How to troubleshoot a fridge:
Every home should have at least one fridge as one of its functional appliances. It is beneficial for preserving food, drinks, and other items that spoil easily, allowing them to retain their freshness for a longer period of time. However, just like any other appliance, a refrigerator, when it gets old, it can start having problems. In this piece, we will go over some of the more common problems that can arise with a refrigerator, as well as some solutions to those problems.
The refrigerator is not cooling:
Checking the temperature setting on your fridge should be the first thing you do if it is not cooling properly. Check that the temperature is set to the appropriate level. If the temperature has been correctly set, then you should inspect the condenser coils. A buildup of dust and dirt on the condenser coils can reduce the efficiency of those coils, causing the refrigerator to work harder than it should and not cool as it should. To clean the condenser coils, unplug the refrigerator, and then use a brush with soft bristles to remove the dust and dirt that has accumulated on them.
Fridge making strange noises:
It’s possible that the evaporator fan motor is to blame for the peculiar sounds that your refrigerator is making. It is the job of the evaporator fan motor to move the cool air from the freezer into the fridge. If there is something wrong with it, it may make some peculiar noises. To diagnose and fix this problem, unplug the fridge and remove the back panel from the freezer section of the appliance. Check to see if there is any damage or obstruction on the fan blades. If any of the fan blades are damaged in any way, new ones will have to be installed.
Fridge leaking water:
Check the drain pan if you notice water leaking from your fridge. The drain pan is situated beneath it, and its primary function is to collect any water that may condense on the evaporator coils. When the drain pan is full, it has the potential to overflow, which will result in water leaking onto the floor. To investigate and solve this problem, unplug the refrigerator and take out the drain pan. After you have finished using it, empty it and wash it in warm soapy water.
Problems with the refrigerator door not properly closing:
If the door to your fridge doesn’t seem to be closing all the way, check the door gasket. The rubber seal that goes around the door of the refrigerator and prevents air from getting in or out of the appliance is called the door gasket. It’s possible that the door won’t properly close if the door gasket is dirty or has been damaged in some way. In order to solve this problem, you should wash the door gasket with warm soapy water and inspect it for any signs of damage. Should there be any damage to the gasket, it will need to be replaced.
The freezer isn’t producing any ice:
Check the water supply if the ice maker in your fridge isn’t working. In order for the ice maker to function properly, the water supply to the refrigerator needs to be turned on. Check the water filter to see if the water supply is turned on. The ice maker’s ability to function properly can be hindered if the water filter is clogged, dirty, or both. In order to troubleshoot this issue, you should try making ice again after first replacing the water filter.
Problems with the fridge and freezer:
Check the evaporator coils if the freezer in your fridge is not functioning properly. Evaporator coils are what bring the temperature down in the freezer section of it. It is possible for them to impede the proper operation of the freezer if they are soiled or covered in frost. To diagnose and fix this problem, unplug the refrigerator and remove the back panel from the freezer section of the appliance. After defrosting the evaporator coils with a hairdryer, wash them in warm soapy water to remove any residue.
Problems with the refrigerator’s compressor:
It is possible that a faulty start relay or overload protector is the cause of your fridge compressor not operating properly. The start relay and the overload protector are the components of the system that are accountable for turning on the compressor. In the event that they are defective, they have the potential to prevent the compressor from starting. Unplug the fridge so you can locate the start relay and the overload protector so you can troubleshoot the problem. Examine them closely for any obvious signs of wear and tear or flaws. In the event that they are defective, they will have to be replaced.
If you are familiar with the most common problems and how to fix them, troubleshooting your refrigerator can be a straightforward and easy task. In addition to preventing a wide variety of issues, routine cleaning and maintenance can also extend the life of your refrigerator.
See also: How to shop for a fridge
