Refrigerator repair costs around $650, on average, but prices can range from $200 to $1,300, mostly based on the underlying issue.
Depending on the issue you’re experiencing, fixing your fridge will average around $650, but you could pay anywhere from $200 to $1,300 or more. Discovering something wrong with your refrigerator is never an ideal scenario—especially if you first notice it acting strange right after getting back from the supermarket with a bag full of fresh groceries. Luckily, while refrigerators need repairs more commonly than other appliances, they’re not the most expensive appliances to fix. In this guide, we’ll discuss what refrigerator repair costs and how to estimate your total.
In general, the national average for fridge repair is between $300 and $1,000, but prices could range from $200 and up to $1,300 or more, depending on what’s wrong. The cost of refrigerator repair depends more on the problem than the size or style of your fridge.
You might think that a mini fridge would cost less to repair, but the average price is still around $250. Technicians may charge an hourly rate between $45 and $120, but an additional service charge can tack on an extra $150 to $200 to the final bill, regardless of the size of the fridge. In the case of a mini fridge in need of repair, you’re often better off simply buying a replacement.
Fixing a freezer is generally more expensive than fixing a fridge because it’s an appliance that’s more technologically complex. Expect to pay between $90 and $650 for most freezer repairs.
Many parts go into a refrigerator—and any one of them could be the source of your problem. When something goes wrong, repairing a single part is typically more cost-effective than investing in a new fridge.
The table below includes some information on how much you can expect to pay for both labor and materials, depending on what needs fixing.
| Component in Need of Repair | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Coils | $100–$440 |
| Compressor | $200–$450 |
| Control Board | $80–$800 |
| Defrost Motor | $100–$440 |
| Door Seal | $50–$440 |
| Drip Pan | $50–$440 |
| Ice Maker | $60–$330 |
| Thermostat | $100–$440 |
The cost to repair a fuel leak is between $200 and $300, whereas the cost to replace a compressor is between $200 and $450.
A compressor is an electric pump located behind your fridge that houses the refrigerant gas. You’ll know your fridge needs repair if it’s uncharacteristically noisy, the light inside isn’t turning on, or if it’s running low on gas (unlike a car, you should never have to refuel your fridge, so this is usually a sign that there’s a leak). A faulty compressor can also lead to your refrigerator not getting cool, as well as spoiled food.
The control board is one of the most expensive refrigerator parts to fix, at between $80 and $800, because no part of the appliance can function without it. If your fridge has completely stopped working, it probably has something to do with your control board. The higher-end the brand and the more bells and whistles your fridge has, the more you can expect to pay.
Having the fridge thermostat repaired will cost between $100 and $440. The thermostat is responsible for monitoring the temperature of a refrigerator and making adjustments if it gets too hot or cold. If your fridge is warm but your freezer is cold, this is probably due to a malfunctioning thermostat.
Repairing the defrost motor will cost between $100 and $440 in most cases. When you adjust the fridge’s thermostat, the defrost motor kicks into gear to prevent the moisture in the fridge from freezing. If you notice that your fridge stays frigid even after you’ve turned down the dial, this part is likely where the issue is coming from.
Fixing the coils in your fridge will cost between $100 and $440. The coils keep everything cool; they condense warm air and lower the temperature by circulating coolant. Because the coils are at the bottom of most refrigerators, they’re especially prone to getting dirty and damaged.
If your door doesn’t stay shut, you’re probably looking at a damaged or malfunctioning door seal, and it can cost between $50 and $440 to repair. This fridge part is pretty self-explanatory, and you probably won’t have any trouble recognizing if this is your problem.
These simple components usually cost around $50 to repair, but you might pay as much as $440 to fix them, depending on how difficult it is to access. Located beneath most refrigerators, drip pans catch the condensation emanating from the defrost motor. You’ll know there’s an issue with your drip pan if your fridge is being especially noisy or leaking from the bottom.
On average, it will cost around $330 to have an ice maker fixed. Ice maker replacements can range from $60 to $200, so that might end up being the cheaper option.
Both materials and labor affect the overall cost of refrigerator repairs. Fixing existing parts will usually be cheaper than replacements because installation is generally a pricier process, and new parts can be expensive in their own right—a refrigerator door can cost up to $700, for example, which makes up a large portion of the cost of a replacement fridge.
At the end of the day, most of what you pay for repairs will be for services rendered rather than tools and equipment used. On average, technicians charge about $45 to $120 per hour, plus a one-time service fee between $150 and $200.
When you call a refrigerator repair service near you to look at a fridge, they may charge a diagnostic fee that runs about $60 to $100 to figure out why your fridge is failing. Some pros will deduct that fee from your final price if you hire them to do the repairs.
| Added Cost | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic fee | $60–$100 |
| Service fee | $150–$200 |
| Labor | $45–$120* |
*per hour
If you have a home warranty, call your provider first, as your plan might cover fridge repairs. Keep in mind that you will most likely need to hire a pro who is a factory-authorized technician or dealer to ensure the repair is covered.
When you call, have all of the information on your fridge on hand, including the brand, model, type, and description of the issue. Installing used parts could void the warranty, and a sealed system repair is frequently not covered because it can cost more than half the price of a new fridge.
There are certain refrigerator parts that you can repair on your own, including a door seal, a clogged drainpipe, and an unstable drip pan. Here’s a quick breakdown of the cost of materials to fix these items yourself:
Door seal: A replacement door seal is about $50.
Drip tray: These will be between $20 and $40 to replace.
Drainpipe: A new drainpipe can be as little as $10.
Other issues—such as a freon leak or a faulty compressor—should be dealt with only by a refrigerator technician in your area.
Regularly maintaining your refrigerator is essential to preventing damages that require professional repair or total replacement. In order to avoid the need for repairs, clean the coils from time to time, keep the door closed as often as possible, place the appliance in an adequately ventilated location, and don’t overload it. Since problems with refrigerators tend to get worse over time because of constant use, it can also help to call in a repair technician at the first sign of an issue. Small, pre-emptive repairs tend to cost less than larger, reactive ones.
How long a refrigerator lasts depends on the brand, model, and the level of maintenance you carry out, but the average lifespan is around 15 years. In general, a fridge can last anywhere from 8 to 27 years, though most fridges will be good to use for 10 to 15 years. You can extend the usable life of your refrigerator by having it serviced as soon as you notice any issues.
With an average repair cost of $440, a refrigerator's control board is generally the most expensive part to repair. However, every situation is different. Repairs for refrigerator control boards can go from as low as $80 to as high as $800. Also known as the printed circuit board (PCB), a refrigerator control panel uses sensors to detect when it needs to send out signals to regulate compressor fans, cooling levels, and other details for optimal performance. Symptoms that your compressor panel has gone bad include erratic cooling, error codes, display issues, or a refrigerator that stops working completely.
Unless you’re dealing with major issues or replacements, most repairs will cost significantly less than buying a new fridge. If your fridge is only a few years old, there’s usually a way to correct the problem while paying less than you would for a replacement fridge. Since repairs on mini fridges are often about the same as equivalent repairs on full-size fridges, replacing a mini fridge is more often more affordable than having it repaired.
