We all know that even the best appliances will eventually have problems. Regular maintenance and knowing what to look for can help thwart unexpected repairs. Let’s take a look at some of the most common refrigerator failures and offer tips for what to do when they occur.
Troubleshooting Most Common Refrigerator Problems
#1 Refrigerator Not Cooling
At times you may discover your refrigerator is not cooling properly. This is a common refrigerator failure, but often an easy fix. If applicable, remove the front bottom panel, or pull the refrigerator out and check the condenser coils. The condenser coils are usually located under the refrigerator.
These condenser coils are responsible for dissipating heat as the refrigerant passes through them. When the dispenser coils get covered with dirt and debris, they can’t do their job, causing your refrigerator to not cool properly. If your condenser coils are dirty, unplug the refrigerator and clean the coils. This is a good maintenance task to perform periodically to ensure the condenser coils stay clean and your refrigerator maintains proper temperature.
#2 Refrigerator Ice Maker Not Working
If you discover your ice maker not producing the amount of ice it should be, first check to make sure the freezer temperature is set correctly. The freezer temperature should be set somewhere between 0 and 5 degrees Fahrenheit. If your freezer gets above 10 degrees Fahrenheit, your ice maker won’t work properly.
In addition, it would be wise to check the evaporator coils to make sure they aren’t frosted over. If the evaporator coils are covered with frost, it’s possible your defrost system is not functioning properly, which will ultimately cause your ice maker to not work properly.
#3 Refrigerator is Loud
You’ve noticed your refrigerator has become unusually loud. Check both the evaporator fan blade and the condenser fan blade to make sure they are free from obstruction. With the refrigerator disconnected from the power supply, manually turn the fan blades. If the fan does not turn freely, it may need to be replaced. If you’ve found an obstruction preventing the fan from rotating, clear it away and make sure the fan operates properly once the power supply is restored.
#4 Refrigerator Runs Constantly
The condenser coils are usually located underneath the refrigerator. When these coils get dirty, they prevent the refrigerator from efficiently dissipating heat and cooling the internal temperature of the refrigerator. Dirty condenser coils are among the most common refrigerator problems people face.
Check the condenser coils. If the coils are dirty, especially if they’re severely dirty, the refrigerator will run constantly trying to cool things down. Plan to clean the condenser coils periodically; at least every 6 months.
#5 Refrigerator Water Dispenser Not Working
If your water dispenser is not working, you may have a frozen water tube. The easiest way to check if the water tube is frozen is to disconnect the tube from the bottom of the door. Blow air into the tube – if air does not blow through the tube, it is likely frozen. If so, thaw the water tube and check to make sure the freezer is maintaining proper temperature, between 0 and 5 degrees Fahrenheit. If your freezer temperature is too cold, it will freeze the water tube.
Do I Need to Call a Technician?
It’s always a safe bet to call a licensed technician to service and repair your appliances. Your local technician is trained and equipped to diagnose and repair any common refrigerator failures you may have and more. Don’t hesitate to call a professional to ensure your appliances are operating efficiently- you can’t put a price tag on peace of mind.
