Signs That It's Time to Replace Your Refrigerator

When was the last time you replaced your refrigerator? Just like any other appliance, a refrigerator has recommended lifespan, but this is not explicitly stated in the ref’s manual. Searching online, you would see various answers to the question, “How long should a refrigerator last?” But on average, it should last up to 10 to 20 years, depending on how well you maintain it. You might ask, “When should I replace my refrigerator?” You don’t want to throw away a perfectly working refrigerator just because it has reached a certain age. Instead, you can look at signs that tell you it’s time to replace it.

Signs You Need a New Refrigerator

Don’t wait for your refrigerator to become completely unusable. Here are warning signs your refrigerator is dying and you need to have a new one.

1. Your food doesn’t stay fresh for long.
If you notice that your food spoils faster than it usually does despite being in your refrigerator, it may mean that your refrigerator can no longer maintain the right temperature. This may be due to the fridge’s motor or gasket malfunctioning.

2. You see moisture outside your refrigerator.
When there is a problem with the fridge’s gasket, it may be unable to keep cold air in, so it leaks out and produces moisture on your ref’s external surfaces. If this goes on, your food may spoil easily, and your electricity bill will be higher as this problem leads to higher energy consumption.

3. Your freezer has excess frost buildup.
It is normal for direct cool or manual defrost refrigerators to have frost buildup. You just need to defrost regularly. However, if your refrigerator continues to build up excess frost despite regular maintenance, it may mean that there is a problem with the ref’s temperature controls.

4. Your refrigerator makes unusual noises.
It is normal for most refs to make noises while running. However, if you start noticing that the noise is louder than usual, it means that the motor is running at full speed, overworking it until it eventually gives up.

5. Your unit’s coils are very hot.
If your refrigerator has coils on its back, you can check how hot it gets. It is normal for these coils to generate some heat, but if the heat is extremely hot, that means it is not running at its most efficient levels.

6. You see cracks on the refrigerator’s surface.
A refrigerator is designed to be airtight to keep cold air inside it, but if, for some reason, your ref starts developing cracks, then cold air may leak out.

When to repair or replace your refrigerator?

Some of the problem signs mentioned above can still be fixed if you notice them during their early stage. A quick call to your local repairman, or the manufacturer if your product is still under warranty, can make your ref back to its fully operational glory. For example, you can just replace the gasket if it’s broken. Condura has its Book a Service page on its website that allows unit owners to schedule a visit from Condura’s expert technicians to check on their unit for repair.

However, if major parts like the main motor need replacement, which can be costly, it may be time to buy a new one, especially if your refrigerator has been with you for more than 10 years.

Finding the Ideal Refrigerator for You

If you have come to the conclusion that your old ref needs to go and you need to find a new one, what should you look for in a refrigerator to ensure that it’s the right one for you? Here are some factors to consider.

1. Will you use it for business, or just for your home needs?
If you will use a refrigerator for your business, then you need one that can handle the demands of your business. It needs to be sturdier, as you are most likely to use it more often. You may also need more storage space for your products. If your refrigerator is just for home use, then the specifications should be less stringent.

2. Do you need a no-frost refrigerator or a direct cool ref?
Each type has its advantages. A no frost refrigerator requires no manual defrosting, but a direct cool refrigerator is less expensive. At the end of the day, your choice would depend on whether you like convenience or prefer a budget-friendly refrigerator.

3. Is it cost and energy efficient?
This is a factor that is often overlooked by refrigerator buyers. They sometimes just look at the cost of the unit and not its cost in the long run. Nowadays, units in stores have yellow paper on them indicating their energy efficiency factor or EEF. The higher the EEF, the less energy it consumes, which means lower electricity bills. If you’re a budding entrepreneur, then Condura has the refrigerator for you.

Condura is the only refrigerator brand in the Philippines that has products designed for business use. Condura Negosyo Refrigerators and chillers have ABS plastic, aluminum freezer, and adjustable wire shelves for more product storage. For home use, Condura has lots of offerings; one of them is the Home Prima No-Frost Inverter Refrigerator. It has a 53-liter freezer and three tempered glass shelves, a chiller, and a crisper, so you can store a lot of food items. It uses an inverter compressor, making it cost-efficient. Using it costs only Php6.96 per day (based on Meralco Average Daily Rate from October-December, CNF-232i Model). For more Condura refrigerators and refrigerator prices in the Philippines, visit www.condura.com or check Condura Partner Online Stores such as Lazada and Shopee.