Refrigerators are one of the most indispensable appliances in our homes. Refrigerators help to keep our food and drinks fresh, which reduces food waste and saves us money. However, like any other household appliance, refrigerators can experience problems.
These issues can range from a simple light bulb replacement to a faulty compressor. If you are experiencing any refrigerator problems, you might be wondering what the most common causes are. In this blog post, we will explore some of the most common causes of refrigerator problems and explain how to troubleshoot these issues and prevent them.
Common Causes of Refrigerator Problems
Refrigerator problems are an issue that many homeowners face. It is crucial to understand what the causes of these issues are to prevent them from happening in the future. The following are the most common causes of refrigerator problems:
- Dirty Condenser Coils – The condenser coils are responsible for evaporating the heat from inside the refrigerator. Refrigerators need good airflow to operate correctly, and if the coils become blocked or clogged with dirt and dust, this airflow is restricted. Dirty coils make the compressor work longer and harder, which can lead to overheating and compressor failure. To avoid this issue, you should vacuum the coils regularly or hire a professional to do it for you.
- Faulty Thermostat – A faulty thermostat is another common issue that can cause refrigerator problems. If the thermostat is not functioning correctly, it can prevent the compressor from running, leading to a warm fridge. Conversely, if the thermostat is faulty and keeps the compressor running for too long, it can cause your food to freeze. You can use a multimeter to test your refrigerator’s thermostat. If your thermostat turns out to be faulty, you will need to replace it.
- Damaged Door Gasket – Another common issue that can lead to refrigerator problems is a damaged door gasket. The door gasket is a rubber seal that helps to keep the frigid air in and the warm air out. If it becomes damaged or worn out, it can cause air leaks, leading to a warm fridge. To test if your door gasket is damaged, you can try the dollar bill test. Simply close the door on a dollar bill and see if it can be pulled out easily. If it can, your gasket needs replacing.
- Clogged Defrost Drain – If you notice water pooling inside your fridge, it could be due to a clogged defrost drain. The defrost drain is responsible for draining the water from the defrost cycle out of the fridge. When this drain becomes clogged with food or other debris, the water has nowhere to go and ends up pooling inside the unit. To fix this issue, you can use a turkey baster to flush out the drain or hire a professional to do it for you.
- Dirty Evaporator Fan – The evaporator fan circulates the air inside your fridge, ensuring that the temperature remains consistent throughout the unit. If the fan becomes dirty or malfunctions, the air circulation is affected, and the temperature can fluctuate, causing food spoilage. To prevent this issue, you should clean the fan blades regularly or replace the fan if it is faulty.
If your refrigerator is experiencing any issues, it is best to hire a professional appliance repair technician to assess and fix the problem as soon as possible. The sooner you have the issue corrected the better your chances of avoiding costly repairs or replacements in the future.
Keep your refrigerator running smoothly all year long with Carter Services. Our experienced appliance repair technicians have been helping homeowners in Torrance and its surrounding communities with refrigerator maintenance and repairs for years.
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Don't let your food go to waste. Give us a call today at (310) 872-1898 or contact us online to schedule an appointment with our refrigerator repair experts.