As easy as they are to operate, refrigerators are quite complex based on their internal components. They consist of many components, some of which the average user may not know anything about. So, when you face any issue with your refrigerator, you might not know how to solve it.
But in some cases, it is possible to fix the problem at home. Otherwise, you can always approach a professional. Looking for help on how to proceed with the various common refrigerator problems? You have come to the right place.
7 Most Common Refrigerator Issues: How to deal with them?
There is a wide range of problems you may encounter while using your refrigerator. But, some of them are more common as compared to others. You may have to contact refrigerator repair services for some of them.
Before that, you might want to look into the problem yourself and try to find a solution. So, here are some of the frequently occurring refrigerator issues and how you must proceed with solving them.
1. Not cooling properly
Sometimes, you may find that your refrigerator doesn’t cool as much as it’s supposed to. Not only that, but you may even find it warm in some cases. This is worrying for sure as the food you kept in it will get spoiled. So, you need to find a quick solution.
Why does your refrigerator face this issue?
In case you’re wondering, there could be various causes; this includes a dirty condenser coil and a malfunctioning condenser fan motor. In the former case, you must properly clean the condenser coil. Make sure no dust is left on it; otherwise, that’ll affect its capability to eject heat.
In case the problem lies in the condenser fan motor, the issue is quite complicated for an average user. In that case, you must contact a professional to repair or replace it.
2. Food gets frozen
You would want a temperature in your fridge that is enough to keep your food fresh. But, when it starts freezing the food, that is quite an undesirable result. So, this is definitely an issue, and you might wonder about its reason.
The latest models come with a thermostat that allows you to set the optimal temperature. You might sometimes set it too low unknowingly. In that case, you can turn it back to a suitable temperature to solve the issue. But, if the thermostat is faulty, you can’t fix the problem by yourself unless you are a professional. So, you must contact a reliable appliance repair service and get it fixed.
Sometimes, the problem might lie in the main control board. In that case, you need to replace it with professional help. Apart from that, there are other possible causes as well. So, if you can’t understand why you’re facing this problem, you must hire a technician.
3. Unable to make ice
The latest refrigerator models come with ice makers for the user’s convenience. Just like all the other components, this one may face various problems as well. Sometimes, you might not get any ice from the ice maker. This problem usually indicates a clog in the water filter or the supply line.
If the problem lies in the filter, you need to contact a professional and get it replaced. But in case of a clogged supply line, you can save it at home by yourself. This issue indicates frozen water inside the line. So, you must switch off the refrigerator for at least an hour and allow it to melt. But, if it still can’t make any ice after that, you must hire a technician.
4. Leaks of water
If you see the appliance leaking, you would want a solution as soon as possible. Now, this issue might indicate various problems in different parts of the refrigerator. First, you must look for damages to the water inlet valve or drain pan. Apart from that, look for cracks on the head or housing of the water filter as well.
Also, don’t forget to check for cracks in the water tank assembly. Do you find any damage on any of these parts? If yes, then you must call a refrigerator technician immediately. An average user doesn’t have the skills or equipment to repair these damages.
In case you find no damages, a frozen or clogged defrost drain might cause the issue. If that’s the case, you can check them and fix the problem yourself.
5. Water dispenser failure
Most of the latest refrigerator models come with a water dispenser as well. It is very convenient for getting a glass of drinking water anytime. But sometimes, you might find that it isn’t working properly.
If you’re facing this issue, there are a few different causes behind it. First, you must check whether you need to replace your water filter. Then, make sure that the water lines aren’t clogged. Also, check if there’s a clog in the dispenser tube. If it’s broken, you must contact a professional and get it replaced without further delay.
In some cases, this problem indicates a frozen water line. In that case, you need to defrost it by unplugging the appliance for an hour. Apart from that, you must also check the pressure switch and door switch for any damage. Based on that, you need to get them replaced if need be. Sometimes, a faulty control board is also responsible for the issue. So, you may need to replace this component as well.
