Household refrigeration equipment is one of the most essential daily household items. 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 refrigerator last?
On average, the life of the refrigerator is from 7 to 15 years. It is these numbers that can be found in the instructions and descriptions of the units. At the same time, manufacturers of some well-known brands, such as Atlant, Biryusa, Ariston, Beko, Stenol, Bosch, indicate in the manuals for the use of refrigerators periods of 7-10 years. 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 nevertheless, moral and physical wear and tear, improper operation and maintenance can damage the equipment during this period. The Liebher company sets the service life of refrigerators within 15 years.
At the same time, GOST establishes a warranty period of 3 years 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 the event of various malfunctions.
What determines the service life
Manufacturers, before putting a batch of refrigeration units up for sale, must determine the life of refrigerators by the method of experiments and laboratory tests. Uptime depends on:
- Technological capabilities.
- Materials of which the unit is made.
- Design Features.
- Compliance with the rules established by the manufacturer.
For these reasons, externally similar refrigerators may have different service lives. The declared service life is not the responsibility of the manufacturer, but his right.
Manufacturer's obligations over the life cycle
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 declared period of operation, it is obliged:
- To compensate for the costs of identifying obvious defects in the refrigeration unit.
- Carry out maintenance and repairs in case of malfunctions.
- Accept and eliminate claims for material misconduct.
- Replace defective parts for free.
- To produce components, parts and spare parts for repair and troubleshooting.
The most reliable imported refrigerators
When deciding to purchase a particular model, manufacturers should choose which install a longer warranty period for the refrigerator. Also, you need to focus not on the advertised brand and beauty of the design, but on the country of manufacture. High-quality and reliable refrigerators are famous for the countries of Scandinavia, Japan and Germany.
Liebher is made in Germany. A very reliable brand known for its impeccable reputation. The reliability of the design is ensured by a dual cooling system, due to which the load on the device is evenly distributed. The noise level that occurs during operation is minimal, as modern details ensure quiet operation of the entire system. The chambers of the refrigerator and freezer work independently of each other, which increases the life of the refrigerator. The lineup is represented by a wide range for every taste and budget. Even budget models have an original design and a declared operational life of 15 years. The service life of refrigerators from a number of new generation models is about 25 years.
"Electrolux" - products of a Swiss company that meets the best international standards. A distinctive feature of the manufactured units is the low consumption of electrical energy. The cost depending on the model is from 35-40 thousand and above. The models are equipped with all modern functions (the Noufrost system, sensors signaling the need for repair). Products retain for a long time not only a fresh look, but also all nutrients thanks to a special cooling system. Thanks to the unique integrated technologies inside, the optimal microclimate and the same temperature are maintained in different places of the interior 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 worldwide. Bosch devices, like Liebher, are equipped with independently working cameras. Built-in automatic system maintains constant stable temperature. Household appliances "Bosch" meets international standards and withstands possible fluctuations in the power grid.
Samsung is a company that has also gained credibility and recognition from customers. The produced refrigeration appliances are convenient for defrosting, do not create a lot of noise, and maintain a stable microclimate inside. Due to the possession of these modern parameters, the prices for the equipment of the company are quite high, but the long service life and the absence of problems fully pay for the money spent.
"Elgie" produces modern technology in all respects. Refrigerators of this brand are equipped with a special air exchange system. Thanks to this, there are no warm spots and the device has been working reliably for many years.
All of the above five companies are recognized as producing the most reliable refrigerators in the world.
Overview of domestic refrigeration units
Buying a domestic-made 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 counterparts. The most reliable refrigerators are:
- "Stinol" is a popular brand for 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 in the CIS, in Belarus. Interesting models with different prices are offered. The basis of the reliability of the manufactured devices is the operation of two independent compressors (in the freezer compartments and in the refrigerator). The equipment is absolutely safe and almost silent. Maintenance is available at affordable prices. In case of malfunctions, you can always quickly resolve the issue.
- Dnipro refrigerators manufactured by Nord are known from the Soviet past. The manufacturer invested in the modernization and new design of the popular model, so 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 get a beautiful modern Dnepr refrigerator. So, for example, in the production of environmentally friendly refrigerants, and painting the walls is carried out without harmful impurities. Refrigerators are available in different colors. They are economical models. The same unit with a volume of 330 liters of foreign manufacture will cost an order of magnitude more expensive than the Dnieper. The set of technical characteristics for this money is very decent (low noise, energy saving, autonomy of two compressors). For reliability and durability, this model is known for its long service life for many years.
Manual
Despite the wide range of refrigeration units, the basic principles of the operating manual are similar for many models. When transporting, installing and using the refrigerator, the following points should be considered:
- Equipment should only be transported with a rigidly fixed compressor.
- Choosing a place for the refrigerator: you need to place a household appliance away from heating batteries and a stove.
- Careful attitude: do not allow frequent opening of the refrigerator door and do not forget to close it tightly.
- Uniform filling: place products in approximately equal parts on all shelves to ensure better air microcirculation.
- Maintenance: the ice should be removed on time in the refrigerator and in the freezer.
- Inspection: regularly monitor the condition of rubber gaskets and loops to prevent deformation.
- Care: keep the refrigerator clean both outside and inside.
- Qualified assistance: in case of malfunctions, do not try to repair by yourself, contact the service center masters.
Failure to comply with the operating rules reduces the life of the refrigerator, leading to malfunctions that can be dangerous for those near the appliance.
Features of food storage and defrosting
To extend the life of the refrigerator, you should know the basics of food storage:
- Do not overload shelves.
- It is forbidden to put warm and hot food.
- Pots, containers, packaging should not be placed tightly against the back wall.
- Fresh foods should be stored and frozen.
- Adhere to the rules of distribution of products (place bottles vertically, 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 Noufrost system - 1-2 times).
- The defrost period should last at least 24 hours.
- Do not pick ice with a knife or other cutting equipment.
- Do not blow hot air with a hairdryer or fan heater.
- All products should be removed.
- After defrosting, do not load the refrigerator heavily with food.
Where to turn in the old refrigerator
When the equipment is out of order and cannot be repaired or has served for many years, the question arises of how to dispose of the refrigerator:
- Try to sell inoperative - sometimes repair technicians can purchase inoperative refrigerators for a small cost. They do this in order to restore and further use or resale. An ad sale can take quite a while.
- Sell for spare parts - a functioning motor-compressor, sensors and control panels will be in demand.
- Take to special reception points for processing - 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 it away - leave it near the porch or containers.
- Contact specialized companies - these are the ones that are engaged in the free removal and purchase of old refrigerators.
As you can see, there are always options where to rent an old refrigerator.