For homeowners, refrigerators are one of the most important appliances. Not only is it the focal point of the kitchen, but it’s also beneficial for your health and savings. Since it’s used on a daily basis to store meals and keep food cool, it’s essential to repair problems as soon as possible. If not, it can end up costing you hundreds of dollars in spoiled food.
Common Refrigerator Problems
Here are some common problems with refrigerators that indicate repair service is needed:
• Loud or strange noises
• Broken door or problems with the door seal and gasket
• Leaking around the refrigerator
• Ice is no longer being made
• Frost is building up around the coils and in the back of the fridge and freezer
• Water is not coming out of the dispenser
• The compressor is not running
• The fridge seems to be using a lot of power
Troubleshooting Refrigerator Problems
Although refrigerators generally operate reliably, they can break down, which can lead to additional troubles. Depending on the severity of the problem, refrigerator repairs often calls for a dependable technician. However, it’s possible to handle some simple refrigerator troubleshooting and repairs yourself. Here’s how to troubleshoot a failing fridge and possibly fix it yourself.
Diagnose Your Fridge
First, check the cold control. The temperature should be about 37 degrees in the fridge and 0 degrees in the freezer. If the temperature isn’t stable, the freezer fan, condenser fan, or dirty condenser coils may be the culprit. Keep in mind that an overcrowded refrigerator can restrict airflow and limit cooling capacity, which results in inefficiency.
Make sure the fridge is plugged into a live receptacle that’s receiving power.
Vibrating noises typically come from loose parts, such as condenser coils. To eliminate rattling or vibrating, tighten any loose parts or adjust feet to absorb the vibration.
The door gasket is designed to make a seal when the fridge is closed so cold air doesn’t escape. Look for objects that are blocking the door from closing. In case that doesn’t work, you may need to call a repair technician to help you replace it.
If you notice frost buildup in the fridge or freezer, check for a break in the door gasket. If the gasket seems secure, a malfunction somewhere in the automatic defrost system could be the problem.
In case of lots of dust, food items, and other debris on the condenser coils, you may have air flow issues. To clean the condenser coils, pull the fridge out of its normal position in order to reach the underneath. Always unplug the fridge when you clean to prevent any unintentional damage.
A faulty icemaker may be due to improper temperature control settings or a frozen inlet tube. We recommend changing the water filter every 6 months and adjusting the freezer temperature to 0 degrees Fahrenheit. If the raking mechanism is stuck, check for ice that may be in the way.
Call the Pros at iFiX for Your Refrigerator Repair
If these problems persist after troubleshooting, it’s time to call our Ogden appliance repair team immediately. Our experience in diagnosing and repairing all makes and models of refrigerators makes us the best choice for refrigerator repair in Northern Utah. Our professionals have the experience, training, and resources needed to properly repair your home’s appliance. If you are in Weber or Davis Counties, iFiX is your solution for appliance repair needs. Contact us today at 801-731-4349 to schedule an appointment.
