Quick answer: The four most common refrigerator-buying mistakes are skipping the measurements, ignoring energy use, buying the wrong size, and paying for features you will not use. Measure the space first, compare the EnerGuide rating, match the capacity to your household, and check the warranty before you buy.
The most common mistakes when buying a refrigerator
Most buying regrets trace back to a handful of avoidable errors. Here they are at a glance, then in detail below.
| Mistake | Why it costs you | Do this instead |
|---|---|---|
| Skipping measurements | Fridge will not fit or blocks a door | Measure width, depth, and door swing |
| Ignoring energy use | A higher hydro bill for 10+ years | Compare the EnerGuide kilowatt-hours |
| Buying the wrong size | Wastes energy or leaves you cramped | Match cubic feet to your household |
| Chasing extra features | More parts that can fail | Buy only what you will use |
Mistake 1: Skipping the measurements
Measure before you fall for a model. Check the width of the opening, the depth including room for the door to swing open, and the height under the cabinets. Leave about an inch around the sides and back for airflow. A counter-depth model sits flush with your cabinets but holds a little less. Get this wrong and you end up with a fridge that will not fit or a door that will not open fully.
Mistake 2: Ignoring energy use
A fridge runs every hour of every day for a decade or more, so a small efficiency gap adds up on your Manitoba Hydro bill. In Canada, use the EnerGuide label to compare estimated yearly energy use in kilowatt-hours. The ENERGY STAR logo tells you a model meets a standard, but the EnerGuide number is what lets you compare two fridges on running cost.
Mistake 3: Buying the wrong size
Bigger is not always better. An oversized fridge wastes energy cooling empty space, while one that is too small leaves you cramped within a week. As a rough guide, plan for about 4 to 6 cubic feet per adult. A couple is usually fine with 18 to 20 cubic feet, and a family of four or more with 22 to 25.
Mistake 4: Paying for features you will not use
Ice makers, water dispensers, and touchscreens look appealing on the showroom floor. Each one raises the price and adds a part that can eventually fail. Choose the features you will genuinely use and skip the rest. Before you commit, check the warranty length, especially on the compressor, and look up the model’s reliability. Our guide to choosing the best refrigerator covers the full decision if you want more detail.
Buying a refrigerator in Winnipeg
Winnipeg shoppers can compare models at Canadian retailers such as Canadian Appliance Source and Best Buy, and use the EnerGuide label to keep year-round running costs down. Before you replace, it is worth checking whether your current fridge is worth fixing. A unit under ten years old is often cheaper to repair than replace. Profixit can diagnose the fault and help you weigh repair against replacement across Winnipeg, with same-day service and a 90-day guarantee.
Need appliance repair in Winnipeg? Profixit offers fridge repair in Winnipeg with same-day availability.
4.8 stars • 650+ reviews • 90-day guarantee on all repairs.
Call (431) 813-3999, or book online in 60 seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest mistake when buying a refrigerator?
The most common mistake is not measuring the space first. Check the width, depth, and door swing before you choose a model, and leave about an inch around the unit for airflow.
How do I compare refrigerator energy use in Canada?
Use the EnerGuide label, which lists the estimated yearly energy use in kilowatt-hours. A lower number means lower running costs. The ENERGY STAR logo only shows that a model meets a standard.
What size of refrigerator do I need?
Plan for about 4 to 6 cubic feet per adult. A couple is usually fine with 18 to 20 cubic feet, and a family of four or more with 22 to 25. An oversized fridge just wastes energy.
Should I repair my old fridge or buy a new one?
If the fridge is under ten years old and the repair costs less than half the price of a new one, repairing is usually the better value. Profixit offers fridge repair in Winnipeg at (431) 813-3999.
