A refrigerator can last as long as twenty years, but many don’t. The factors that determine how long a refrigerator will last include how well the refrigerator is maintained, how much the refrigerator – including features like ice makers and water dispensers – is used, and the environment the refrigerator is kept in. In other words, a refrigerator used by a busy family that’s regularly filling water bottles and grabbing snacks is going to wear out more quickly than a refrigerator that belongs to a family that is hardly ever home.
As a NYC plumber, we often hear about problems with a refrigerator’s ice maker or issues with the water dispenser. When ice or water smells or tastes funny, or these features don’t work at all, the issue can lie in the refrigerator’s water supply. Other issues, including a water dispenser that isn’t at the right temperature – water is too hot or too cold – or a water dispenser that drips constantly, often are related to the refrigerator’s controls or internal plumbing.
If your refrigerator is less than 8-10 years old, having it repaired by your NYC plumber or appliance professional may make sense. For older refrigerators, replacement can be the more cost effective option for a number of reasons. New refrigerators are significantly more energy efficient than refrigerators make 20 years ago. Having a new refrigerator installed can save you money. And of course, we all know that home fashions change with time: refrigerator replacement is often part of a kitchen upgrade because the old refrigerator looks tired and dated.
While appliance stores often offer installation services, you want to be aware that these jobs are outsourced to the lowest bidder. That’s not necessarily the people you want to have in or working on your home. A licensed NYC plumber can perform appliance installation, as well as removing and disposing of the old appliances. That way you can focus on what’s really important: enjoying your new kitchen!
