How long does a fridge freezer last?
Typical
12 years
Range
10–15 years
A fridge freezer typically lasts 10–15 years. Compressors either fail early under warranty or run for a decade-plus; what usually retires a unit is a refrigerant leak or door seals on a model where they’re not replaceable.
What decides it
- Dust on the condenser coils (clean yearly — it runs cooler and cheaper)
- Clearance for airflow behind and above
- Door seal condition — a leaking seal makes the compressor work constantly
- Ambient temperature: garages that freeze or bake shorten life
When to replace rather than repair
A refrigerant leak or dead compressor outside warranty is the end; running costs alone often justify replacing a 15-year-old unit.
Typical ranges from manufacturer guidance and industry surveys — individual machines vary with use and care. General information, not advice on a specific appliance.