Refrigeration equipment in the household is one of the most essential items of daily use. It costs a lot, therefore, when purchasing this large household appliance, people count on the long life of the refrigerator and its reliability.
How long can a fridge last
The average life of a refrigerator is 7 to 15 years. It is these figures that can be found in the instructions and descriptions for the units. At the same time, manufacturers of some well-known brands, such as Atlant, Biryusa, Ariston, Beko, Stenol, Bosch, indicate periods of 7-10 years in refrigerator operation manuals. By this they try to protect themselves from possible claims of buyers. It is not necessary that the device should fail at the end of this period. But still, moral and physical wear and tear, improper operation and maintenance can disable the equipment during this period. Liebherr sets the service life of refrigerators at 15 years.
At the same time, according to GOST, a warranty period of 3 years is established for large household appliances. This means that during this period of time, you can contact the place of sale of the refrigerator with the requirement to carry out repairs in case of various malfunctions.
What determines the service life
Manufacturers, before putting up a batch of refrigeration units for sale, must determine the service life of refrigerators by conducting experiments and laboratory tests. Uptime depends on:
- Technological capabilities.
- Materials from which the unit is made.
- Design features.
- Compliance with the rules set by the manufacturer.
For these reasons, refrigerators that are similar in appearance may have different service lives. The stated service life is not the responsibility of the manufacturer, but his right.
Manufacturer's lifetime commitment
The manufacturer cannot be held responsible for improper handling of the equipment, intentional damage to it, intentional incapacitation. But at the same time, throughout the entire declared service life, it must:
- Compensate for expenses in the event of a clear defect in the refrigeration unit.
- Maintenance and repair in case of malfunctions.
- Accept and resolve claims for significant operational irregularities.
- Free replacement of unusabledetails.
- Produce components, parts and spare parts for repair and troubleshooting.
The most reliable imported refrigerators
When deciding to purchase a specific model, you should choose manufacturers that offer a longer warranty period for the refrigerator. Also, you need to focus not on the advertised brand and the beauty of the design, but on the country of origin. Scandinavian countries, Japan and Germany are famous for high-quality and reliable refrigerators.
Liebherr is made in Germany. A very reliable brand known for its impeccable reputation. The reliability of the design is ensured by a double cooling system, due to which the load on the device is evenly distributed. The noise level during operation is minimal, as modern details ensure quiet operation of the entire system. The refrigerator and freezer chambers work independently of each other, which increases the life of the refrigerator. The model range is represented by a wide range for every taste and budget. Even budget models have an original design and a declared service life of 15 years. The service life of refrigerators from a number of models of the new generation is about 25 years.
"Electrolux" is a product of a Swiss company that meets the best world standards. A distinctive feature of the manufactured units is the low consumption of electrical energy. The cost, depending on the model, ranges from 35-40 thousand and above. Models are equipped with all modernfunctions (system "Noufrost", sensors signaling the need for repair). Products retain not only a fresh look for a long time, but also all useful substances thanks to a special cooling system. Thanks to the unique built-in technologies, an optimal microclimate is maintained inside and the same temperature is maintained in different places of the internal space of the refrigerator. In addition to Sweden, production and assembly are carried out in Poland, Hungary, Slovenia.
"Bosch" is another well-deserved German manufacturer whose refrigeration equipment is recognized all over the world. Bosch devices, like Liebherr, are equipped with independently operating cameras. The built-in automatic system maintains a constant stable temperature. Bosch household appliances meet international standards and can withstand possible fluctuations in electrical networks.
"Samsung" is a company that has also won the authority and recognition of customers. Produced refrigeration household appliances are convenient for defrosting, do not create a lot of noise, maintain a stable microclimate inside. Due to the possession of these modern parameters, the prices for the company's equipment are quite high, but the long service life and the absence of problems fully pay off the money spent.
