Replacing the Refridgerator Seal.....How Much?

[DianaPrincessofWales]

I've been looking at our seal around the fridge door and thinking I need to save energy and get it replaced. It has been pushed away from where it should be sitting. My DH says it only needs to be set right (which isn't getting done either ) and I say we should just order a new one and replace it. Cheaper than a new fridge, right?

Another question.........do I order on line or through an appliance dealer. Any information on the subject would be helpful! Thanks!!

Meanwhile my dishwasher was leaking and my helpful electrician brother took it apart for me and let me clean EVERYTHING thoroughly. NO MORE LEAKAGE!! YEAH!! And no need to buy new. I'm thrilled!

 

[arminnie]

I have no idea what a seal costs these days - but it is probably not hard to install.

My dad was in the refrig/ac repair business, and I remember many a time that I would install a new seal on a door for my dad. I must have been about 10 or 11. Whatever he paid me (if anything) was a fraction of what he charged the customer.

 

[P.I. Squirrel]

Door gaskets are ordered from an appliance store or online, by refridgerator model number, and generally range from $50 to $100.

They are not too difficult to install, usually a few screws. Don't remove the screws, just loosen them to replace the gasket.

 

[stitchlovestink]

I asked DH about this since he has been repairing all major household appliances for a living for over 25 years now. He has his CFC license so he is licensed to repair refrigerators. He said that a new gasket will cost anywhere from $35 to $100 depending on the make/model. Now here is what he says though...unless the gasket is torn/ripped/cracked is DOES NOT need to be replaced. The replacement will do the same thing. Many times when there is a misalignment in the seating of the gasket, it is caused by a misaligned door. If it is a misaligned door the gasket will continue not to make a clean seal until the door is realigned. If the gasket doesn't seem to be properly installed, you can take your current gasket out and put the same one back in. In order to reinstall it, you will need to 'heat' it up so that it will have some give. He suggests soaking it in HOT water. Some other techs he works with heat it up by putting it in the dryer. You could try that, and if it still doesn't seal, it's probably the door. Also, the best way to get the gasket to seal is to make sure it is nice and clean on the contact side. It is best to clean it w/ rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball. This is a much better choice than soap/water. Soap can leave a residue.
I hope some/any of this is of help. I'd hate to see you spend the $$ for a new gasket when you possibly don't need to. Best of Luck getting it fixed.

 

[momejay]

We had to replace our stove & the appliance guy, a relative we trust, suggested that we either replace the seal on our fridge or get a new one. The fridge was leaking a bit on the floor in front. (not much just a wash cloth would clean it up once a day of so)
He investigated the price for us & told us it would cost around $100- $150 for him to install, but he could get us a "like new" fridge for $250 that they would guarantee for a year. He said the new seal doesn't always fit correctly & if you can find a "like new" fridge it would be a better option.
We traded the store our old fridge & paid $200 for the new,"like new" fridge. It has been about 5 years since he told us that & our "like new" fridge still works fine.