Is it worth repairing a 10 year old fridge?

Contessa

Our previously very efficient AEG fridge is not keeping cool enough. There are no sounds from the compressor or fan.  I'm wondering how much a repair is likely to cost. Or if the money is better put towards a new fridge?
Buying a new one, although not MSE'ing, may be the quickest way to have a working fridge at this time of year.
I know it's a how long is a piece of string question but any advice is appreciated.

grumbler

Contessa said:

Our previously very efficient AEG fridge is . There are no sounds from the compressor or fan.

No sounds at all or they just work silently? If they were dead,  the fridge would be room temperature, not "not keeping cool enough".
Possibly, it just need recharging with refrigerant, but it's hard to say how long it will last if the leak isn't detected.

EssexExile

It could be anything, thermostat, compressor, anything.

Contessa

grumbler said:

Contessa said:

Our previously very efficient AEG fridge is . There are no sounds from the compressor or fan.

No sounds at all or they just work silently? If they were dead,  the fridge will be room temperature, not "not keeping cool enough".
Possibly, it just need recharging with refrigerant, but it's hard to say how long it will last if the leak isn't detected.

Thanks for your reply. We can't hear any "working noises".  I couldn't find the fridge thermometer so just used a room one. Not sure how accurate it is but it's around rom temperature-although the shelves and food containers feel colder.

Cherryfudge

Around room temperature isn't warm enough: a fridge should be between about 1 and 5 degrees (freezers -18). Above 5 degrees bacteria multiply faster. I can't advise on whether to replace it, but be very wary of any food left in there.

Alanp

We once had a LEC fridge, the thermostat failed but no one wanted to repair it so we ended up buying new, we’ve just replaced that one which we’ve had for over ten years, not sure if anyone will even come out to repair yours if it’s a certain make, but that’s the problem, do you pay a call out charge only to be told it’s beyond economical repair? you could use that money towards a new fridge, but in the end, only you can decide…

chrisw

AEG are a good make and there's not really much to go wrong. It's likely to be either the thermostat or maybe the fan has seized, the gas can't escape unless there's physical damage. Ask around on local Facebook or similar for suggestions for repairers and at least get a diagnosis.

molerat

A thermostat for the majority of fridges will cost around £5 - £6 on Ebay.  The biggest cost will be labour / call out.  They are usually a pretty simple DIY job and it is fairly easy to find out if it is in fact the thermostat that is the problem (just short circuit the 2 wires into the stat and the fridge will either run or it won't).  Contact a local repairer and ask how much it would cost for a diagnosis and replace the thermostat if necessary.

Albermarle

Cherryfudge said:

Around room temperature isn't warm  cold enough: a fridge should be between about 1 and 5 degrees (freezers -18). Above 5 degrees bacteria multiply faster. I can't advise on whether to replace it, but be very wary of any food left in there.

Small correction in bold.
Worth noting that the coldest part of a fridge is the bottom and at the back . This is where it should be 5 degrees or less and where fresh meat etc should be stored.
The top of the fridge and the door shelves will normally be higher than 5 degrees and that is OK for cooked foods, yoghurts, milk, soft fruits etc .

grumbler

chrisw said:

AEG are a good make and there's not really much to go wrong. 

Modern domestic electronics can fail after 10 years in any appliance regardless of the brand. Old appliances, purely electro-mechanical, can last for decades. I know a FF bought in mid 80s that's still working fine.

molerat

grumbler said:

chrisw said:

AEG are a good make and there's not really much to go wrong. 

Modern domestic electronics can fail after 10 years in any appliance regardless of the brand. Old appliances, purely electro-mechanical, can last for decades. I know a FF bought in mid 80s that's still working fine.

We have 2 fridges, both 1980s vintage.  Have changed the thermostats on both of them.