Faulty refrigerator parts may result in spoiled food, ice buildup on shelves and other areas of the appliance, and excessive energy use. Taking the right course of action as soon as you notice these problems can help avoid long-term damage and cost.
Before you call a professional service person, check to make sure your fridge is plugged in and that the power cord is working properly. Contact Refrigerator Repair Orlando now!
The gaskets around the refrigerator and freezer compartment doors create an essential seal when closed, preventing cold air from escaping and warm air from entering. When these door gaskets become hard or cracked, their ability to perform this vital task drops significantly. To keep the refrigerator’s temperature stable and food fresh, these gaskets need to be cleaned, resealed, or replaced as needed.
One of the best ways to maintain refrigerator gaskets is to wipe them down regularly. Over time, spills, grime, and dust can build up on the seals, coating them in gummy residue that interferes with their ability to form an airtight seal. Regular cleanings help prevent this from happening, and it only takes a few minutes each month to make a big difference.
A simple test can help determine if the refrigerator’s gasket needs to be cleaned or replaced. Close the refrigerator door and then place a dollar bill between the gasket and the door frame. If the dollar bill slides out with little resistance, the seal is fine; if it offers some tension, the gasket may need to be cleaned or replaced. Repeat this test at several points around the refrigerator door to check if the results are consistent.
If the gasket needs to be replaced, it will need to be cut to size to ensure a snug fit. If the refrigerator is older, there will likely be screws that secure the old gasket to the door liner; loosen these with a screwdriver and then pull out the old gasket. It’s a good idea to purchase a replacement that is made specifically for your refrigerator model. Generic options often don’t provide a tight seal and can lead to inefficiencies and spoilage.
Once the new gasket is in place, reseal it with petroleum jelly (AKA vaseline). This will help improve its flexibility and prevent cracks from forming. Be careful not to overdo it with the grease, though; too much can cause the fridge door to open and close unevenly, leading to leaks. Also, be sure to re-tighten the screws that hold the door liner to the refrigerator door shell, as these can loosen over time.
Condenser Coils
The refrigerator’s condenser coils are a vital component that help to cool the refrigerator. They’re located either in the back underneath the appliance or in front across the bottom. These coils are able to dissipate heat that’s generated by the refrigerator’s compressor, but they can become clogged with dust and pet hair over time. This makes it harder for the fridge to properly cool and can lead to higher electricity costs.
The best way to prevent this is by keeping up with cleaning routines. Ideally, you should vacuum and brush the coils every three to four months to keep them clean and free of debris. This will not only help to avoid costly repairs, but also ensure that your fridge is working optimally.
Before you start to clean the refrigerator’s coils, make sure that it is turned off and unplugged. This will help to prevent any accidents or injuries that could occur while you’re trying to work on the appliance. You’ll also want to turn off the house circuit breaker that powers the refrigerator, just to be extra safe.
Next, you’ll need to remove the grille that covers the coils. This can be done by moving the fridge forward enough to access the back panel and using a screwdriver to remove the cover. Once the grille is removed, you can use a vacuum cleaner with a long, narrow attachment to remove any dirt and dust that’s built up on the coils. Once the coils are clean, you can replace the grille and plug in your fridge.
While you’re removing the grille and accessing the coils, it’s a good idea to also clean the condenser fan, which is usually located in the back of the refrigerator near the coils. You’ll need to move the fridge slightly and pull out the back access panel, which can be done by unscrewing or releasing clips on the back of the appliance. Once the fan is exposed, you can clean it with a vacuum cleaner and a coil brush, just like you did for the coils.
By taking the time to keep your refrigerator’s coils clean, you can rest assured that it will continue working effectively for years to come. As an added bonus, it can help to lower your energy bills and keep your food fresher for longer.
Condenser Fan
Your refrigerator is a big part of the comfort and convenience of your home. But like other appliances in your household, it can break down and need repair. When that happens, you need to take steps to fix it right away. Otherwise, your food will spoil and lead to costly losses.
While it may seem tempting to try to handle a refrigerator or freezer repair job on your own, these machines are complex and require specialized skills. You could ruin the appliance or injure yourself trying to do it on your own.
One of the most common problems with a fridge is when the compressor fails. This is an electric pump that houses the refrigerant gas that cools the foods stored inside your refrigerator. Faulty compressors are a sure sign that your fridge needs to be repaired. You can usually spot this problem when you notice your fridge is unusually loud or the light inside isn’t working.
A faulty compressor is the most serious problem that can occur with your refrigeration system. It is responsible for turning gaseous refrigerant into a liquid state, which then travels through the condenser coil to cool your refrigerator and eventually back out to your home’s evaporator coil. In order for this process to work properly, the compressor needs a working fan to blow air over the condenser coils and cool them.
The fan also helps prevent heat from accumulating within the condenser, which can damage the compressor and cause it to overheat. A faulty fan motor can often be the cause of this problem.
It’s important to keep the ventilation space surrounding your condenser free of obstructions to ensure it can dissipate heat efficiently. Additionally, regularly cleaning your refrigerator will help prevent dust and debris from building up around the condenser.
A clogged condenser can cause the fan to overheat and stop working, which can lead to expensive repairs or even a replacement. You should always have a qualified technician handle your refrigerator fan motor maintenance to ensure the health of your refrigerator and avoid unnecessary expenses.
Drain Pan
One of the most common fridge problems is water leaking from the refrigerator. This can be a sign of a broken ice maker or water dispenser, or it can simply indicate that the lining on the drain pan is cracked. While these problems are typically best handled by a professional, you can take some basic troubleshooting steps at home to get the problem under control and prevent food loss and mold growth.
The first step is to determine where the leak is coming from. If there are puddles on the floor or in the fridge, you need to unplug the fridge and open it to see what is causing it. If the puddles are located in the freezer, you may have a blocked defrost drain. To solve this, locate the drain pan (usually behind the freezer light) and pour some warm water down it to thaw it and remove any food particles that may have accumulated in there. You should also try using a turkey baster filled with warm water to squirt water down the defrost drain in the back of your fridge to clear any mold growths or other obstructions.
You should also check to make sure your fridge is plugged in and that it’s receiving power from the outlet. If the fridge is not getting power, it’s likely that a fuse or circuit breaker is tripped and needs to be reset. Finally, you should check the voltage of the fridge’s electrical cord to make sure it’s within its operating range.
A final note: if you notice the puddles are forming in the freezer area, you may need to replace the drip pan. These are relatively inexpensive, but can be difficult to access and install without the proper tools.
If you’re unable to fix your leaking fridge by using these simple tips, then it’s time to call in a professional appliance repair technician. Our refrigerator experts can assess your fridge and determine what the cause is. They can also fix it for you if needed, which will save you both time and money.