Why "not repairable" often isn't
When a technician says a refrigerator cannot be repaired, it usually means one of these things:
- "It needs a compressor" or "it has a refrigerant leak." Many companies — and many manufacturer-authorized technicians — do not perform sealed-system work in the home. They write the refrigerator off instead. Our technicians are EPA 608 certified and do compressor replacement and refrigerant leak repair every week.
- "The part is discontinued." On older Sub-Zero, Viking, Thermador and other built-ins, the original part number may be gone, but a superseded part, a compatible replacement or a rebuilt component often exists. We do the research.
- "The repair isn't worth it." That depends on the refrigerator. On a built-in that costs many thousands of dollars to replace, a repair that looks expensive is often the clear winner.
- "We can't find the problem." Intermittent faults take time and methodical testing. That is what a refrigeration specialist is for.
We will not tell you every refrigerator can be saved. Some cannot. But many refrigerators written off by others can, and you deserve to know which kind you have before you buy a new one.
When a second opinion is worth it
- You were told the refrigerator is "not repairable" — even by the manufacturer's authorized service
- You were told the compressor is bad and quoted $1,000 or more
- You were told the refrigerator has a refrigerant leak and "isn't worth fixing"
- You were told a luxury built-in — Sub-Zero, Thermador, Viking, Miele, Monogram — should be replaced
- A control board was replaced and the problem came back
- The same problem has been "fixed" more than once
- The quote seems high and you want to understand why
What we check
- We read the other company's diagnosis or quote, if you have it.
- We test the refrigerator ourselves: compressor windings and amperage, start components or inverter board, fans, defrost system, sensors, and the sealed system's temperatures or pressures.
- We explain in plain English whether we agree, and why.
- If we agree, we tell you. If you want us to do the repair, we give you our own written price.
- If we disagree, we show you what we found and what the repair really needs.
You are under no obligation to hire us for the repair.
Common misdiagnoses we see
| Diagnosis you received | What it sometimes turns out to be |
|---|---|
| "Bad compressor" | Failed start relay, overload, inverter board, condenser fan or a dirty condenser |
| "Refrigerant leak — replace the fridge" | Defrost failure with an iced-over evaporator |
| "Control board" | A failed thermistor, fan motor or defrost heater the board was reporting |
| "Sealed system, not repairable" on a built-in | A repairable leak at a joint or an evaporator replacement |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a second opinion cost?
$75, the same as our standard service call, anywhere in Las Vegas, Henderson or Boulder City. If you choose us for the repair, it is credited toward the repair.
Do I need the other company's paperwork?
It helps, but it is not required. We perform our own full diagnosis either way.
Will you tell me if the first company was right?
Yes. If the original diagnosis is correct, we say so plainly. Our job is to give you an accurate answer, not a different one.