A dependable refrigerator should last up to 20 years, but after that, you’ll start to notice several issues. Instead of repairing your refrigerator, think about replacing it and taking into account the brand’s energy efficiency. The refrigerator is the appliance in your kitchen that uses the most energy, so investing in one that will save you a few dollars a month will add up.
See whether your refrigerator needs to be fixed or replaced by looking at the most common refrigerator problems listed below.
10 Common Refrigerator Problems
Frost Accumulation
One of the most prevalent problems with refrigerators is frost accumulation. Fortunately, to remedy the issue, outside assistance is required. The ice dispenser, often known as the freezer, in your refrigerator is where the first buildup takes place.
The freezer door, also known as a damper door, is airtight due to its material lining. By sealing the freezer door, it makes sure that no moisture may get inside through cracks. Damp air will enter the freezer if the damper door’s lining is dirty or has any dents in it. This air will condense into ice and cover the whole freezer when it runs for an extended period.
Continuous Refrigeration Cycle
To keep the food cold, your refrigerator keeps cycling through cooling cycles. However, it may occasionally begin to perform cooling cycles too often. This problem increases your monthly expenses since it generates noise and uses a lot of power.
The accumulation of dust or debris around the condenser coil is the cause of this refrigerator issue. Turn off the refrigerator’s power source first to see whether that’s the source of the problem. Proceed to reach the condenser coil unit, which is usually located at the machine’s rear or bottom.
Water Leakage
One of the most frequent and serious refrigerator repair problems in homes is water leaks. If there is too much water spilled about the apartment, anyone might trip and be hurt. Water leaks can be caused by a variety of factors, most of which can be fixed at home.
The most frequent cause is an obstruction in the refrigerator’s defrosting drain channel. Food fragments may fall into the defrost drain system, which is located inside the freezer, obstructing it. This obstruction may cause ice to accumulate and eventually spill water.
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Refrigerator not Cooling
Even with the proper temperature set, your refrigerator could occasionally cool sufficiently. Under such circumstances, the food and other goods in your fridge will grow rancid faster and the fridge will have a harder time producing ice. To see whether there is a cooling issue with your refrigerator, feel the internal walls. Listen for the sound of the engine if they are sufficiently cold. If the motor is extremely weak or not audible at all, the compressor might be the issue.
Loud Noises
There are parts of a refrigerator that make noise when they work. However, if the refrigerator is making strange noises, it’s time to have it checked out.
There are several explanations for the sounds emanating from a refrigerator. Examine the source of the sound’s emission to determine its exact cause. If it is coming from the interior, it can be a loose drain pan. Bolts make it simple to return to its original position.
In yet another scenario, a scraping noise might indicate problems with the freezer. Inspect the freezer for any excessive accumulation of frost. It’s likely that the freeze timer has to be replaced if there are any.
Water Dispenser Malfunction
The built-in water dispenser function is a feature exclusive to high-end contemporary refrigerators. It allows you to obtain cold drinking water straight from your refrigerator. However, by limiting water flow, the water dispenser could occasionally stop working properly.
A clogged water tube is a typical cause of malfunctioning water dispensers. Open the refrigerator door to access the water tube, then inflate it with air. If air cannot go through, there is a blockage in the pipe. You can use hot water to clear the obstruction caused by frost.
Check that the freezer is at its ideal temperature. The water tube may freeze often if the temperature is set too low. An issue with the water valve in the input line might be another cause of this refrigerator issue.
Refrigerator Freezing not Cooling
Now, this might lead to a challenging issue. Occasionally, you could open the refrigerator to discover that everything within is frozen. However, the temperature settings appear to be ideal. Do not fret. It is a common refrigerator repair problem.
The primary cause of extreme freezing is a malfunctioning thermostat. It is a mechanism that regulates the evaporator and compressor coils to keep the unit at the proper temperature. The refrigerator cannot maintain ideal temperatures if the thermostat is malfunctioning.
Light Not Working
Finding the interior light not working when opening the refrigerator door can be frustrating, but it’s a common problem that’s usually easy to fix. The main cause is often a burnt-out bulb, which can be remedied by simply replacing it with a new one.
If the new bulb doesn’t work, the issue might be a faulty door switch. This switch is responsible for turning the light on and off when the door is opened and closed. Replacing the door switch should restore the light’s functionality and solve the problem.
Compressor Problems
If your refrigerator isn’t cooling properly or is making unusual noises, it might be experiencing compressor problems, which is a critical issue since the compressor is essential for cooling.
A malfunctioning compressor can lead to poor or erratic cooling, as it circulates refrigerant through the coils to maintain the refrigerator’s temperature. To resolve this issue, contact a professional to repair or replace the compressor and restore proper cooling.
Temperature Fluctuations
Finding that your refrigerator’s contents are either too cold or not cold enough despite ideal temperature settings indicates temperature fluctuations, which is another common problem.
