How to Identify Common Refrigeration Repair Issues
Refrigerators are a major investment for home owners, so you want to make sure they last for as long as possible. That means maintaining them as much as possible and making repairs when needed.
A refrigerator is a complicated system that needs to work well to stay cool and fresh. It’s made up of several different parts: a compressor, a condenser and an evaporator, as well as a thermostat and a sealed box that prevents food from spoiling.
If any of these components malfunction, your fridge could break down, leaving you without cold food. The best thing you can do is learn how to identify potential issues so you can get them repaired quickly and efficiently.
What to Look For in a Repair Technician
The best way to find the right professional for your fridge repair is to look for one who has a good reputation and high customer satisfaction ratings. Then, ask for an estimate for the work you need done.
Cost of Repair
The price to repair a refrigerator depends on the age, model, and brand of your appliance. Generally, you’ll find that fixing existing parts is much more cost-effective than buying new ones. The cost of labor and materials can also affect the total repair cost, depending on how complex the work is.
Fixing a Refrigerant Leak
A refrigerant leak is a serious concern for your fridge because it’s not only causing a significant loss of money, but it also poses a health risk to your family and pets. Luckily, refrigeration experts can diagnose and fix this issue for an average price of $200 to $300.
What to Do About a Warm Box
If you notice that your refrigerator or freezer is getting too hot, try readjusting the thermostat to lower the temperature. If this doesn’t solve the problem, you may have a faulty fan or a blocked condenser fan motor. If the problem is with the condenser fan, you’ll need to replace it.
What to Do About a Noisy Refrigerator
A noisy fridge is usually caused by a faulty condenser or evaporator fan motor, but there are other causes. Often, fans make noises because they’re not moving freely enough or because they are covered in dust and debris. If the fan is clogged, vacuum it out and clean it thoroughly.
What to Do About a Frozen Door
A frozen door is an uncomfortable and unsafe situation that can lead to costly damages to the refrigerator. It’s important to address this issue immediately so it doesn’t become a larger problem down the line, which can be more expensive to repair.
What to Do About a Water-Leaking Refrigerator
If the water in your fridge is leaking, it’s likely due to a blockage in the defrost drain. The drain is located on the back wall of the fridge, and it’s typically a simple job to remove the block with a pipe cleaner or to unclog it.
Alternatively, you might be able to repair it with a new gasket. This requires removing the old one and installing a new one that is similar in size to the original. This is a job that should be done by a professional who’s licensed to work on the unit, so call ahead of time to schedule an appointment.
