How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Refrigerator?

In this guide

Average Refrigerator Repair Cost by Part

Depending on what is needed, the total price for repairing a fridge can be as low as $60 or as expensive as $1,200. They can break in many ways. Some areas can be easily fixed. Others may need replacing to fix the issue. Sometimes, the problem is not always obvious at first, so some issues require several repairs and replacement parts to solve the problem. Below are some of the more common fixes and the price to perform them.

Condenser Coil Cleaning Cost

Cleaning the coil has a price between $60 and $100, depending on how hard they are to access. The condenser coil on your appliance keeps it cool. It condenses warm air as it circulates the coolant, which in turn lowers the temperature. Your coils are located beneath the appliance and can collect dirt and grime. When that happens, the condenser can freeze. This can cause leaks and your appliance to warm up.

Freezer Repair Cost

The average price of diagnosing and fixing the freezer is $100 to $250, depending on the issue. Many things can go wrong with your freezer. It may need a new thermostat, or it could need the door’s seal replaced. If there is too much ice in your freezer, check to see if the door is sealing properly. If not, you can replace this. If it is, you need to replace the thermostat. Most freezer issues involve a diagnostic fee to find the problem.

Refrigerator Evaporator Repair

The evaporator coil is also responsible for keeping your appliance cool, ranging between $120 and $200 to fix. This part helps to hold the heated liquid coolant as it expands to become a gas. This passes its heat through the coil, cooling it back down as it returns to the compressor. Because of the liquid’s expansion and cooling, this can weaken the coil over time, causing it to leak. Depending on the coil and how bad the leak is, you can patch the leak or replace the coil.

Refrigerator Fan Repair

The price to fix the fan is between $120 and $200. The fan is usually installed near the evaporator coil. Most modern frost-free fridges have two fans. It keeps the air circulating over the coil, which keeps it cooling down the liquid as it returns to the compressor. If your fan fails, the evaporator is not as effective. When this happens, you may find that your appliance is too warm.

Cost to Repair a Refrigerator Water Dispenser

You can expect to pay $175 to $500 to repair a water dispenser, depending on the issue. There are many parts to a water dispenser, and many things can go wrong. The switch that activates the dispenser may break or come loose so that the system no longer works. The valve inside may begin to leak so that you do not get any water pressure, and you may notice water pooling on the floor. Some tubes can leak and clog. Unless the issue is readily apparent, such as a broken switch, you may need to pay a diagnostic fee.

Ice Maker Repair Cost

The cost to repair an ice maker is usually around $350 but can reach $500 for high-end models. Many refrigerators today have an ice maker. This system uses plumbing water and freezes it into cubes inside the freezer’s container. When you activate the switch on the door, the ice dispenses, and in some cases, it is crushed or ground. Many issues can cause the ice maker to break, from a clogged water tube to a broken switch. Repairs can be invasive, resulting in dismantling the freezer.

Fridge Compressor Repair Cost

You can expect to pay between $500 and $1,000 if you choose to have the compressor fixed or replaced. The compressor is a big part of the appliance's cooling system. It works to compress and control the flow of the refrigerant. It is also one of the bigger repairs. If you have an older fridge, it is usually recommended to replace the fridge rather than just the broken compressor because it can be more expensive than half the appliance’s price.

Refrigerator Control Board Repair Cost

It has a price between $500 and $1,000 on average, which can often be more than half the price of some models. The control board runs the operation. This keeps the pieces running, ensuring they all work together to keep your food at the proper temperature. If the control board dies, which sometimes happens after an electrical surge, the fridge stops running entirely. If your fridge is not humming, lighting up, or keeping things cool, something is wrong with the control board. This is also an expensive fix that may not be worth it on some older models.

Refrigerator Sealed System Repair Cost

The average price to fix the entire system is $800 to $1,200. Your refrigerator’s sealed system is the entire cooling operation. This includes the coils, evaporator, and compressor. Sometimes if the sealed system fails, it is because of one piece like the evaporator or compressor. This can start a cascade of problems that can cause the entire system to shut down. For this reason, repairs to this area are the most expensive. A sealed system repair is sometimes not warranted because the price for fixing it can be more than half the price of a new one.

Fridge Repair Cost by Type of Replacement

The average price for repair varies depending on the type of replacement, ranging between $50 to $1,150. There are many things that break or fail that cannot be fixed. To fix your fridge, you need to have the part fixed or replaced. And sometimes, the price is nearly identical because the work required to remove, fix the part, and reinstall is just as difficult as removing and installing a new one. You may have a higher or lower rate, depending on the part and its replacement.