A malfunctioning thermostat is often the cause, as it regulates the evaporator and compressor coils to maintain the correct temperature. If the thermostat is faulty, it cannot control the cooling process effectively. To ensure the refrigerator maintains a consistent temperature, replace the thermostat.
By addressing these common refrigerator issues promptly, you can prevent further complications and ensure your appliance operates efficiently.
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Refrigerator troubleshooting chart
Here’s a troubleshooting chart for common refrigerator problems:
| Issue | Possible Causes | Solutions |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator Not Cooling | – Dirty condenser coils<br>- Faulty thermostat<br>- Defective evaporator fan<br>- Blocked vents | – Clean condenser coils<br>- Check and adjust thermostat<br>- Inspect and replace evaporator fan<br>- Clear any obstructions in vents |
| Refrigerator Not Running | – Power supply issues<br>- Faulty start relay<br>- Broken compressor<br>- Tripped circuit breaker | – Check power cord and outlet<br>- Test and replace start relay<br>- Inspect or replace compressor<br>- Reset circuit breaker |
| Water Leakage | – Blocked defrost drain<br>- Frozen water supply line<br>- Faulty water inlet valve | – Unclog defrost drain<br>- Defrost the water line<br>- Replace water inlet valve |
| Ice Maker Not Working | – Jammed ice maker<br>- Faulty water inlet valve<br>- Ice maker turned off | – Clear ice maker jam<br>- Test and replace water inlet valve<br>- Ensure ice maker is turned on |
| Noisy Refrigerator | – Faulty condenser fan<br>- Faulty evaporator fan<br>- Malfunctioning compressor | – Replace condenser fan<br>- Replace evaporator fan<br>- Inspect and replace compressor |
| Frost Build-Up | – Defective defrost heater<br>- Faulty defrost timer<br>- Malfunctioning defrost thermostat | – Replace defrost heater<br>- Test and replace defrost timer<br>- Replace defrost thermostat |
| Refrigerator Door Not Closing Properly | – Misaligned door<br>- Faulty door seals<br>- Obstruction in door path | – Adjust door alignment<br>- Replace door seals<br>- Remove any obstructions |
This chart provides a quick reference for diagnosing and addressing common refrigerator issues. If the problem persists or is beyond basic troubleshooting, consulting a professional technician might be necessary.
Conclusion
That concludes the list of common problems with refrigerators that lead to needless inconveniences. Always look for the issue’s origin. Problems that arise inside the device are typically simpler to resolve. However, you have to use caution when working with the appliance’s technical components.
Ensure that you clean your appliances on a regular basis to prevent any parts from breaking down. Regular refrigerator service is the best option if you want to avoid more significant problems down the road.
Also Read: How to Clean a Walk-in Freezer?
FAQs
What are the most common fridge failures?
- Refrigerator Not Cooling: This is often due to dirty condenser coils, a malfunctioning thermostat, or issues with the evaporator fan.
- Water Leakage: This can be caused by a blocked defrost drain, a clogged or frozen water supply line, or a faulty water inlet valve.
- Ice Maker Not Working: Common issues include a jammed ice maker, a faulty water inlet valve, or the ice maker being turned off.
- Noisy Refrigerator: Unusual noises can be due to a faulty condenser fan motor, evaporator fan motor, or a malfunctioning compressor.
- Frost Build-Up: This usually indicates a problem with the defrost heater, defrost timer, or defrost thermostat.
How do you troubleshoot a refrigerator that is not cooling?
- Check the Thermostat: Ensure the thermostat is set to the correct temperature.
- Clean the Condenser Coils: Dirty coils can reduce cooling efficiency. Clean them with a vacuum or a coil brush.
- Inspect the Evaporator Fan: Make sure the fan is working properly to circulate cool air.
- Check the Door Seals: Ensure the door seals are tight and not letting cool air escape.
- Examine the Condenser Fan: Make sure the fan near the condenser coils is running.
- Verify the Power Supply: Ensure the refrigerator is plugged in and there is no tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse.
What is the first thing to check when a refrigerator stops working?
The first thing to check is the power supply:
- Ensure the Refrigerator is Plugged In: Check that the power cord is securely plugged into the outlet.
- Check the Outlet: Test the outlet with another appliance to ensure it is working.
- Inspect the Circuit Breaker: Check if the circuit breaker has tripped or if there is a blown fuse.
How do you know if your refrigerator compressor is bad?
- No Cooling: If the refrigerator is not cooling at all, it may indicate a compressor issue.
- Clicking Noises: A faulty compressor might make clicking noises as it tries to start but fails.
- Overheating: If the compressor is hot to the touch, it might be malfunctioning.
- Frequent Cycling: If the compressor turns on and off more frequently than usual, it may indicate a problem.
- Lack of Vibration: Normally, the compressor should have a slight vibration when running. A lack of vibration could indicate it’s not working.
