Most of us rely on refrigerators to keep our food fresh and our drinks cold. So when the fridge starts to act up, it can be a real inconvenience. The average lifespan of a refrigerator is 10 – 15 years, but you can extend this if you observe good maintenance practices. Besides, it can cost around $2,000 – $8,000 to replace your refrigerator, depending on the model you want. Fortunately, you don’t need to spend all that money on a new refrigerator while you can extend the lifespan of your existing one.
Most of the refrigerator problems that cause early breakdowns can be addressed by a professional appliance repair technician. Addressing these problems early can help you ensure that your refrigerator continues running smoothly for a long.
But how do you know it’s time to call a technician to check your refrigerator? Here are the signs to know that your refrigerator might be failing.
It’s Not Cold Enough
Is your refrigerator not keeping your food as cold as it used to? This is one of the most common signs that your fridge might be on its way out. The first thing you should check is the temperature setting. Someone in your household may have accidentally turned the dial, resulting in warmer temperatures. If the setting is where it should be, there could be an issue with the compressor or seal. A failing compressor will struggle to keep the fridge cold, while a damaged seal can allow warm air to leak in. If your fridge isn’t cold enough, it’s best to call a repairman to take a look. Don’t wait until your food spoils!
Your Food is Spoiling Quickly
Getting home from the grocery store only to find that your milk has expired can be frustrating. But if this keeps happening, it might signal that your refrigerator is on the fritz. After all, one of the fridge’s main jobs is to keep food fresh. If your food spoils quickly, it’s a good idea to take a closer look at your fridge. First, check the seal on the door. According to Hartman’s Daytona appliance repair experts, cold air could be escaping if it’s damaged or loose, causing your food to spoil more quickly. Next, take a look at the temperature setting.
If it’s set too high, it could expedite the spoiling process. Lastly, make sure that there isn’t any food blocking the vents. If the airflow is restricted, it could lead to premature spoilage. If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to give your fridge a little TLC – or call in a professional for repairs.
There’s Condensation
One of the most common signs that a refrigerator is failing is condensation. This can occur for several reasons, but most often, it’s due to a build-up of ice on the coils. This can also be caused by several factors, including a cracked seal or a clogged drain. When this happens, the fridge will start to sweat, and water will accumulate on the shelves and in the drawers. If you notice condensation, it’s important to clean it up right away and to keep an eye on the coils. If the problem persists, it’s time to call a repairman or to start shopping for a new fridge.
Ice Is Building Up in the Freezer
One of the most common signs that your refrigerator might be failing is ice build-up in the freezer. This can happen for several reasons, including a clogged drain line or a problem with the defrost cycle. While a small amount of ice is normal, anything more than that could be a sign that the fridge is not properly draining water. If you notice ice build-up, it’s important to clean out the freezer and check the drain line to see if it’s clear. If the problem persists, you may need to call a repairman to look at your fridge.
It’s Loud
Most people don’t give their refrigerators a second thought until they start making strange noises. If your fridge suddenly becomes loud, it could signal something is wrong. One possible explanation is that the compressor is starting to fail. The compressor is responsible for circulating coolant throughout the fridge, and if it’s not working properly, the entire system can break down.
Another possibility is that the evaporator fan motor is going bad. This fan helps to circulate air within the fridge, and if it’s not working properly, your fridge will have to work harder to keep things cool. If your fridge is making strange noises, it’s best to call a repairman and have it checked out. Otherwise, you might end up with a bigger problem on your hands.
It won’t stop running
Another common sign that your refrigerator might be failing is if it won’t stop running. If the fridge is turned on but the compressor won’t turn off, several issues could be at play. First, check to see if the coils are dirty, as this can prevent proper heat exchange and cause the fridge to run longer than usual. Next, check the door seal to ensure it’s tight and has no gaps. If air is leaking out, it will cause the fridge to run longer to maintain a cool temperature.
Finally, check the thermostat to make sure it’s set properly. The fridge will run longer to reach the desired temperature if it’s too low. If you’ve ruled out all of these potential issues and your fridge is still running non-stop, it’s best to call a repairman. Continual running can strain the compressor, leading to a more costly repair down the road.
Your electric bill goes up unexpectedly
If you notice a sudden spike in your electric bill, it could signify that your refrigerator is working harder than usual. This could be due to several factors, including a build-up of dust on the coils or a problem with the door seal. If you suspect your fridge is to blame, try unplugging it for 24 hours and see if there’s a difference in your next bill.