According to Paul Moise, owner of Electrobec in Repentigny, which, in addition to selling, also repairs refrigerators at home, three quarters of people would find it worthwhile to have their refrigerator repaired rather than replacing it.
“But people who are more financially secure will prefer to change,” says Mr. Moise, who ultimately says he has five out of 10 customers who decide to replace their refrigerator.
“If the repair costs up to $400 to $500, people get it fixed,” adds the refrigerator expert, for whom a service visit costs about $100, at an hourly rate of $60 per hour for parts. Refrigerators that cost $800 now cost $1,000. »
Paul Moise checks the compressor of a refrigerator in his shop. Photo Simon Dessureault.
What to fix
According to Mathieu Filion, managing director of the company PureSphera, who runs its repair department called RépareTonFrigo, it is worth repairing mechanical problems in the heat/cold exchange (fan, damper, control and thermostat).
“Almost everything is repairable, it all depends on the hourly rate of the repair company, availability and type of parts (new or used),” adds Mr. Filion, who explains that the decision to purchase a new refrigerator costs $950 to Dollars can cost $6000.
Sossie Der Stepanian, project manager at Élexpertise, the organization that certifies the competence of repairers, also believes that several problems are worth repairing, such as the door switch, timer, electronic controls, door seals (sealing), defrost elements and certain gases Leaks.
“You have to check whether the technician has the skills to carry out cold repairs, because many technicians do not have the skills to carry out cold diagnostics,” says Ms. Der Stepanian.
technology
Repairing today's household appliances can also be very complex, warns CAA-Quebec. “They contain increasingly complex electronic components that are very expensive and require very competent technicians to repair,” mentions David Marcille, spokesman for CAA, while refrigerators are equipped with television screens in the door.
PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS
Water leakage problem
The reasons can be varied: You have to find out why the water drainage isn't working well. These problems are never very serious and worth repairing. Repair costs rarely exceed $200.
Noise
Usually these problems are never very serious and inexpensive. This can happen if there is a fan near the compressor or evaporators.
Temperatures too low
Problem with control systems. The average repair costs $200 to $300. The cost of the part varies depending on the price.
Temperatures too high
Often due to the sealed system (compressor, evaporator and condenser) that requires repair. The cost can be higher ($300 to $800) unless there are special guarantees.
What should you pay attention to when you need to buy a new refrigerator?
- Find out about the warranties offered by manufacturers.
- The energy performance of electric.
- Choose a size that suits your storage needs.
SOME MAINTENANCE TIPS
- Dust the condenser every six months to a year.
- Check and clean the evaporation tray once a year.
- Check the door seals regularly. Damaged seals can lead to a loss of energy efficiency.
- Set the recommended temperature (usually around 3°C to 5°C).
- Not overloaded.
OTHER APPROXIMATE COSTS
(according to RépareTonFrigo)
Change compressor and add refrigerant gas: from 650 to 1000 US dollars
Specialized technician
Electronic maps and advanced controls: from $300 to $750
For salvaged parts (circular economy)
- Seals: from $50 to $75depending on the model
- Handles: from $60 to $125depending on the model
- Container: from $40 to $80depending on the model
For the same parts new from manufacturer (if available)
- Seals: from $100 to $200depending on the model
- Handles: from $100 to $200depending on the model
- Container: from $75 to $150depending on the model