What's The Average Lifespan Of A Frigidaire Refrigerator?

When it comes to your kitchen appliances, not much is more important than your fridge. Where else are you supposed to keep your leftover pizza, after all? There are so many brands to choose from that it can be hard to narrow down your choices. Frigidaire makes some of the best-rated refrigerators for reliability and affordability, but before investing in this kitchen upgrade, it's good to know how much time you'll get out of it.

Refrigerators typically last for about 12 years on average. Frigidaire falls right in line with this benchmark, and you can expect your unit to last between 10 and 15 years before needing a replacement. However, the model you choose will impact its overall longevity. The more specialized parts and complex electronics it has, the shorter its lifespan tends to be, so within the Frigidaire lineup, you may notice slightly different lifespans by type. Top-freezer options, which are the most basic configurations (and Frigidaire's top-performing), often last longer due to their simple internal design and lack of in-door water lines. Meanwhile, French door and side-by-side refrigerators have a slightly shorter lifespan with more complicated electronics, and side-by-side models in particular can face unique wear and tear from door ice and water dispensers. Ultimately, though, the lifespan of your individual unit depends not just on the model, but also on how well you take care of it.

Taking care of your refrigerator is one of the highest-return investments you can make in your household budget. Regular professional maintenance is important, but there are a few tasks you can cross off the list yourself. To keep your Frigidaire refrigerator's cooling system running smoothly, you'll need to clean the condenser coils every six months. When these coils get coated in dust and dirt, they act like an insulating blanket. That causes the compressor to work longer and harder to keep the interior cool, drastically shortening its life.

It's also important to inspect and clean the door gaskets. Frigidaire designs tight, energy-efficient rubber seals around the doors to keep cold air in and warm air out. If a seal is torn or cracked, warm air can enter the cabinet, forcing the cooling system into overdrive. To prevent this unnecessary strain, regularly wipe down the gaskets with warm, soapy water, and replace the door gaskets when they become brittle, cracked, or worn.

While wanting to fill your Frigidaire fridge to the max might seem like a good idea, it's best to avoid it. Refrigerators require a balance of internal airflow to operate at peak efficiency. An empty refrigerator has to continuously work harder to cool the space, since there is no food to absorb the cold air and maintain the temperature. On the other hand, stuffing the shelves full prevents air circulation and can block the air vents, which can lead to higher energy bills and uneven cooling. Keep your fridge about three-quarters full and follow these tips to organize your fridge like a professional chef — this will provide enough cold food items to maintain steady temperatures and still leave plenty of room for cold air to circulate freely.