Great question. I would say it depends on several variables that are listed below. Age of the refrigerator - If your refrigerator is new, we always recommend checking to see if it is still in warranty. If it is out of warranty and fairly new, then repair probably makes the most sense. Application of the refrigerator - What we mean by this is that if it falls in the following categories; Second refrigerator - If it is not your main refrigerator, you have more options in decisions Is it a rental property - Repair is usually the right option Cost of the repair in relation to the value of a new refrigerator - If you have a refrigerator that is on its last legs and breaking down like an old car, then the time to replace the refrigerator might be at hand.