Drip Pan Replacement Price

The price of drip pan replacement ranges between $50 and $200. The drip pan is responsible for catching any water that needs to be drained from the fridge. The water that enters the drip pan evaporates instead of becoming standing water. While all appliances are different, the drip pan is usually located on the bottom of the unit. In other models, you may need to slide the appliance away from the wall to get to the pan located closer to the rear of the unit.

Fridge Seal Replacement Cost

The average price to replace the seal depends on the size and model, averaging $60 to $100. If the seal on your door fails, then you need to replace the gasket. The gasket creates a tight seal between the fridge’s door and edge. Without it, you can experience issues such as condensation and leaks, an overworked fridge, and a warm interior.

Fridge Thermostat Replacement Cost

The average price of replacing a thermostat ranges from $100 to $260, depending on several factors. The thermostat is an important part of every fridge. If you notice that your appliance is not maintaining the right temperature, your thermostat is probably at fault. If it is, then it should be replaced. Depending on the brand and its placement in the fridge, this has a range of rates.

Refrigerator Fan Replacement Cost

You can expect to pay between $120 and $150 for fan replacement. The fan is responsible for helping the evaporator coil release heat and cool the liquid inside. Overheating and working harder to keep things cool are a few common issues when the fan stops working. This could shorten your fridge’s lifespan. Eventually, the food may even spoil. A silent or noisy appliance may need a fan replacement.

Evaporator Coil Replacement Cost

The replacement price of the evaporator coil is between $200 and $300. The evaporator is a copper coil containing the liquid refrigerant. This is the part that makes the inside of the appliance cold. Inside the coil, the liquid expands into steam and condenses back to a liquid as the heat evaporates. This expansion and contraction can stress the coil’s metal. While some small cracks can be fixed, most evaporators that fail need replacement.

Cost to Replace an Ice Maker in Refrigerator

The price to replace the ice maker is between $350 and $500. For many people, the ice maker on the fridge is used every day. If it fails, the amount of space that it takes up makes it difficult to resort to an ice tray. Ice makers can be difficult to fix because they have multiple parts reaching the freezer’s back. When they break, the most common response is to replace them.

Fridge Door Replacement Cost

The average price of a new door is $500 to $700. If the door is severely dented and cannot open and close anymore, you may want to replace the door. Your door can have a price of as much as half the fridge’s price, so this is not recommended if the issue is cosmetic. The doors need to be special ordered, shipped, and installed, which is expensive. It is not uncommon for many appliance chains to recommend living with the existing door if it functions or simply buying a new one.

Cost to Replace a Refrigerator Compressor

A compressor replacement is priced between $500 and $1,000. The compressor is a key piece keeping your appliance working and your food cold. When this breaks, the coolant cannot be circulated, meaning that the fridge will warm up. If the compressor breaks and is not replaced right away, this can lead to spoiled food. Compressors can be very expensive, sometimes more than half the price of a new one. It is a good idea to replace the compressor only if it is a few years old. After that, you may want to purchase a new one.

Freezer Replacement Cost

The price of this replacement freezer is between $600 and $1,150. If the freezer portion of your appliance breaks, and it is not an issue with the thermostat, you cannot replace just the freezer portion of the appliance. You need to replace the entire thing or purchase a new stand-alone freezer. Stand-alone freezers come in chest and upright styles. Each has attributes that could make it right for you.

Fridge Repair Cost by Problem

The price to fix a fridge goes from $50 to $1,200 and is influenced by the type of problem it is experiencing. They contain several parts that may experience problems over time. When it breaks, you only know that something’s wrong, not necessarily what that is. You should describe the issue to the repairman and ask for a diagnostic rather than a specific fix or replacement. Below are some of the most common types of problems and the prices to fix them.

Refrigerator Is Too Cold

If your appliance is too cold, you can expect to pay $50 to $250 to fix the issue. The most common issue is a broken thermostat. It could be failing to regulate the temperature so that the system does not continue to cool. It also could be due to dirty coils, which can cause freezing before warming up again. This may require a diagnostic call, although most technicians can determine the issue quickly.

Freezer Is Too Cold and Fridge Is Warm

The price to fix this issue ranges from $50 to $250, depending on the problem. The most common cause of this issue is also a broken thermostat. If the thermostat is not functioning, it could be sending the wrong signals to both sections. The other alternative is that your door gasket has failed. If this is the case, your freezer will develop ice, making it appear colder. Meanwhile, your fridge is warming up.

