Freezers are essential appliances in many homes, used to preserve meals and ingredients for days, weeks, and even months. They allow us to buy food and store it for long periods, reducing waste and letting us store meats and other perishable items more safely and conveniently. Unfortunately, like other appliances, freezers develop faults and problems and need to be repaired to get them up and running again. The cost of freezer repairs depends on various factors, such as the problem and freezer size, make, and model.
National Average Cost for Freezer Repair
The national average price to have a freezer repaired ranges from $100 to $400. The average homeowner spends around $200 to repair an upright freezer with a broken seal. Replacing a light bulb in a simple chest freezer is about $50, but fitting a built-in drawer freezer with a new compressor can cost up to $650.
Factors Affecting Freezer Repair Costs
Several factors can impact the cost of freezer repair, including:
Freezer type – Uprights, built-in drawer units, and display freezers typically cost more to repair than portable or chest freezers.
Repair type – Replacing compressors and control board parts will cost the most.
Electrical work – An electrician costs $40 to $100 per hour for wiring work.
Brand – High-end freezers typically require special orders for original manufacturer parts that a technician must install on a second visit.
Freezer age – Replacement parts are often unavailable for older freezers, so complex modifications or buying a new freezer are sometimes necessary.
Accessibility – Freezers in hard-to-reach areas or surrounded by cabinetry take longer to repair, which increases labor costs.
Warranty – Some warranties cover the part costs, but not the labor fees. Home-appliance warranties may cover all parts and labor, depending on the plan.
Service area – Extra costs apply for work outside of regular service areas.
Common Freezer Repair Problems and Costs
You can expect to spend $50 to $650 on freezer repair based on the type of problem that you are having. Without being an expert in freezers or an experienced repairman, you might not know which part of your freezer is faulty. Instead, you might simply notice a recurring or sudden problem, such as the freezer not getting cold enough or a pool of water forming on the floor around the freezer. The causes and fixes for these problems vary, and the table below shows general freezer complaints, along with the most common solutions and costs for each:
Problem Repair Cost
Broken Light $50 – $150
Does not Defrost $50 – $250
Too Cold $50 – $300
Not Cold Enough $50 – $500
Runs Continuously $75 – $300
Noisy $75 – $650
Water on the Floor $75 – $650
Punctured Freezer $100 – $650
Starts and Stops Frequently $150 – $650
Does not Run $250 – $650
Repairing a Broken Light
Repairing a broken light in a freezer costs between $50 and $150. The most common cause of this issue is simply a broken bulb that can be replaced cheaply. However, it might also be a wiring issue or a problem with the door switch that may need repairing or replacing.
Fixing a Freezer That Does Not Defrost Automatically
Fixing a freezer that will not defrost averages $50 to $250. It may simply be a case that your freezer does not have a built-in defrost function and needs to be defrosted manually, which can be done cheaply. Or, it might be that the defrost motor needs replacing or repairing.
Fixing a Freezer That Is Too Cold
Fixing a freezer that is too cold ranges from $50 to $300. Usually, the cause of this problem is that the thermostat is faulty and needs fixing or replacing. It might also be that the temperature controls are not set correctly, in which case a professional can make the necessary adjustments and show you how to set the controls in the future.
Freezer Repair Cost by Type of Freezer
The average cost to repair a freezer ranges from $50 to $650, depending on the type of freezer. Freezers come in various sizes and types, each with its own repair costs:
Chest freezers – These are the most affordable to repair, with costs ranging from $50 to $300.
Upright freezers – Repairing an upright freezer typically costs between $100 and $400, with the average homeowner spending around $200 to fix a broken seal.
Built-in drawer freezers – These can be the most expensive to repair, with costs ranging from $200 to $650, depending on the problem.
When deciding whether to repair or replace a freezer, consider the age of the appliance, the cost of the repair, and the potential energy savings of a newer, more efficient model. In general, it’s almost always cheaper to fix a freezer than to buy a new one. However, if a new freezer would be more energy-efficient, you should factor in any savings on your monthly electric bill.
To find a reliable and affordable freezer repair service, ask for recommendations from friends and neighbors or search online for reviews of local appliance repair companies. Be sure to get quotes from multiple providers before deciding on a service.