Weighing the Pros and Cons of an Expensive Refrigerator Compressor Fix

For most homeowners, the refrigerator is a kitchen workhorse. But over time, it can begin to experience more frequent issues as aging parts begin to fail. As one of the most reliable and vital components, a refrigerator compressor can often be expensive to repair or replace—causing serious sticker shock. If your fridge is experiencing problems, you may be wondering if an expensive repair is worth the cost. Let’s explore the pros and cons of repairing your fridge compressor to help you make an informed decision.

Pros

The primary benefit of repairing a refrigerator compressor is savings. Replacing a fridge compressor can often be costlier than fixing it—especially if the problem is a minor one. In some cases, the fix can be as simple as repairing or replacing a few wiring components or a damaged electrical board. Inexpensive parts and labor can often get the job done, but modern compressors are resilient and rarely require such repairs.

Cons

As with any major appliance repair, it’s impossible to know what may go wrong until the technician starts their work. Even if the problem is a broken or overworked fan or wiring issue, the technician may stumble upon a more significant problem while in the process of completing the repair. In some cases, the technician may have to replace the compressor even after repairing it, resulting in a higher bill than expected.

Make an Informed Decision

An expensive refrigerator compressor repair is no joke, but it can often be a much more cost-effective option than replacing the entire unit. Regardless of the route you decide to take, make sure you do your due diligence and research what parts and issues need to be addressed before any work is started.

If you’re researching common refrigerator compressor issues, it’s always a good idea to research and take a look at reliable refrigerator error codes to help troubleshoot and identify potential causes of failure. Our Comprehensive Appliance Error Codes Glossary offers a thorough and up-to-date collection of error codes for refrigerators.