – A new water filter costs $30 to $60 for fridges with an ice maker and water dispenser. Replace the filter every 6 months.
Entire sealed system refrigerator repair cost
A sealed system refrigerator repair costs $600 to $1,400 on average. The entire sealed system includes the refrigerant, evaporator, condenser, compressor, and tubing. Symptoms of a damaged sealed system include above-normal temperatures, chemical smells, and a fridge that won’t cool.
An EPA-certified technician trained to handle refrigerants must perform sealed-system work. Only highly skilled contractors should refill refrigerant, replace multiple connected parts, and weld lines together on these jobs.
Refrigerator freon gas leak repair cost
Refrigerator freon leak repair costs $400 to $1,100 on average for detecting leaking parts, replacing them, and adding new freon. Freon is the refrigerant that cools the unit when pumped through the sealed fridge system. Signs of a freon leak are poor cooling, a musty smell, or oily residue.
Extra costs apply for each damaged sealed-system part that needs replacing to fix the leak before adding new freon.
New R410A refrigerant costs $50 to $80 per pound installed.
Beware of scams where someone offers to refill refrigerant without checking the lines to find the leak. Refilling refrigerant is never necessary unless there is a leak to fix before recharging the fridge.
Fridge condenser price
Refrigerator condenser-coil replacement costs $650 to $1400 on average. New fridge condenser prices are $70 to $225 for the part alone. The condenser extracts heat from the refrigerant. Replacing condenser coils is typically necessary to fix refrigerant leaks.
For major refrigerant leaks, replacing the condenser and evaporator in the same service visit is typically necessary.
Cost factors to fix a fridge
Repairing, cleaning, or patching up parts are typically cheaper options than replacing refrigerator parts. However, part-replacement jobs tend to help a fridge last longer.
Refrigerator repair cost factors include:
Labor – Appliance repair costs $50 to $125 per hour. Minimum service fees are $70 to $130, including up to 1 hour of labor and diagnostic tests.
Emergency work – Emergency call-out fees are $140 to $400 minimum for service after-hours, on weekends, and on holidays.
Service area – Extra fees apply for work outside of regular service areas.
Brand / parts – Additional shipping fees apply for special-order parts.
Warranty – The appliance warranty typically covers part replacements, but not labor. A home warranty sometimes also covers refrigerator repairs.
Fridge-freezer repair costs
Fridge-freezer repair costs $100 to $400 on average, depending on the brand and repair type. Common issues include replacing the coils and the defrost timer or heater. The most expensive refrigerator and freezer repairs are recharging after a refrigerant leak or replacing a compressor.
Ice maker repair
Ice maker repair costs $100 to $225 on average. The cost to replace an ice maker in a refrigerator is $250 to $600. Total costs depend on the brand and repair issue. The water inlet valve is typically the first part to break on an ice maker.
Cost to repair a wine or mini fridge
The cost to repair a wine or mini fridge is $200 to $450 for most part replacements. Compressor or coil replacements cost up to $1400. While specialty wine coolers are often worth repairing, the cost to fix a mini fridge is typically the same as buying a new one.
Good to know: For many wine-cooler brands, only authorized dealers should make repairs due to the highly specialized equipment.
Is it cheaper to repair or replace a refrigerator?
Refrigerator repair costs $125 to $500 on average. Replacing a refrigerator costs $675 to $2,500. A refrigerator is worth repairing if the unit is less than 10 years old, has warranty coverage, and repairing it costs less than half of a new unit.
| Type | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Repair | $125 – $500 |
| Replace | $675 – $2,500 |
Fridge repair FAQs
What are signs I need refrigerator repair?
Signs a refrigerator needs repair include:
Unusual noises or vibrations
Excess condensation inside or outside of the fridge
Frost buildup
Inability to cool or stay cold
Burning smell
Door not sealing
Water leaks
Higher than normal utility bills
Ice maker failure
Flickering lights or display panel
Interior lights won’t switch on
Constantly running fridge motor
Motor turning on and off more than usual
Kitchen circuit breaker tripping hourly
How can I tell if the refrigerator compressor is bad?
You can tell if the refrigerator compressor is bad by troubleshooting through the main causes that stop a fridge from cooling.
Before you call a pro, check:
Are the condenser coils under the fridge clean?
Are the condenser fan blades spinning freely? If not, the fan motor might be the problem.
Turn the thermostat from the lowest to the highest setting. If you don’t hear a click, then the thermostat might have failed.
If these parts are working, then ask a pro to check all the electrical connections with a multimeter to confirm if the compressor has failed.
Who to call to repair a refrigerator
Professionals to call to repair a refrigerator include:
Appliance-repair service centers
Technicians from home-improvement stores like The Home Depot, Best Buy, Lowe’s, and Sears
Plumbers to fix water lines to the fridge
A handyman with relevant experience
HVAC repair technicians experienced in fixing appliances
How long do refrigerators last?
A refrigerator lasts 10 to 20 years on average, depending on the brand, usage, and maintenance frequency. Extend the life of a fridge by cleaning the door gaskets every 4 months, removing frost buildup, and changing water and air filters regularly.
How much does it cost to paint a refrigerator?
The cost to paint a refrigerator is $160 to $300 on average for a professional refinishing service with electrostatic paint. A DIY paint job costs $30 to $100 for appliance-epoxy paint and materials like brushes, rollers, and clear-sealant spray.
Getting estimates from refrigerator repair technicians
Before hiring an appliance repair service, be sure to:
Compare 3+ bids and beware of the cheapest quotes for low-quality service.
Only hire companies with a license, surety bond, and insurance.
Request technicians certified by the NASTeC and EPA to handle refrigerant.
Read their reviews on Google and HomeGuide.
Hire companies with 5 or more years of experience.
Get a detailed repair estimate and contract in writing before work starts.
Don’t give a full payment before the job is complete.
Questions to ask
How long have you been repairing refrigerators?
Can I see your list of references?
Have you worked on the refrigerator brand I have before?
What does your minimum service fee include?
Am I within your standard service area, or will you charge more to come here?
How long will this repair take?
Should I do anything to prepare for your arrival?
Will you need to order the replacement part I need?
Do you offer a guarantee for labor or parts?
Would it be cheaper to repair or replace my refrigerator?
Do you offer ongoing maintenance plans for appliances?
How much extra is an emergency repair or same-day service?
Does this quote include all materials, labor, and cleanup fees?
What can I do to prevent future damages like this?
Do you offer financing on replacements?