How long do freezers last?

From storing ice cream to keeping a week’s worth of meat frozen, your freezer is crucial to your family’s kitchen. And if you’ve had your current one for a while, you might be wondering how long do freezers last and is there a way to make them last longer? We’ll answer these questions and share our coolest tips. 

What’s the average lifespan of a freezer?

Your freezer should last an average of 10–15 years. Depending on how you use it, take care of it, and store it, your freezer might even last a little longer. 

What factors influence a freezer's lifespan?

Here are several things that may affect how long your freezer keeps cooling.

• Dependable brand. A freezer made by a well-known brand will almost always last longer and be easier to service. 
• Chest or upright. A chest freezer, or deep freezer, with a tight-fitting lid that opens from the top, typically stays cooler and uses less electricity than an upright freezer. This will often extend the average lifespan of your freezer.   
• Location. If you store your freezer in the garage or next to a sunny window, it will need to work harder to stay cool, which could mean you’ll need to replace it sooner. 
• Frequency of use. Opening and closing your freezer frequently may decrease its lifespan. 
• Maintenance. Regularly cleaning and maintaining your freezer will add years to its life.
• Quality repairs. Using quality, manufacturer-approved parts for repairs will keep your freezer working its best for as long as possible. 
• Warranty and protection plans. Freezers under warranty or covered by protection plans receive timely repairs and maintenance, which can extend their life expectancy.

Tips on maintaining your freezer 

Keep your freezer in great working order and lasting as long as possible with these tips:

• Clean your freezer. Always wipe up spills immediately. For best results, use dish soap and water or a 50/50 mix of water and white vinegar. 
• Defrost your freezer. If you see visible frost build-up, especially if your appliance is making more noise than usual, it’s probably time to defrost your freezer. Defrost and deep-clean your freezer at least once a year.
• Inspect the parts. Check major parts of your freezer, including wiring and the thermometer, once a year. If you need help, call a repair pro. 
• Monitor the temperature. Set your freezer between 0 and 5 degrees Fahrenheit, unless the manufacturer’s instructions say otherwise. 
• Protect your investment. With an appliance protection plan like Asurion Appliance+ you can help keep your freezer, plus all the other eligible appliances in your home, running as they should for longer with fast repairs from highly-trained technicians. No matter the brand, no receipts required—just one simple plan for the appliances you rely on most. 

Should I repair or replace my freezer? 

If your freezer is on the fritz and the repair is simple and inexpensive, like replacing a water filter or a door handle, or if your appliance is under warranty, it makes sense to fix it. A helpful guideline: If the repair will cost more than half the cost of a new freezer, especially if you’ve owned your appliance for more than 8 years, consider replacing it.