Common Refrigeration Issues and How to Fix Them

The fridge is one of the most important appliances in a home- it will keep the food fresh for long, which means fewer trips. Just like any other appliance in your home, they can suffer from wear and tear. While there are problems that are more serious than others, many of them can be easily fixed within a short period of time without having to call in for a repair technician. Before you can even start to think about fixing a given problem, it is important to first find the source of the problem.

You should be paying close attention to any symptoms exhibited by the fridge to make it easier to find the source of the problem. Most of the problems can be fixed without the need for a technician or having to replace your fridge. The process can be as simple of turning on and off or buying replacement parts.

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Water leaks on the floor

This problem can be dangerous for people who walk around your kitchen. It can also be a little challenging because it can be caused by a number of things. The good part is that two of the most common causes have quick and easy fixes that can be done without the need of calling a repair technician.

One cause of water leaking on the floor is blocked defrost drain. The defrost drain is usually located at the back wall of the freezer. A buildup of debris or food particles can cause the clogging of the drain hose, which will result in ice buildup and water to leak out of the fridge. To fix the problem, you need to first drain the hole from the inside by using warm water. You can use a long and slender instrument like a turkey baster or pipe cleaner to remove the clog.

If you do this and the problem still persists, then you might have to remove the buildup clogging the valve at the end of the drain hose manually. Pull the fridge away so you can easily locate the defrost drain hose. This can be found on the back of the service panel. The hose usually has a rubber valve which helps in catching debris and preventing clogging. Use hot water and soap to wash the valve then reinstall it.

Another cause of water leakage is a frozen or clogged water supply. This can make the water dispenser and ice maker to stop functioning properly. If you want to fix such a problem, then you should unplug your fridge then locate the shut-off valve. This can be found under the skin, below the fridge in crawl space or basement, or behind the fridge. Once you have located it, ensure the shut-off valve has been closed, then see if there is a problem with the plastic supply line. If you find that it is torn or broken, then you will need to replace the water supply line.

The freezer is not cold enough

Have you started to notice that the food spoils quickly? Or you notice that the freezer is not as frosty as it used to be? Many people usually get this problem, and the good part is that it can be easily fixed. If you notice this problem with the freezer unit, start by checking if the back of the wall of your freezer is cold. If the back is cold, you can go ahead and try to hear whether the evaporator fan is making any sounds or the air flow from the vents of the freezer. If you are not able to feel them, then the problem could be with the evaporator fan. If you can hear the fan running and the air flowing, then you should have a look at the compressor. Try cleaning any dust that might be preventing the air from moving across the coils.

Cycling too often

There is no one who likes the sound of a noisy fridge. The noise can be inconvenient for most people, and it can lead to higher energy bills. There are a number of factors that can result in the fridge unit to cycle too often, with the one at the top of the list being the buildup dust and debris on the coils.

To fix the problem, start by unplugging the fridge. The condenser coils can be found at the bottom of the fridge and you can access them from the front or back. Start by locating the “grill “then pop out the snaps holding it in place. Once you do this, take a vacuum and use it to remove the debris. For those places that are hard to access, use a cloth to remove the debris and buildup. Once you finish doing this, put the grill back on then plug in your fridge.

Another thing that can result in your fridge cycling too often is having a low-temperature set. This can easily result in the food spoiling and your fridge will be working overtime to try and maintain the low temperatures. You should try setting it at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Check the thermostat of the fridge from time to time to make sure that it runs on the correct temperature. If you do this and the problem is not solved, call a repair technician because it could be a result of a defective part like a thermostat sensor or condenser fan motor.

The buildup of frost in the ice dispenser

This is a common problem that can be easily fixed. Your ice dispenser needs to open and close for the ice to fall. The “door” that opens and closes will allow the ice to fall, and this is referred to as a damper door. The damper door has been lined with a special material. The seal might not be tight if the door is dirt or malformed. When the seal is not tight, air can easily enter into the compartment. When the air that got in cools down, it will turn to frost, and this will result in cooling problems and airflow issues. For more information contact www.bluonenergy.com.