Refrigerator Repair Costs at a Glance

• Total cost: $400 (CAD 500), average; $50-$1,200 (CAD 60-CAD 1,500), range
• Diagnosis fee: $40 to $100 (CAD 50-CAD 125)
• Labor cost: $45 and $120 (CAD 55-CAD 150) per hour

It can definitely be a panic-inducing moment when you realize your refrigerator isn't working anymore — especially when you’ve just gotten a huge grocery delivery. The good news is that many refrigerator repair costs are actually quite affordable.

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That being said, certain issues can result in higher repair costs. To ensure you get an accurate refrigerator repair cost estimate, here are a few things you need to know.

Average Refrigerator Repair Costs

According to Fixr, the average refrigerator repair cost is $400 (CAD 500). However, it’s important to keep in mind that costs vary depending on the problem with the fridge. A small fix like replacing a drip pan or removing a dent in a stainless-steel refrigerator door may be just around $60 (CAD 75), while a bigger fix, like replacing the entire compressor, could cost $1,000 (CAD 1,250) or more.

Ultimately, people can end up paying anywhere from $50 to $1,200 (CAD 60 to CAD 1,500). Many people decide that pricier repairs aren’t worth it, because, for that price, you could purchase a new refrigerator.

What’s Included in That Price?

When you get your bill, you’ll see an itemized list of costs. First of all, there is the cost for the diagnosis, which you pay to have an expert come to your home and figure out the problem. According to data from Thumbtack, the diagnosis fee is $40 to $100 (CAD 50 to CAD 125). Many companies will waive the fee if you choose to use them for repairs.

Next is the price of the labor. Some companies charge an hourly rate for labor, while others will charge a flat rate for each common task.

Finally, there is the price of the parts themselves. Some parts, like connectors or hosing, may be generic parts that are fairly cheap. However, if you need a brand-name part, expect to pay a little extra.

Common Refrigerator Repairs

The type of repair you need will have a huge impact on your refrigerator repair prices. According to Bob Vila, here’s how much you might pay to deal with some of the most common issues:

• Refrigerant gas leak: $150 to $400 (CAD 190 to CAD 500)
• Dented refrigerator doors: $100 to $200+ (CAD 125 to CAD 250+)
• Frozen motor: $100 to $440 (CAD 125 to CAD 550)
• Malfunctioning thermostat: $100 to $440 (CAD 125 to CAD 550)
• Malfunctioning control board: $500 to $800 (CAD 625 to CAD 1,000)
• Frozen coils: $100 to $440 (CAD 125 to CAD 550)
• Broken compressor: $250 to $650 (CAD 310 to CAD 810)
• Ice maker repair: $600 (CAD 750)

Labor Costs

Most refrigerators are complex appliances that may contain dangerous refrigerant chemicals. Therefore, the cost of labor tends to be more expensive than the cost of parts. Labor costs are usually somewhere between $45 and $120 (CAD 55 and CAD 150) per hour. If you need emergency repairs on the weekend or late at night, expect to pay at least double. Most repairs are not something a homeowner can do themselves, so it is a good idea to pay this cost instead of attempting to DIY.

Repair Parts

Of course, the cost of parts does affect the final price. Some top refrigerator brands like Whirlpool and Kenmore allow for aftermarket or generic replacement parts, but some brands like Liebherr only work with proprietary parts. If you have to purchase parts straight from the manufacturer, expect to pay a premium. Things like a brand-name control board are around $800 (CAD 1,000) or more, while a brand-name door seal may be as much as $440 (CAD 550).

Is It Worth It to Repair a Fridge?

There are certain refrigerator fixes, like replacing the computer controls in a high-end model, that can be almost as much as the price of a new refrigerator. In these cases, you might be wondering whether or not a repair is worth it. Whether you should repair or replace depends on the age of the refrigerator. If the costs of the repair are no more than half the cost of a new refrigerator and it is not too old, you should go ahead with repairs.

A side-by-side refrigerator that is more than five years old or a top- or bottom-freezer model that is over seven years old may be too old to repair. By this point, the refrigerator is reaching the end of its lifespan, so even if you fix it, it might break down again soon. Furthermore, newer models tend to be more energy-efficient which can save you money in the long run.