"Algie" produces modern equipment in all respects. Refrigerators of this brand are equipped with a special air exchange system. As a result, there are no hot spots and the device works reliably for many years.
Allthe above five companies are recognized as producing the most reliable refrigerators in the world.
Overview of domestic refrigeration units
Buying a domestic refrigerator is also a good decision, because the quality of this equipment has improved markedly in recent years, and the design is no worse than imported analogues. The most reliable refrigerators are:
- "Stinol" is a popular brand at a budget price. Pleases its owners with functionality, durability and external originality. The service life is 10 years. However, breakdowns can occur before this time.
- "Atlant" is produced on the territory of the CIS, in Belarus. Interesting models with different prices are offered. The basis of the reliability of manufactured devices is the operation of two independent compressors (in the freezer compartment and in the refrigeration compartment). The equipment is absolutely safe and almost silent. Maintenance is available at low cost. In case of problems, you can always quickly resolve the issue.
- Refrigerators "Dnepr", produced by the company "Nord", are known from the Soviet past. The manufacturer has invested in the modernization and new design of the popular model, thanks to which the units are in demand to this day. The symbiosis of some imported parts and the replacement of the production line made it possible to obtain a beautiful modern refrigerator "Dnepr". So, for example, environmentally friendly refrigerants are used in the production, and the walls are painted without harmful impurities. Refrigerators are available in different colors. Areeconomical models. The same foreign-made unit with a volume of 330 liters will cost an order of magnitude more than the Dnepr. The set of technical characteristics for this money turns out to be very decent (low noise, energy saving, autonomy of two compressors). For reliability and durability, this model is known for its long service life over the years.
Owner's Manual
Despite the large range of refrigeration units, the basic principles of the operation manual are similar for many models. When transporting, installing and using the refrigerator, the main points to be considered are:
- Equipment should only be transported with a fixed compressor.
- Choosing a place for a refrigerator: you need to place a household appliance away from radiators and stoves.
- Careful attitude: do not open the refrigerator door frequently and remember to close it tightly.
- Eveny Filling: Place food in approximately equal portions across all shelves for better air circulation.
- Maintenance: Frost in the refrigerator and freezer should be removed in time.
- Inspection: regularly monitor the condition of the rubber pads and hinges to prevent deformation.
- Care: Keep your refrigerator clean inside and out.
- Qualified help: in case of malfunctions, do not try to repair yourself, contact the service center masters.
Failure to follow the basic rulesoperation reduces the life of the refrigerator, leads to malfunctions that may be dangerous to those near the appliance.
Features of food storage and defrosting
To extend the life of your refrigerator, you should know the basics of food storage:
- Do not overload shelves.
- It is forbidden to put warm and hot food.
- Do not put pots, containers, packages tightly against the back wall.
- Store and freeze fresh food.
- Adhere to the rules of distribution of products (put bottles upright, keep vegetables and fruits in drawers).
What is important to know about defrosting:
- It should be carried out 3-4 times a year (with the Nofrost system - 1-2 times).
- The defrost period must last at least a day.
- Don't pick ice with a knife or other cutting tools.
- Don't blow hot air with a hair dryer or fan heater.
- All food should be taken out.
- After defrosting, do not heavily load the refrigerator with food.
Where to take the old refrigerator
When the equipment is out of order and beyond repair or has served for many years, the question arises of recycling the refrigerator:
- Try to sell in non-working condition - sometimes repairmen can purchase non-working refrigerators for a small cost. They do it for the purposerestoration and further use or resale. It can take quite a long time to sell by ad.
- Sell for parts - a serviceable motor-compressor, sensors and control panels will be in demand.
- Take it to special collection points for recycling - again, the proceeds will be scanty, but the refrigerator will be sent for disassembly, which means that it will not harm the environment.
- Just throw away - leave near the entrance or containers.
- Contact specialized companies - these are the ones who deal with the free removal and purchase of old refrigerators.
As you can see, there are always options where to take the old refrigerator.
