By Refitec Kenya | Nairobi’s Trusted Appliance Repair & Replacement Experts
Should You Repair or Replace Your Fridge?
Not sure whether to fix or ditch your fridge? Here’s the short version:
Replace your fridge if:
- It is more than 10–15 years old
- The repair cost is more than 50% of the price of a new fridge
- The compressor has failed
- It keeps breaking down repeatedly (more than twice in a year)
- Your energy bills have risen significantly and the fridge is the likely cause
- The cooling system or sealed refrigerant system is leaking
Repair your fridge if:
- It is less than 8 years old and still under warranty
- The issue is minor — a faulty thermostat, broken door seal, worn shelf, or a clogged drain
- The repair cost is less than half the price of a new equivalent model
- It is a high-end model that would cost significantly more to replace
The Full Guide: Replace or Repair Your Fridge?
Your fridge works around the clock, 365 days a year. When it starts acting up, the decision of whether to repair or replace it can save — or cost — you thousands of shillings. At Refitec Kenya, we help homeowners and businesses across Nairobi make this decision every day. Here is everything you need to know.
1. Check Your Fridge’s Age
Age is one of the most important factors in this decision. Most fridges are designed to last between 10 and 15 years with proper maintenance. If your fridge is approaching or beyond that range, repairs become less economical because other components will likely follow the one that has already failed.
As a general rule: if your fridge is under 8 years old, repairing it almost always makes sense. If it is over 12 years old, you should think carefully before investing in a major repair.
2. Apply the 50% Rule
This is the most reliable financial test used by appliance experts globally. Add up the cost of the repair and compare it to the price of a new equivalent fridge.
If the repair cost is more than 50% of what a new fridge would cost, replace it. If it is less than 50%, repairing is the smarter move — especially for a younger appliance.
For example, if a new fridge costs KES 45,000 and your repair quote is KES 25,000, that repair is not worth it. But if the repair is only KES 8,000, it makes excellent financial sense.
3. Compressor Problems — The Most Expensive Repair
The compressor is the heart of your fridge. It is responsible for circulating the refrigerant and keeping temperatures cool. Compressor replacement is one of the most expensive fridge repairs, and on an older fridge, it is almost never worth it.
Signs of compressor failure include a fridge that runs constantly but never gets cold, loud clicking or humming sounds when the fridge tries to start, and the unit being warm despite the motor running.
If a technician diagnoses compressor failure on a fridge that is more than 8 years old, replacement is strongly recommended.
4. Frequent Breakdowns
If your fridge has needed repairs two or more times in the past 12 months, this is a major red flag. Recurring breakdowns indicate that the appliance is at the end of its reliable lifespan. Each time you fix one thing, another component is likely to fail shortly after. At that point, you are spending money to delay the inevitable.
Track your repair history. If you have spent more than KES 15,000–20,000 on repairs in the last year, it is time to replace.
5. Rising Electricity Bills
Older fridges, especially those with failing components, consume far more electricity than they should. If you have noticed a steady increase in your power bills without a clear explanation, your fridge could be the culprit.
Modern fridges are significantly more energy efficient. Replacing an inefficient 12-year-old unit with a new inverter-technology model can reduce the energy cost of running a fridge by up to 40%. Over time, this saving can offset much of the cost of the new appliance.
6. Refrigerant Leaks
Refrigerant (commonly known as gas or freon) is the substance that allows your fridge to cool. Over time, the sealed system that contains it can develop leaks. Signs of a refrigerant leak include the fridge not cooling despite running continuously, an oily residue around the back of the unit, and a faint chemical smell.
Refrigerant leaks are repairable, but if the sealed system is extensively damaged — especially in an older fridge — the repair cost is high and the underlying metal may be compromised. In many cases, replacement is the more practical choice.
7. Structural and Physical Damage
Some problems are cosmetic and do not affect performance, but others are serious. If the inner liner of your fridge is cracked, if the door cannot seal properly due to a warped frame (not just a worn gasket), or if there is significant rust on the interior, these are signs that the fridge body itself is deteriorating.
A worn door gasket or seal is an easy, inexpensive repair. A structurally compromised fridge body is not.
8. When Repair Clearly Makes Sense
Not every fridge problem is a death sentence for the appliance. The following are common, affordable repairs that are almost always worth doing:
A faulty thermostat or temperature control board is relatively inexpensive to replace and can restore normal cooling. A broken door seal causes your fridge to lose cold air but costs very little to fix — and the improvement in efficiency is immediate. A blocked defrost drain or faulty defrost heater causes ice buildup and water pooling, but is a straightforward repair. Damaged shelves, drawers, and light fixtures are all minor repairs with no bearing on the core function of the appliance.
9. Warranty Status
If your fridge is still within the manufacturer’s warranty period, always pursue repair first. Most warranties cover parts and labour for at least one year, and some premium brands offer extended coverage. Repairing under warranty costs you nothing and preserves the life of the appliance.
10. Environmental and Practical Considerations
Replacing a fridge is not just a financial decision. Disposal of old fridges must be done responsibly, as they contain refrigerants and materials that are harmful to the environment if not handled correctly. At Refitec Kenya, we can advise you on proper disposal options in Nairobi.
On the practical side, consider whether a new fridge of the same size and style is readily available. For some older or unusual fridge models, replacement parts are scarce, which makes future repairs difficult and expensive regardless of cost comparisons.
Summary: A Simple Decision Framework
Ask yourself these four questions before making a decision:
Is the fridge more than 10 years old? If yes, lean toward replacement. Is the repair cost more than 50% of a new fridge’s price? If yes, replace. Has the fridge broken down multiple times in the past year? If yes, replace. Is the problem a compressor, refrigerant leak, or sealed system failure on an old unit? If yes, almost certainly replace.
If you answered no to all of the above, a repair is likely your best and most cost-effective option.
Get a Professional Assessment from Refitec Kenya
Making the right call is easier with an expert opinion. At Refitec Kenya, our certified technicians offer honest assessments — we will tell you upfront whether your fridge is worth repairing or whether your money is better spent on a replacement. We service all major fridge brands including Samsung, LG, Whirlpool, Hotpoint, Ramtons, Von, and many others across Nairobi and surrounding areas.
Call us today or visit our workshop for a diagnostic check.
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Refitec Kenya — Reliable Appliance Repair & Expert Advice You Can Trust