The short answer
- The total cost of repairing a fridge freezer can cost between £60 - £450+ (inc VAT)
- Many factors usually influence the final cost, but the type of repair will usually be the largest
- Excessive frost, loud noises and leaking water are common signs that your fridge freezer needs repairing
- If the cost of repair is 50% less than the price of a new fridge freezer, it's usually more cost-effective to repair instead of replace
Looking for a quote for a fridge freezer repair? Click here to get your quote online
Contents
- How much does fridge freezer repair cost?
- How much do fridge freezer parts cost?
- What other factors impact the cost of fridge freezer repairs?
- What are the signs that your fridge freezer needs repairing?
- Can I repair a fridge freezer myself?
- Is it more cost-efficient to replace a fridge freezer rather than repair it?
- Where can I get a quote for fridge freezer repair?
- Sources
How much does the labour cost for fridge freezer repair?
The labour for repairing a fridge freezer typically costs between £60 and £300 (including VAT).
The final price you'll end up paying to repair a fridge freezer will typically depend on a few different factors, but the type of fault will usually be the biggest influence. For example, a simple thermostat replacement can be completed in under an hour, whereas replacing a compressor or evaporator can take several hours.
Here’s what you would expect to pay for labour only when repairing a fridge freezer in London and outside of London.
| Repair type | Price range (outside London) | Price range (in London) |
|---|---|---|
| Thermostat replacement | £70 – £120 (inc VAT) | £90 – £150 (inc VAT) |
| Door seal/gasket replacement | £60 – £100 (inc VAT) | £80 – £130 (inc VAT) |
| Defrost heater repair | £90 – £150 (inc VAT) | £120 – £180 (inc VAT) |
| Compressor replacement | £180 – £300 (inc VAT) | £200 – £350 (inc VAT) |
| Evaporator fan replacement | £120 – £200 (inc VAT) | £150 – £250 (inc VAT) |
| PCB (circuit board) repair | £150 – £250 (inc VAT) | £180 – £300 (inc VAT) |
Labour costs are usually about 20% higher in London. Big cities in general tend to be more expensive than smaller towns or rural areas. If you live further out in the countryside, you might also have to pay extra for travel.
Find out how much fridge freezer repairs cost
Get a quote onlineHow much do fridge freezer parts cost?
If your appliance engineer needs replacement parts to complete your fridge freezer repair, they can source these locally for you. Bear in mind that engineers often add a 20–25% markup to cover their time spent sourcing materials.
The cost of parts varies depending on the brand and whether you choose the orignal or third-party components.
| Part | Typical price range (inc VAT) |
|---|---|
| Thermostat | £20 – £70 |
| Door seal/gasket | £25 – £80 |
| Defrost heater | £30 – £90 |
| Compressor | £150 – £400+ |
| Evaporator fan | £40 – £120 |
| PCB (circuit board) | £100 – £250+ |
What other factors impact the cost of fridge freezer repairs?
As well as the type of fault, there are a number of other factors that can affect the overall cost of a fridge freezer repair. For example, when you book, who you book with, and the age, style, and type of your fridge freezer can all play a part in the final price.
1. When you book
Many appliance engineers will charge extra if you book an evening, early morning, weekend, and bank holiday slot. You can also expect to pay a premium if you book next or same day.
2. Who you book with
Many independent appliance repair engineers have lower overheads and often charge less than larger firms. Some even operate below the VAT threshold, which can save you an additional 20% on your final bill.
On the other hand, national or regional tradespeople services typically charge higher labour rates, but they offer several advantages. For example, their customers will often benefit from better availabilty, instant online quotes and booking froms, plus access to a responsive customer service support ready to help in case something doesn't go as planned.
3. Age of your fridge freezer
Older models can be more expensive to fix. Parts may be harder to find, sometimes even discontinued, which can mean longer wait times and higher costs.
4. Whether you have a built-in or freestanding fridge freezer
Built-in fridge freezers are designed to fit seamlessly into kitchen units, which often means they’re harder to access. Engineers may need to remove surrounding cabinetry before they can reach the fridge freezer, adding extra time and therefore extra cost.
5. Style of fridge freezer
Premium or smart fridge-freezers with advanced features, such as touchscreens, Wi-Fi connectivity, or ice and water dispensers, can be more complex to repair. Specialised knowledge or proprietary tools may be required, which can increase labour rates.
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What are the signs that your fridge freezer needs repairing?
There are usually clear signs that your fridge freezer needs a repair. See below for a summary of the most common issues.
| Sign of a problem | Likely cause or issue |
|---|---|
| Inconsistent temperature | Food spoiling quickly or freezing in the fridge compartment can point to a faulty thermostat or blocked airflow. |
| Excessive frost build-up | Often a sign that the defrost heater or fan isn’t working correctly. |
| Loud or unusual noises | Clicking, humming, or buzzing may indicate compressor or fan issues. |
| Leaking water | Commonly caused by a blocked defrost drain or damaged seals. |
| The motor runs constantly | Could suggest a faulty thermostat or a refrigerant leak. |
Can I repair a fridge freezer myself?
Repairing a fridge freezer often involves electrical components, refrigerant gas, or internal sealed systems, which should always be carried out by a qualified appliance engineer. Attempting these repairs without the right tools and knowledge can be unsafe and may also void your manufacturer’s warranty, so you should always call out a professional appliance engineer.
If you’re a tenant, it’s best to speak to your landlord or letting agent before arranging any repairs yourself. In most cases, the landlord is responsible for repairing or replacing essential appliances that were provided as part of the rental agreement. If you go ahead and book a repair on your own, you may not be reimbursed for the cost. Always check your tenancy agreement and notify your landlord as soon as you notice a problem.
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Is it more cost-efficient to replace a fridge freezer rather than repair it?
A good rule of thumb is that if the repair is going to cost more than half the price of a new fridge freezer, it’s usually better to replace it.[1] Newer models are often a lot more energy-efficient than older ones too. So while a new fridge freezer is a bigger upfront spend, it can save you money on running costs over time.
If your fridge freezer is still covered by a warranty or protection plan, repair is usually the cheaper and easier option.
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Where can I get a quote for fridge freezer repair?
Finding a trusted appliance engineer to fix your fridge freezer isn't as tricky as it first sounds. A good place to start is looking through local social media pages and asking friends or family for any recommendations. You can also often find fully-qualified appliance engineers through trade directories.
Or, if you'd rather take the hassle out of searching for a reliable appliance engineer, you could book with a professional tradesperson service, like Housekeep. Our tried and trusted appliance engineers can do it all, including fridge freezer repairs. Just let us know what needs repairing and we'll send out a fully qualified and insured appliance engineer at a time and date that suits you.
We repair all kinds of fridge freezers, including those by, Bosch, Zanussi, Smeg, Russell Hobbs, Hoover, Hotpoint, Neff, Beko, Whirlpool, Indesit, Electrolux, and AEG.
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Written by Georgina Shepherd & Henry Paterson
Georgina is one Housekeep's home services experts. She's interviewed thousands of the UK's best cleaners and tradespeople - so whether you need advice on a stubborn stain, or you're looking for tips to find the perfect plumber, Georgina's got you covered.
With years of experience in the industry, Henry has delivered talks at industry events including the Ideal Home Show and regularly features as an industry expert for publications including the Sun, Mail Online, Martha Stewart and many more.
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