Repair-versus-replacement should be based on safety, fault scope, appliance age/condition, parts availability, repeat-failure history, energy/performance and the total expected cost rather than on one percentage rule.
Quick answer
A repair can be sensible when the appliance is otherwise sound and the fault is isolated. Replacement becomes more reasonable when safety, structural condition, repeated major failures or unavailable parts make repair unreliable.
Compare the full cost
Consider diagnosis, parts, labour, likely follow-up work and the remaining useful life, not only the first repair quote.
Condition matters
Corrosion, water damage, overheating, damaged wiring, major mechanical wear and repeated failures weigh more heavily than cosmetic age.
Parts and support
Model-specific parts availability and the manufacturer support lifecycle can change whether a technically possible repair is practical.
Make the decision after diagnosis
A symptom alone cannot establish repair economics. Identify the failed system and realistic scope first, then compare repair and replacement.
Stop using the refrigerator for burning smell, smoke, repeated breaker trips or abnormal heat around the plug/compressor. Do not chip ice with sharp tools or open the sealed refrigerant circuit.
Technical references
References link to manufacturer technical information. Onarhane is an independent service and these links do not imply authorised-service status.
Last updated: 2026-09-05