In much of the country, replacing a broken appliance is just a delivery. In a Beacon Hill brownstone, a Somerville triple-decker or a Back Bay condo with elevator reservations, getting a new appliance in and the old one out can cost real money and time. That tips the decision toward repair more often than usual.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Can you DIY it? | Measuring, yes |
| How urgent? | Measure before you buy anything |
What makes replacement harder here?
Narrow doorways and halls. Many older homes have interior doors around 28–30 inches wide. Today's French-door and counter-depth fridges can barely clear that, even with the doors removed.
Stairs. Third-floor units with tight, turning staircases may need extra crew or a hoist. Some delivery companies charge more or won't attempt it.
Building rules. Many condo associations require elevator reservations, protective padding, a vendor's certificate of insurance, and deliveries only in set windows.
Built-in and custom fits. Cabinetry built around a 20-year-old fridge or wall oven may not match any current model.
Hauling away the old unit. The old appliance has to come out the same way the new one goes in.
When does repair clearly win?
- •The appliance is built in, panel-ready or custom-fit.
- •The failed part is a fan, valve, igniter, switch, pump or board.
- •The unit is under about two-thirds of its expected life.
- •A replacement would mean taking doors off hinges, hiring extra delivery help or remodeling cabinets.
When is replacement still the right call?
- •The compressor or sealed system has failed on an older fridge.
- •Parts are discontinued.
- •The appliance has needed several major repairs in a short time.
How do I measure before buying?
Measure every doorway, hallway and stair turn on the path, not just the kitchen opening. Check the depth with doors and handles removed, and confirm your building's delivery rules before you order.
Elliott's take
I've watched a brand-new fridge sit on a Somerville sidewalk because it wouldn't clear the second-floor landing. If your current one is fixable, that alone is a good reason to fix it.
Related: Refrigerator repair · Appliance repair in Back Bay
Not sure if it's worth fixing? Call TrueFix Boston at (857) 810-1119 for an honest assessment.