6. Fails to defrost
The defrost function is a crucial one for your refrigerator. If it fails, you’ll find ice building up inside the appliance. As a result, it will freeze the food stores on the trays. Now, there can be various causes behind this problem. Moreover, you generally need professional help to deal with it, regardless of the cause. The defrost timer is responsible for starting the defrosting cycle. If there’s any fault with it, you need to find an optimal replacement part for it.
The defrost thermostat is yet another possible culprit behind this. Apart from that, you need to check the main control board and the defrost fuse and sensor as well. If any of them has developed a fault, you must replace them with professional help.
7. Cycle runs endlessly
Your refrigerator isn’t supposed to run the cooling cycle all the time, and if it does so, there’s an issue with it. Also, it will increase your electricity bills significantly, so you’d want to deal with it immediately. Make sure that you’ve set the temperature low enough to provide optimal cooling. If you haven’t, the appliance will run the cycle frequently. In that case, you can fix the problem by reducing the temperature.
Apart from that, make sure that the condenser coils are clean. They can’t keep out the heat if there’s dust accumulated on them. As a result, the appliance has to run the cooling cycle longer than usual. Are you still facing this problem? In that case, you must contact a professional to inspect the appliance and provide the best solution.
What is the most common problem with refrigerators?
The most common problem with refrigerators is that they do not cool properly. This can be caused by a variety of issues, such as a malfunctioning thermostat, a clogged condenser coil, or a problem with the compressor. Other common problems include leaks, strange noises, and problems with the door seal. It is important to have a trained professional diagnose and repair any issues with your refrigerator.
What maintenance does a refrigerator need?
A refrigerator typically requires the following types of maintenance:
Cleaning: Clean the interior and exterior of the refrigerator with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Be sure to also clean the door gasket and the condenser coils (usually located on the back of the refrigerator or underneath it) to ensure proper cooling.
Organization: Keep the refrigerator organized by regularly discarding expired or spoiled food and grouping similar items together. This will make it easier to find what you need and reduce energy consumption.
Temperature: Keep the temperature at the correct setting, usually between 37 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit for the fresh food compartment, and 0 degrees Fahrenheit for the freezer.
Leveling: Make sure the refrigerator is level to ensure that the door seal is making proper contact and that the compressor is working efficiently.
Water filter replacement: If your refrigerator has a water dispenser or an ice maker, make sure to replace the water filter as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
It’s recommended to check the owner’s manual for specific maintenance instructions for the make and model of your refrigerator.
How has the refrigerator improved?
Refrigerators have improved in many ways over the years. Some of the key improvements include:
Increased energy efficiency: Newer refrigerators use much less energy than older models, thanks to advances in insulation, compressor technology, and temperature controls. This can save money on energy bills and reduce environmental impact.
Better temperature control: Modern refrigerators have more precise temperature controls, allowing for better preservation of food and drink.
Larger capacity: refrigerators have been getting bigger in recent years, with more cubic feet of storage space, this allows for more food storage and less frequent trips to the grocery store.
Smart features: Many refrigerators now come equipped with smart features such as WiFi connectivity, remote temperature monitoring and control, and even the ability to order groceries directly from the fridge.
Design: refrigerators have become more design-friendly, with different colors and designs that can match with the kitchen decor.
Additional Features: Some refrigerators now have additional features such as water dispensers, ice makers, and through-the-door water and ice dispensers, which provide additional convenience and convenience.
French Door and side-by-side configuration: These type of refrigerator are becoming increasingly popular as they offer a lot of space and easy access to all compartments.
Conclusion
The problems listed here are among the most common ones that show up on your refrigerator. Many of them have a simple solution that you can apply by yourself.
But in case you can’t fix them, you must contact a professional experienced in dealing with refrigerator problems. You wouldn’t want the situation to turn into a critical one.
