Appliances are designed to work hard, year after year. However, they can also break down and require repairs.
Having a professional perform these refrigerator repairs can save you money and time. They’ll help you avoid voiding your warranty and can provide long-term fixes. Contact Orlando Refrigerator Repair now!
Appliance repair professionals may charge by the hour or charge a flat rate for parts and labor. They can also help you determine whether your appliance is worth repairing.
Water leaks
If you notice a pool of water on the floor of your fridge, this is a problem that requires immediate attention. The good news is that there are a few easy things you can do to fix it. First, make sure the refrigerator is unplugged for safety. Next, check various areas of the refrigerator for water leaks. Typically, the first place to check is the drain pan. This is under the fridge and collects any condensation that drips down from the evaporator fins. Normally, the water in this pan evaporates, but if it has a crack or other damage, the fridge might start to leak on the floor.
Another common cause of a refrigerator leaking water is a clogged defrost drain line. This is usually located underneath the freezer compartment, behind the produce drawer, or on the bottom of the fridge. This clog is caused by food and other debris, which can prevent the defrost cycle from running correctly. If this is the case, you can remove the freezer food and use a pipe cleaner to clear out the blockage. You can also try to force water through the drain hose with a turkey baster or other nozzle.
Finally, if you are still seeing a lot of water on the floor of your refrigerator, it might be because the refrigerator’s water inlet valve is faulty or damaged. This is usually located on the back of the refrigerator or under the sink, but it might be in a more awkward location on some models. To inspect the water inlet valve, turn off the fridge’s water supply, then disconnect it and look for signs of damage. If the valve is faulty, you should replace it.
Temperature control issues
The thermistor is a sensor in your fridge that monitors the temperature and sends signals to other refrigerator parts. If the thermistor isn’t working properly, your refrigerator may not cool. To test a thermistor, you’ll need to shut off power to the appliance and remove the access panel. Once you can see the individual connectors, use a multimeter to check for continuity. If the thermistor has continuity throughout all dial settings, it’s time to call a professional.
A faulty door seal is another common refrigerator problem that can lead to inconsistent cooling, food spoiling, and high energy bills. The gasket seals can wear out or become loose, allowing warm air to leak into the fridge. You can replace these seals yourself by purchasing a new one from the manufacturer’s website and following instructions to install it. You can also try soaking the old seal in hot water to make it more flexible and lining it with petroleum jelly.
Other signs of a fridge that isn’t cold enough include frost buildup in the freezer, frequent cycling on and off, and higher than usual energy bills. These are all problems that could be caused by a malfunctioning thermostat or blocked air vents, and should be addressed by a professional.
While a few simple refrigerator repairs can be done at home, it’s important to recognize when expert intervention is needed for safety and efficiency. Attempting more extensive repairs, like replacing a compressor or addressing refrigerant leaks, can lead to expensive damages that are better handled by a professional. For your peace of mind and to keep your fridge running at its best, consider a refrigerator repair plan from Asurion Appliance+. We cover all your eligible appliances, no matter where or when you bought them, and include 24/7 troubleshooting support. Learn more about our plans today.
Faulty parts
Refrigerators have many moving parts that can break or become worn out over time. Some refrigerator repair issues can be fixed at home with simple troubleshooting, but others require the expertise of a professional appliance technician. Understanding how refrigerator parts function and how they work together can help you spot problem areas so that you can call in a service technician when necessary.
A faulty thermostat can prevent your fridge from cooling or freezing properly. A thermistor is a resistor sensor that uses temperature readings to control the internal temperature of your fridge. It will send a signal to the refrigerator’s central control panel if it senses that internal temperatures are not consistent with their set points.
An electric fan motor helps regulate refrigerator temperature by drawing air through the condenser coils and compressor. If the fan motor is broken or making unusual noises, it may need to be replaced.
Other common mechanical parts that can break include the door seals, which ensure a tight fit when the refrigerator is closed. When the door seals wear out, warm air can enter the fridge, forcing the cooling system to work harder. Replacing the seals can improve your refrigerator’s efficiency.
Over time, the condenser fan can also break or make strange sounds. This is because the bearings can wear out or get gummed up with dirt and dust. It is important to clean your refrigerator’s condenser fan on a regular basis to avoid this type of breakdown.
Another electrical component that can break down is the start relay, which is responsible for triggering the refrigerator’s compressor to start and run. Replacing the start relay can resolve cooling problems and ensure that your fridge is running properly.
A clogged drain pan can also lead to a refrigerator leak. It is important to regularly check the condition of your fridge’s drain pan and replace it when necessary.
Finally, an improperly leveled refrigerator can cause water to spill over onto the floor. To check a fridge’s level, remove the fridge and use a bubble level to gauge its evenness from side to side and front to back. If you notice that your refrigerator is tilting, adjust the refrigerator feet using the adjustable feet to correct the issue.
Strange noises
Refrigerators make a variety of noises even when they are operating normally. However, some of them can be quite disturbing, especially at night. Identifying and addressing fridge noises quickly is essential to ensuring optimal function and prolonging its lifespan.
Refrigeration noises are often a result of thermal expansion and contraction of the refrigerator’s plastic fabric. This causes it to rattle when exposed to sudden temperature changes. While this can be a nuisance, it’s usually not a sign of significant issues. However, unusual noises like buzzing or humming can indicate a problem with the compressor or fan motor.
Rattling sounds often come from the sides or back of the fridge, especially when it is not positioned correctly. It may also be caused by the ice maker or defrost cycle making noise when they start.
Fridges can make hissing or sizzling noises when a refrigerant leak occurs. This is a serious problem that requires immediate attention. If left unchecked, it can lead to freezer damage, food spoilage, and health risks.
If your refrigerator is making these hissing or sizzling noises, turn it off and unplug it immediately. Then, call a professional technician to inspect and repair the fridge’s components to ensure safe operation.
Another common cause of fridge hissing is the freezer coil being frozen. This can happen if the freezer is overpacked or not properly stocked, so that items push against each other and make contact with the coil. In some cases, a simple solution like reorganizing and moving the items around can fix this issue.
Frozen coils can also cause a humming noise in the freezer compartment. This is a sign that the freezer has a problem with its circulator fan. In this case, it may need a manual or automatic defrost to clear out the ice buildup and prevent the fan from malfunctioning.
Similarly, if your refrigerator is making a buzzing sound, it is probably time to replace the fridge’s condenser fan or compressor. This can be a costly repair, but it’s always better to do it before the problem worsens.