Refrigerators are a mainstay in modern households. Likewise, they are a crucial part of everyone’s daily lives. If your unit suddenly malfunctions, you could be thrown in complete disarray. What will happen to all those perishable food items you just bought?
The most common issues typically have to do with a fridge that is not cooling, leaking, making strange noises, or cycling too often, among others. Fortunately, some of these problems can easily be resolved via the do-it-yourself route. But if you have already tried all the possible solutions without success, it is probably time to make the phone call, and let experts handle the job. This detailed guide will run you through the repair costs of fixing up a refrigerator in Canada.
Should You Repair or Replace Your Refrigerator?
If your refrigerator has broken down, you might be wondering if you are better off buying a new fridge. After all, appliance repair can be expensive – and stressful.
However, this is not the case at all. As you will soon see, fixing your faulty unit does not have to burn a hole in your wallet. It is also a fairly hassle-free process if you stick to a reputable appliance repair company. Not to mention, it would be a waste to dispose of an appliance that can still be fixed – often at the fraction of the costs of brand-new models.
But in some cases, repairing the appliance may not be the best option. This rings especially true if your unit is getting old.
Here are some signs that replacing your faulty fridge (or any other household appliance, for that matter) may be necessary:
- Repairing the appliance is 50% more expensive than simply getting a new one.
- Your appliance is already way past its average life span. Refrigerators, for example, can last anywhere between 10 and 20 years. If your unit is already more than a decade old and constantly running into problems, it might be time to part with it.
- Your fridge is not energy-efficient, causing your energy bills to climb. In this case, it is probably better to invest in ENERGY STAR-certified models. That is, replacing your old unit with a new one will help you save precious money in the long run.
Related Article: How to Fix Your Fridge Leaking Water Problem
What Is the Cost of a Refrigerator Repair?
If you have decided to repair your fridge instead of replacing it, you are most likely wondering how much it will cost. There are so many factors that come into play, so providing an exact amount can be mind-boggling. But generally, the costs of repairing a fridge can fall anywhere between $135 and $300. Depending on the extent of the appliance repair, you may have to pay as little as $50 or up to a whopping $400.
What Factors Determine the Appliance Repair Costs in Canada?
As mentioned, a wide variety of factors affect the overall costs of appliance repair in Canada. Knowledge of these factors is critical as it will give you a more accurate picture of the repair expenses. More than that, it will also prevent you from being duped by unscrupulous repair service companies or professionals who ask for unreasonable and exorbitant fees.
With that said, here are some notable determining factors you need to be aware of:
- Cost of refrigerator replacement parts
- Appliance repair service charges
- Skill and technical expertise of repair technician
Essentially, you will be paying for the diagnosis of the problem, spare parts, and labour. The more complicated the issue is, the more time the technician will need to resolve it, translating to higher repair costs. It is also important to note that each appliance repair service company in Canada will have different rates or fees.
The cost of the spare parts – such as the fan, gasket, compressor, motor, and condenser coils – is another critical factor. Some replacement parts are widely available, while others can be hard to track down, making them more expensive than usual. Often, your refrigerator’s brand and model may play a key role in how easy or difficult it is to obtain the spare parts.
Of course, the experience and know-how of the certified repair professional are also important considerations. The more experience they have, the higher they will charge you for their services. It might be tempting to stick to an inexperienced technician to reduce the expenses, but opting for a more seasoned repair professional will give you peace of mind. That is, you can rest assured that you are compensating someone who knows what they are doing.
Related Article: How to Repair Fridge Not Cooling Yourself If You Can
What Questions Should You Ask Before Hiring an Appliance Repair Professional?
There are plenty of repair companies or certified repair professionals in Canada. Unfortunately, not all of them are reliable. To get the most bang for your buck, you have to sift through the noise and find only the best of the best. One way to do this is by doing your research, checking out different companies, and asking them the right questions. In other words, don’t commit to someone from the get-go. Instead, hire them only after ensuring that they are the right fit for the job.
Here are some questions you might want to ask a repair service company in Canada:
- What payment options do they accept?
- How many previous clients have they had?
- Are they willing to provide references?
- Will they cover or pay for accidental damages that may occur during repairs?
- Will they provide a warranty for their services?
But, you are not the only one who should be asking questions. Any dependable repair service company should also quiz you about your refrigerator, particularly the issues that you are dealing with. If they are tight-lipped during the quotation process (including not answering your questions properly), that is a major red flag. Consider choosing another repair company instead.
Fix Your Broken Refrigerator Now
Refrigerators are a matter of necessity in modern homes. If they suddenly break down, it can be frustrating and you may have a hard time whipping up meals for your family. There is no need to buy a new fridge, however. Your beloved unit is likely still repairable. In some cases, you might be able to troubleshoot and fix the problem yourself. But in other scenarios, you will likely have to seek the help of an expert.
As you have seen, repairing your faulty fridge is not expensive. Just make sure to do your research and find a reputable repair company. That is, they should have reasonable fees and offer top-notch repair services. Leave the problem to the right hands, and it won’t be long before your refrigerator is fixed and becomes as good as new. Call Prime Appliance Repairs today!
