Repairing a refrigerator costs an average of $650
The average refrigerator repair cost is $650 with a typical range between $300 and $1,000.
Factors affecting repair costs include replacement parts and materials of your fridge, how often repairs are needed, and labor costs.
Hiring a professional ensures the job is done safely and correctly and can extend the life of your appliance.
Regular maintenance and timely repairs can prevent more costly replacements in the future.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
As refrigerators become more advanced, the need for professional repair services increases. The average refrigerator repair cost is $650, with most homeowners spending between $300 and $1,000, although prices can be as low as $200 or up to $1,300. Factors like replacement parts, labor, and how often repairs are needed can impact the overall cost. Budgeting for these expenses and hiring a professional ensures your appliance runs efficiently.
When your refrigerator malfunctions, repairing a single part is often more budget-friendly than buying a new one. Since installing a new fridge can cost between $650 and $4,250 (including $150 to $250 for labor and $500 to $4,000 for the fridge itself), replacing a faulty part could save you hundreds of dollars.
Part Type | Average Cost Range |
---|---|
Compressor Replacement | $200–$450 |
Thermostat | $100–$440 |
Freezer repair | $90–$650 |
Ice maker repair | $60–$330 |
Control board replacement | $80–$800 |
Coil repair | $100–$440 |
Door seal replacement | $50–$440 |
Drip pan replacement | $50–$440 |
A compressor keeps your fridge cold by removing heat from the inside. Depending on the type of fridge you own, replacing a refrigerator compressor costs between $200 and $450.
If your fridge isn’t cooling properly, your thermostat is likely malfunctioning. Repairing a refrigerator thermostat costs between $100 and $440.
Fixing your freezer costs about $90 to $650. The cost of a freezer repair varies depending on the freezer's style, which can make it more or less difficult to access faulty parts. The harder it is to access, the longer it’ll take your technician to fix it.
Repairs cost between $60 and $330, while ice maker replacements can range from $200 to $300.
The control board acts as the brain of your fridge, controlling all the parts that keep it running. You’ll pay between $80 and $800 to have the control board repaired or replaced.
A coil repair or replacement costs between $100 and $440. The coils dissipate the heat from the refrigerator and where the compressor condenses the coolant. Typically, the only thing you’ll need to do to your coils is clean them. Repairs often involve replacing the entire unit, generally located on the back of the fridge.
Replacing the door seal on your fridge costs between $50 and $440. The part is inexpensive, and the installation isn’t hard, but you can damage your doors when you remove or install them. The seal is usually one of the first parts to fail and one of the main reasons for a hot fridge.
A drip pan, located at the bottom of the fridge, catches the drips from the evaporator coils, where the water evaporates. Replacing the drip pan costs between $50 and $440, with the part costing about half the price.
On average, technicians charge between $45 and $120 per hour, with a one-time service fee between $150 and $200 to cover the time and overhead of a house call.
When you call a refrigerator repair service to check out your fridge, they might charge a diagnostic fee of around $60 to $100 to figure out what's wrong. Some pros will deduct that fee from your final bill if you hire them for the repair.
If your fridge needs replacement parts, you might need two visits—the first to diagnose the problem and order the necessary parts, and the second to install them. Pros often have common parts on hand, but they usually need to order model-specific ones.
Some fridge fixes are easy to handle yourself, like cleaning or maintaining the drip pan at the bottom of your fridge. However, other repairs are more complex and require the expertise of an appliance repair technician.
Since electricity and complex systems are involved, it’s important to seek professional help with your fridge problems, especially issues like Freon leaks. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requires a 608-certified technician to handle all refrigerants. Depending on your local laws, you might also need a specialist for other repairs. To ensure safe and effective repairs, hire a professional refrigerator service near you.
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
When properly maintained, most refrigerators last about 10 to 15 years. With regular upkeep, some can run efficiently for up to 20 years or more. However, lower-performing models might need replacing after as few as eight years. Keeping up with maintenance and hiring an appliance pro for any repairs can help extend your fridge's lifespan.
Despite common perceptions, the average cost to repair a mini fridge is around $250. Technicians may charge an hourly rate between $45 and $120, with an additional service charge of $150 to $200. You’ll double that for a home visit. Unless the issue is easy to fix on your own, buying a new minifridge usually costs less than paying for a repair.
Once your repair bill hits about 50% of the replacement cost and your fridge is out of warranty, it’s time to replace it. Spending $100 to $300 on a repair (especially when it helps the fridge last for several more years) is a fraction of the $1,000 to $1,500 price for a brand-new one.
A fridge is low on Freon if it’s leaking refrigerant. If you notice your food isn’t staying cold, the motor is running more than usual (or even constantly), and there’s a chemical smell, this could indicate a leak. You should never need to replace refrigerant in a well-functioning fridge, but if you do, call a pro to handle this issue safely.
A refrigerator stops cooling due to multiple underlying issues. Faulty compressor fans, malfunctioning thermostats, obstructed coils from accumulated dirt, or an unplugged unit are the primary reasons for failed cooling. In addition, wiring faults, damaged door seals, or mechanical breakdowns can also disrupt performance. Inspect all components carefully and consult a repair pro if the problem persists.
A failing refrigerator control board displays clear warning signs that affect cooling performance and generate error codes. It is the central unit that governs compressor operation and temperature regulation. Key symptoms include erratic temperatures, unexpected display malfunctions, unresponsive controls, and a complete loss of cooling. Recognize these issues immediately and secure professional repair to protect the appliance.