article

Replacing Your Kitchen Refrigerator

By Bluehammer Admin

Refrigerators are the most important appliance in the Kitchen. The following are some helpful tips when it comes time to replace it.

Should I Repair or Replace my Refrigerator?

If your refrigerator is out of warranty then the decision to repair or replace your old refrigerator depends on a few factors.

The first factor is identifying what is not working with your current refrigerator. Is the refrigerator not cold anymore? Does it cycle on and off frequently? Is the built-in ice-maker not making ice or is it just making weird noises all the time? Being able to isolate the problem, such as leaking coming from a hose, makes it easier to estimate the repair cost helping you with your decision. If you can't identify the problem it might be a bigger issue requiring higher costs. One thing to note, if the sealed part of your refrigerator or freezer needs to be serviced, it has to be performed by a professional. If that's the case then it is usually more cost effective to replace the appliance.

The second is age. If you have an older refrigerator, the cost to repair it vs the cost to buy a new one might not be that different if the parts needed are no longer in stock. Also if you factor in the energy savings from having a new energy efficient refrigerator, it might make more sense to replace the existing one. If your refrigerator is relatively new, it might be worth it to have it fixed as the likely culprit is one bad part instead of wear and tear of all the parts due to age.

The third factor is the type of refrigerator. If you have a built-in refrigerator, it makes sense to try and repair it first as replacing it is a much larger project. If you have a free standing refrigerator, look to the age and issue to help guide you in your decision.

If you look at your old refrigerator using these 3 factors as a guide, you should be able to determine if it makes sense to repair or replace the unit.

Cost Factors of Replacing Your Refrigerator

No doubt the biggest factor in the project cost of replacing your refrigerator is the cost of the refrigerator itself. Refrigerators come in all types, sizes and finishes from economy to designer. Built-in refrigerators install either completely flush or framed with cabinetry and generally cost more than free standing ones. Below are the main cost factors in the project of replacing your refrigerator.

  • Removal of the old refrigerator
  • Delivery and installation of the new refrigerator
  • Installing water/ice line (if applicable) and the material costs
  • Hauling away and disposing of the old refrigerator

Also note that when you get a new refrigerator it is always good to check with the manufacturer on how long to let it sit before plugging it in. When a refrigerator is transported in a non-standard position (on its side), compressor oil can run out of the compressor and up refrigerant lines. Waiting will allow the oil to drain back down to the compressor. Failure to wait could mean the compressor will start pumping without sufficient oil leading to damage of the unit. Usually 2 hours is sufficient.

Tips For Keeping Your New Refrigerator Running Great

Once you have your new refrigerator you will want to make sure you take care of your new appliance to keep it running for a long time.

  • Clean the Condenser CoilsUnplug and pull your fridge away from the wall, take a vacuum attachment and vacuum the back coils to remove dust and dirt that cling to the coils. This should be done twice a year.
  • Keep the Rubber Door Seal (Gasket) CleanThe gasket is the rubber seal on the inside edges of your refrigerator and freezer doors. It seals out warm air and can weaken and loosen over time due to dirt and grime. Clean it as needed with any universal cleaner.
  • Clean and Deodorize the InsideRemove old food particles and wipe down any spills with warm soapy water once a week. To keep the air fresh use baking soda or an over the counter deodorizer.
  • Replace the Water Filter (if applicable)Rule of thumb is to replace your water filter every 6 months.

Want to estimate your home improvement costs before talking with a contractor? Claim your home for free with bluehammer to estimate costs, secure your home inventory and learn more about your home.

* THIS REPORT IS AN OPINION THAT MAY BE INACCURATE AND IS PROVIDED SOLELY AS AN INFORMATIONAL TOOL NOT DESIGNED TO PROVIDE DEFINITIVE ANSWERS. ALL ELEMENTS ARE OFFERED "AS IS" AND BLUEBOOK EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ANY AND ALL WARRANTIES, REPRESENTATIONS, AND GUARANTEES OF ANY NATURE, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR OTHERWISE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABLITILY, NONINFRINGEMENT, TITLE, QUIET ENJOYMENT, ACCURACY, OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL BLUEBOOK (OR THEIR SUPPLIERS) BE LIABLE FOR ANY GENERAL, DIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF ANY KIND, OR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER (INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, THOSE RESULTING FROM USE OF THE PRODUCT, INCLUDING : (1) RELIANCE ON THE MATERIALS PRESENTED, (2) COSTS OF REPLACEMENT GOODS, (3) LOSS OF USE, DATA OR PROFITS, (4) DELAYS OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTIONS, (5) AND ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY, ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE USE OR PERFORMANCE OF INFORMATION) WHETHER OR NOT BLUEBOOK HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

Know what you should pay for your home improvement projects with bluehammer.Claim your home. It's free!

Popular


Is School Improvement Part of Your Ownership Strategy?

Neighborhoods with good schools often carry higher value for home buyers with children, so if you want to raise values in your neighborhood, supporting school improvement may be a valuable undertaking.

Nine House Cleaning Tasks That Give You A Great Workout

House cleaning is a drag. That comes as a surprise to no one. But, there is a great side benefit to having a tidy home. Well, there are many, but we're not talking about the psychological advantages of living in a clean home or even the fact that a clean house just plain looks good. We're talking about working up a sweat. Go ahead and skip the gym. Grab the broom or the vacuum cleaner instead. Turns out the simple acts of sweeping, vacuuming, and so many more housecleaning tasks can give you a great workout.

Getting the Best Estimated Home Improvement Costs Using Bluehammer's Home Improvement Calculator

The following are tips and tricks to help you better estimate the cost of your home improvement project.

10 Spring Cleaning Tricks For Everyone

Lazy cleaning is all about minimizing the effort. But, minimal effort doesn't have to mean you live like a slob - it just means you need to know some cool tricks tools that will help do the work for you, or at least make it less painful.

Clever Ways To Give Your Small Bathroom Some Pop And Make It Look Larger

Small bathroom? It doesn't have to be short on style. And it doesn't have to feel like a cave either. Many of the same tips for creating a standout space will also help to make it feel bigger.

10 Ways To Transform Your Trashy Old Furniture Into Standout Pieces

We know. That antique sideboard or set of chairs you got after your grandma died is sentimental, but also completely clashy with every other piece of furniture you own, not to mention out of touch with your general sense of style.

8 Great Tricks For Keeping Mosquitos Away

We all know about using bug spray. And citronella candles. But what about other ways to keep those pesky mosquitos away? As if they weren't annoying enough before, the threat of the Zika Virus has made mosquitos even more dangerous. So we've scoured the web for the best tricks for keeping the buggers away.

Home Foundations And Why Material Matters

The typical single-family home can weigh anywhere from 80,000 to 160,000 pounds. Foundations provide a solid base for a home's weight, help to ensure the house stays level and provides a base for construction to take place. Foundations matter, and so does the material that they're made of. Here's a closer look at both, starting with materials and why they matter.

5 Home Upgrades For Your Vacation Rental Space

Vacation rentals are experiencing a surge of popularity as websites like VRBO and Airbnb make them more accessible. Guests can find a place that fits their budget, location and accommodation needs. Hosts can easily list their property.

Essential Garage Equipment for Car Enthusiasts

What makes a car enthusiast? The vehicle you own says a lot about your passion for cars. About 12 percent of Americans are loyal to a particular vehicle brand, and vehicle brand loyal customers are four times more likely than other consumers to describe themselves as car enthusiasts, according to Scarborough. What you have in your garage also makes a statement about your love of cars. Here are some essential items every car enthusiast should have.

See More Articles