Refrigerator Is Too Warm

You can expect to pay $50 to $250 to fix the issue of your refrigerator being too warm. Many things can cause your appliance to be too warm. This could mean a faulty thermostat, broken door gasket, or broken fan. Unless the issue is readily apparent, your technician may need to perform a diagnostic, which may add to the project’s expenses. This can vary depending on how far they need to go to find the issue.

Fridge Leaking Water Underneath

You can expect to pay $60 to $200, depending on the issue. If your appliance is leaking water underneath, the most likely cause is dirty coils or a leaking evaporator coil. Dirty coils can cause ice to build up, which melts, appearing as a leak beneath the fridge. A leaking evaporator coil can leak due to a crack or break from the liquid expanding and cooling. Depending on the issue, this could have several solutions. The most common include cleaning the coils or fixing them.

Refrigerator Door Dent Repair Cost

The price to fix a door dent is $100 to $700. This can be at the higher end of the range, depending on the model. Some automotive companies can fill and paint the dent, provided you can remove the door and bring it to them. If the dents do not impair the door’s function, it is recommended to live with them because getting it fixed approaches more than half the appliance’s price. Most repair companies do not fix dents; they offer to replace the door.

Fridge Leaking Water Inside

If your refrigerator is leaking, you can expect to pay between $60 and $250 to repair the issue. Many things can cause your appliance to leak. The water dispenser or ice maker could have a leak. The door gasket may have failed, causing condensation to build up from the increased humidity. The evaporator coil could be leaking. Because there are so many things that can cause a leak, this might also require a diagnostic fee.

Refrigerator Not Running

There is a wide range of prices associated with fixing this problem, from $140 to $1,200. There are many reasons why your appliance may stop running. Sometimes, this is an electrical issue, and other times the compressor or the sealed system could be broken. A broken circuit board can also cause this issue. If the coils freeze, the system may stop running until they thaw out again.

Refrigerator Freon Leak Repair Cost

The average price to fix this issue and add back any necessary freon is between $200 and $300. Freon is the coolant that your fridge uses, circulating it through your sealed system. It expands and contracts to keep things cool. If you notice that liquid is leaking beneath it and are certain that it is not water, it is probably Freon. This happens when the evaporator coils crack through stress.

Refrigerator Too Noisy

The price to fix and address the issue of a noisy refrigerator is between $200 and $300. Several things can make your appliance too noisy. The fan mount may be cracked, causing it to rattle. Your appliance also could be working too hard due to an overheating system or a failed gasket. If you do not notice problems with the door closing, then replacing the fan, cleaning the coils, tightening things up, or a combination of these can help.

Ice Maker Will Not Make Ice

You can expect to pay $350 to $500 to fix an ice maker that will not make ice. Ice makers can stop for several reasons. There could be a clog in the line supplying the water. The switch may stop working, or the ice maker could simply fail and require it to be fixed. This can often be an invasive repair due to the ice maker’s location and tubes supplying it with water.

Fridge Repair Cost by Brand

The average cost of repairing a refrigerator ranges between $60 and $1,200, depending on the brand. There are many reputable refrigerator brands on the market. However, some refrigerators may experience unexpected faults or breakdowns over time. The cost of repair differs depending on the model, location, complexity of the problem, and the part that needs replacing. If the replacement part is readily available, this reduces the time needed for your refrigerator repair. We list the most popular refrigerator brands and their repair costs in the chart below.

Refrigerator Repair Labor Cost

Fixing a fridge with a broken ice maker with one new part has a price of $100 to $250 in labor and $250 in materials for a total of $350 to $500. Rather than billing by the hour, some companies assess a flat rate for certain repairs. Regarding labor, hiring a technician for repairs has a price between $100 and $250 per hour. Repairs are complex and should be performed by a certified technician. A few institutes that offer this type of certification are The International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians (ISCET) and the Institute of Appliance Service Technicians (IAST). Most repairs can be done in two hours or less, assuming that parts are on hand. Technicians may have to order parts for older models, in which case you might have to wait a few days for repairs to be fully completed.

