What to Look For in Refrigerators and Parts
You have a broken refrigerator and no time to go out and find a new one. The decision to repair instead of replacing appliances could possibly save you money and time. Its important to know what can be repaired and what would end up costing you more money in the end.
How can I tell if a refrigerator needs to be repaired or replaced?
Hissing noises, leaky components or interior sweating are some signs that the fridge needs attention. Before rushing to replace the current model, check to see if certain refrigerator parts need to be replaced. The age of the unit and cost to repair are deciding factors in how to move forward. Here are a few tips to consider:
- Built-in units should be assessed for repair before opting to replace. This type of kitchen appliance is usually installed into a permanent space. Replacement generally cost more than repair.
- Side-by-side units may be fixed within a five-year period Units older than that should be carefully assessed before being fixed. They will likely need replacing if multiple issues exist.
- Bottom-freezer refrigerators could possibly be fixed if they are less than seven-years-old. Older units could possibly need replacing.
- Top-freezer units generally require replacement appliance parts within three years. They may need replacing within seven years.
What type of refrigerators are available?
There are a variety of freezer and fridge combos available today. Kitchen design concepts introduce contemporary and traditional styles to the market. Door style and storage capacity are the primary components that contribute to the style of most models. Home remodels and renovations rely heavily on appliances to complete a redesigned kitchen. Brands such as Maytag, Whirlpool, and GE make a variety of styles to choose from. Some styles are designed for home and industrial use. Others are designed exclusively for one type of use. Here are a few of the most available styles:
- Stainless steel French door refrigerator
- Side-by-side
- Chest freezer
- Counter depth
- Freezerless
- Stand-alone upright freezer
- Compact refrigerator
What features should I look for in a new fridge?
Innovative styles and designs make it challenging to decide which features you want or need on a new fridge. Some design elements are for convenience and others offer functional benefits. Choose a size that will fit the available kitchen space properly. Select colors or finishes that blend well with existing kitchen tones or decor. The refrigerator door is more complex now than with traditional models. Reversible door options are available. Undercounter models that are compact in size are ideal for wet bars or small serving aisles. Here are a few available features for today's freezer and fridge units:
- Energy-efficient units
- Efficient storage space
- Large fresh food compartments
- Sections or parts for frozen food
- Water dispenser
- Refrigerator water filter
- Frost-free for easy maintenance
- Door-in-door storage
- Dual evaporators for freshness
- Temperature dials
- InstaView shelves and drawers for easy visibility
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