The Repair vs Replace Decision
When a fridge freezer develops a fault, the first question most homeowners ask is: is it worth fixing? The answer depends on the age of the appliance, the cost of repair, and the cost of a comparable replacement.
The 50% Rule
A widely used rule of thumb is the 50% rule: if the repair costs more than 50% of the price of a comparable new appliance, it is generally better to replace. For most fridge freezer repairs in the UK — which cost between £60 and £250 — and most mid-range fridge freezers costing £400–£800, repair wins comfortably.
When Repair Makes Sense
Repair is usually the right choice when:
- The appliance is under 8 years old
- The repair cost is less than 40–50% of replacement cost
- The fault is a wear part: thermostat, door seal, fan motor, defrost heater
- The appliance is a premium brand in good condition
When Replacement May Be Better
Consider replacing when:
- The appliance is over 10 years old and has had multiple repairs
- The compressor has failed on an older, entry-level appliance
- The repair cost approaches or exceeds 50% of replacement cost
- Replacement parts are no longer available
The True Cost of a New Fridge Freezer
When budgeting for a replacement, remember to include delivery and installation (£50–£100), removal of the old appliance (£30–£60), and potentially new shelving or accessories. A budget fridge freezer may appear cheap at £300–£400, but ongoing reliability is often lower than a repaired mid-range model.
Get an Engineer’s Honest Opinion
A reputable engineer will tell you honestly if a repair is not worth doing. Use our free service to get 3 quotes from local vetted engineers — they will assess the fault and give you a fixed price before any work begins.