Most repair companies charge a service fee or a diagnostic fee for making the call. A service call runs from $70 to $120, depending on where you live. The service call fee is normally applied to the first hour of labor. If the repair takes one hour or less, you do not owe any additional money for labor. In the event of a diagnostic fee, if you choose to have the repairman make the repair, the fee is waived. However, you will still need to pay the fee if the issue is small and can be fixed yourself. Recognizing the urgency of these types of repairs, many contractors offer emergency repair services. Expect to pay a higher charge for labor if you call at night or on weekends or holidays. Most companies charge anywhere from 10% to 20% on top of their normal fees. Expect to pay between $110 and $300 per hour for emergency service.

Your geographic area influences the labor rate. For example, technicians charge more for a house call if gas prices in your city are very high. Companies also charge more for traveling outside their service area. A contractor’s service area is generally between 20 and 50 miles. The local environmental laws impact the disposal and licensing fees which can increase the labor rate. In some areas, technicians need a license to handle refrigerants. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that labor rates increase by about 7.5% whenever a government license is required.

Refrigerator Maintenance

Clean your fridge’s condenser coils at least twice each year or more often if you have indoor pets. Keeping your condenser coils clean helps your condenser work at its best. Clean the condenser fan to keep the blades moving freely. The crevice attachment can be used to remove dust and small particles. This maintenance avoids the need for repairs while ensuring your unit operates at its peak. It is extremely important to remember to switch the circuit breaker off before cleaning to prevent electric shock. Keeping the inside clean prevents damage to your drawers and shelves. Wash down the interior at least twice a year.

Remove and clean the grill regularly and clean off any dust or pet hair by washing it in a solution of warm water and mild detergent. This prevents dirt from getting into the coils. Make sure the grill is completely dry before placing it back on your fridge. While you have the grill off, check your filter’s condition. Be sure to change the filter whenever it becomes clogged. Reduced water flow is a telltale sign of a clogged filter. If your water filter is not located inside the grill, look for a panel on your refrigerator’s top section.

Repair vs Replace a Refrigerator

The price to replace a refrigerator averages from $1,000 to $3,000, while fixing one ranges between $350 and $500. The average life expectancy of a fridge is 13 years. Any appliance more than 10 years old may benefit from replacement rather than fixing it, particularly if it requires major repairs that can be priced up to $1,200. Your appliance can also experience more than one problem simultaneously. You may also wish to upgrade for energy efficiency. Newer models have a lower price to operate and save money in the long run. Consider replacing your appliance if you can make up your refrigerator’s price in energy savings in less than 5 years. When choosing to buy a new model, calculate the delivery and disposal fees. Appliance dealers may charge between $50 and $100 for delivery. Some dispose of your old appliances for free, while others may charge up to $100 for disposal.

Regardless of energy savings, never spend more than half the price of a new model on repairs. Likewise, if yours have been fixed over the past year, it could be time to replace it. Built-in fridges and traditional models with a freezer compartment on top are generally inexpensive to fix. On the other hand, side-by-side ice boxes tend to be more expensive, particularly if they also have an icemaker.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Cost to Repair Wine Fridge

You can expect to pay between $50 and $350 to repair your wine fridge. With an average lifespan of 9 to 13 years, you may experience some issues with your wine fridge over time. Just because your wine fridge starts to make noise or is not cooling properly does not mean it needs replacing. Many issues may occur, including a faulty thermostat, malfunctioning fan, clogged drain line, or faulty compressors and condensers. A certified repairman can fix all of these issues.

Mini Fridge Repair Cost

For small repairs, expect to pay between $50 and $250. Mini fridges suffer from the same problems as full-sized units. Unfortunately, the price to fix them is often comparable to a full-sized one. It is often good to replace the mini fridge if it requires larger repairs because the replacement price may be less than the repair rate. This includes fixing the condenser, evaporator, coils, and freezer. If the issue is the door seal, thermostat, or dirty coils, these are all easily fixed.

Refrigerator Painting Cost

The price to paint your refrigerator is $350 to $450. Painting it at the same time as fixing it is an effective way to give your fridge a brand new look. You can select a color that matches the look of your kitchen and make it look completely different. A specialized paint is required for the job, with most contractors using an epoxy type of paint. Depending on their preference, the paint is either brushed or sprayed. Fridges are either moved out of the room or toward the center to allow for easy access for painting.

Refrigerator Disposal Cost

The fee of refrigerator disposal is $100. The price is one of the most expensive of the appliances. These appliances use refrigerant, which can be considered a hazardous waste, and therefore require special disposal. Fridge disposal is necessary to get rid of a fridge that no longer works and cannot be fixed or is too old before installing a new one.