A refrigerator is a staple appliance in most homes. But, if the fridge starts making a noise, a homeowner should check a few simple things before calling for a repair technician.
The smallest problems (like a faulty gasket) are easily fixed at home. Larger problems (like a broken motor) may require a professional service tech. You can return to our home page.
Thermostat
The thermostat controls the temperature inside the fridge, and a malfunction can cause the appliance to be too warm or too cold. Homeowners can try resetting the temperature control knob or replacing it. It is recommended that they unplug the refrigerator and move highly perishable food to a cooler before beginning repairs. They should also shut off the refrigerator’s power breaker as a safety precaution.
Performing these DIY fixes can help homeowners save money. However, for more serious issues, like a faulty compressor or a through-the-door icemaker, it’s best to hire an appliance repair service. These pros can diagnose the problem and fix it quickly and safely. They typically charge a fee to inspect the refrigerator, which is usually applied to the total repair cost.
Condenser
The condenser is an important part of your AC unit that is able to circulate refrigerant throughout the system. A faulty condenser can cause an entire system to fail. A blown fuse, for example, is usually a sign that the condenser has failed and needs to be replaced.
Corrosion and other factors can damage a condenser. Dirty coils also clog. This can lead to a reduced flow of cool air and overheating. A qualified technician can clean the coils and make sure nothing is obstructing them.
The fins on a condenser often get bent. A professional can straighten them to improve the efficiency of the appliance. Leaks are another problem that should be addressed immediately. These can deplete the system’s refrigerant, which may increase your energy bills.
Fan
The fan is a physical component that spins to circulate freezer air into the refrigerator. However, it can stop working if the fridge is jam-packed with items or its motor is broken. Unplug the refrigerator and take a voltage reading on the fan motor using an analog or digital multimeter set to its AC voltage function. If the meter reads no voltage, the fan is not getting power and may be a candidate for replacement.
If the freezer fan is louder than usual, it is likely due to an ice buildup blocking its operation. Unplug the refrigerator, pull it away from the wall, and remove a thin panel on the back to access the fan. Unfasten the mounting screws and use a screwdriver to remove the fan assembly and bracket from its motor compartment.
Door Gasket
A worn refrigerator gasket lets warm air into your fridge, causing the compressor to work harder and increase energy consumption. It also prevents cold food from freezing, leading to frost buildup and spoilage. A properly fitted door gasket ensures that cold air stays inside and hot air stays out, lowering your energy bills and maintaining the right temperature.
Examine the gasket for looseness or a broken seal. Check for a visible gap around the entire gasket perimeter. A simple visual inspection is sufficient, but you can also try closing the freezer door on a dollar bill and pulling it. If the paper comes out easily, the gasket is defective and should be replaced. A new gasket will seal better and last longer with a thin coat of petroleum jelly.
Light
From washers that help us do laundry to refrigerators that keep our food fresh, appliances are an essential part of modern life. When these machines stop working, it can be a major inconvenience. However, many problems with household appliances can be easily fixed with the right tools.
If your refrigerator light stays on, the evaporator fan may be running. If the evaporator fan blades are bent or blocked, you can straighten them with pliers to fix the problem. If the fan blades are not blocked, you can also try removing and cleaning the bulb socket.
If the fan runs but the refrigerator doesn’t cool, you might have a defective capacitor. To test this, remove the plug and connect a 20K ohm 2-watt resistor to the terminals on the capacitor (be sure to discharge it first by connecting it to the probes of a multimeter set to the RX1 scale). You can then examine the capacitor for burn marks or tap lightly on the top of it. Discover more interesting articles.
