You need your refrigerator to keep food cold and fresh, but buying a new unit is expensive. How can you tell when it time to replace it? Consider an upgrade if you see these telltale signs of trouble.
1. Your food is going bad
Are you having to deal with a lot of sour milk or wilted lettuce? If food spoils before the expiration date or beverages take a long time to get cold, it could be a sign that your older unit has subpar power. Check the temperature setting on your unit to make sure it's cold enough. If that looks okay, consider an upgrade.
2. The back of the unit feels hot
The back of the fridge usually feels warmer than the sides, because that's where the motor is located. However, if the back is generating more heat than usual, it's likely that the motor is running hot. You can trying calling a repair person, but fixing or replacing a motor can be costly. It may be time for a new unit.
3. The fridge appears to be sweating
That sweaty look is condensation buildup. If the condensation is on the outside, check the door seal. If the seal looks okay, or if condensation also appears on the inside, the appliance likely has insufficient cooling capacity to keep food from spoiling. Condensation can also lead to mold, which is bad for perishable items like produce.
4. Your unit is running loudly
Refrigerators typically give off a gentle hum, but if you notice the unit is running louder than usual, it could be a sign that the motor is going bad. Once again, you can have it repaired, but if the fridge is older, upgrading to a new unit may be your best bet.
5. Your fridge is more than 10 years old
Even if your older unit is still chugging along, it's likely using a lot more energy than newer models, and repair problems may be just around the corner. Look for ENERGY STAR®certified models. ENERGY STAR refrigerators are about 9% more energy efficient than standard models.
If you decide to send your old fridge packing, make sure it's recycled properly. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency provides some tips about the safe disposal of household appliances.
