Fridge on the fritz?

[C-10-4-me]

Here's the diagnosis for my 10 year old refrig/freezer:
1). Refrigerator side is barely cool-stuff is now in coolers packed in ice
2). Freezer side stuff is getting mushy tonight
3). Repair man coming tomorrow- how much is too much to spend?
4). Why don't they build em like they used to?

Thanks

[ronmac]

This is the season that is hard on appliances. Lots of heat and humidity puts an extra strain on the motor/compressor unit.

You may get lucky and just need to recharge the refrigerant (upgrade to non CFC type).

[NotRevGDavis]

A 10 year old refrigerator is equal to a 10 year old computer- technology changes.
A new refrigerator will use MUCH less energy than your current one. You may not be able to recharge the unit because of changes in Freon regulations without major service. The service will most likely cost nearly as much as a new refrigerator.

Nothing speaks success better than a Stainless Steel unit with a Flat Panel Television on the front.  :GRN>

[ronmac]

Nothing speaks success better than a Stainless Steel unit with a Flat Panel Television on the front.  :GRN>

Or did you mean to say "excess"?  :TON>

[FNG]

We just ponied up for a new Kenmore Elite with the bottom freezer, and double doored fridge portion on the top.  Never could understand or like the fridge on the top, or the side by sides.  Bottom freezer is the way to go.  We just moved, and didn't have a fridge, but this one is pretty nice. 

[C-10-4-me]

Well, here's the rest of the story.
Part:   $22.15
Labor: $ 154.00
Peace of mind in knowing I didn't have to shell out big money for a new one: priceless.
Repair guy said these units should last 25 to 30 years. Right!
That's why he gave me the hard sell for a 1 year warranty for $103.00.
Oh well, it is what it is. I'm satisfied and figure I'll at least get a few more years out of her.

[ronmac]

So that $800 you had already spent in your mind can now go to a new guitar?  :WNK>

[C-10-4-me]

So that $800 you had already spent in your mind can now go to a new guitar?  :WNK>

Exactly. That's the only thing I was worried about, having to tap into my "emergency" fund!

[Randy_R]

So when you buy a new guitar with the money, you can wink when you describe it as 'cool'...   :WNK>

[prof_stack]

When the repair person came, how much did they vacuum (if any) from the condensor wires underneath or behind?

Last week I noticed our fridge was warm to the touch on the outside and found a layer of dog-hair, cat-hair, parrot-dander, dust, etc. that had stupidly been ignored.  Now the thing works properly and the fan doesn't run all the time.  I guess maintenance is not a part-time thing...