411homerepair.com

Fridge Repair Common Issues and What They Mean

by Isaac Korff on Apr 4, 2016

We often get calls saying "I think my compressor is dead" and I ask why do you think your compressor is dead? "oh well my fridge isn't cooling, the freezer is working fine but the refrigerator isn't". In this case or any case when one apart, either the refrigerator or freezer working it means your compressor (engine) is running ok which is good news because it means you are not dealing with the worst-case scenario. I often tell people your engine is usually the last thing to go, don't assume the worst. Below are some of the most common problems in refrigerators.

Your refrigerator isn't cooling but you hear a fan working

Many people think it's the compressor running just not cooling, but it is more likely to be the evaporator fan motor that can work regardless of whether your refrigerator is cooling or not. 

The first thing you want to figure out is if your compressor is running or not. If it's not running, you might want to try and replace the overload relay start capacitor. This is like a surge protector start device for your compressor and often goes bad especially after power failures. 

Overload relay is easy to replace but beware if you have hardwood floors it's better to call a professional which has a special mat to move refrigerators and appliances. The tiniest scratch can cost you thousands of dollars and will not be worth it.

Your fridge is cooling but freezer isn't or the other way around

In this case, it might be once again the evaporator fan motor but it also might be a defrost issue creating a block of ice that prevents cold air from reaching one compartment to the other.

Frost inside the freezer or the refrigerator

Check if you left the door open if your gasket (Door seal) is good. If it has holes in it you need to change it as hot air turn into moist and ice inside.

If the seal is ok the problem likely to be a defrost issue which split to three, the heater, the bi-metal thermostat, and a defrost clock or the control board. (Some fridges have a defrost control board)

In case of a defrost issue you can buy yourself time by manually defrosting. You do this by unplugging the refrigerator for a few hours or a day and all the ice will melt.

Note: Make sure you keep a towel on the floor to absorb the ice that is going to melt. It is not recommended to do it if you have to leave the house.

Ice Maker not making ice

Water lines might be frozen clogged or cracked if the fridge is very old. The water valve might be damaged and need to be replaced.

What to do? If you see frost inside the freezer it's likely your water lines are frozen.

Note: Your freezer must be cold at the right temperature for your Ice maker to produce Ice.

Some refrigerators are different in the way they are built and work. Subzero Refrigerators have two compressors, one for the freezer and one for the fridge. Frigidaire refrigerators have damper controls. In some LG is enough that the door switch wouldn't work for the entire fridge not to work. Some Kenmore's are built by LG. Diagnosing the problem is two-thirds of a way of solving it. Before you do any repair make sure you are a hundred percent sure what's the problem.   

Appliance / Repair 4490 Views

Latest Articles

Navigating Singapore's Property Regulations: A Guide for Foreign Investors

Singapores property market has been attracting foreign investors for many years, thanks to its stable economy, strong legal system, and transparent...

on Mar 22, 2023

What Truck Size Do I Need to Move a 3-Bedroom House

Moving to a new home can be a complex and stressful process, but with the help of the right truck size, you can make it a smooth and seamless...

on Feb 13, 2023

Five Tips to Take Better Care of Your Basement Insulation

Basement waterproofing is an essential part of home maintenance, as it helps to protect the basement from moisture, flooding, and other...

on Feb 12, 2023

Homeowner In The UK? Here's Why You Need to Know about Rainwater Drainage Systems

In the United Kingdom, there is an average of around 1,200 millimeters of rainfall annually. Keeping rainwater out of your home and away from your...

on Feb 2, 2023

What are the Advantages of a Metal Roof

Metal roofing is durable and beautiful, allowing a home to stand out from others with conventional tiled roofs. A metal coating can last a...

on Feb 1, 2023

Sponsored Articles

Actions

More DIY Articles

5 Tips to Dust Your Home Efficiently

Absolutely everyone likes a clean house. A house with just a bit too much grime and gross stuff hanging around isn’t going to be impressing any of...

Interior Design / Decor

3 Tips for Hiring a Property Manager

Whether you are leasing one property or a high-rise full of condos, getting the right property manager on board saves you time, stress and cash in...

Real Estate / Finance

Pennsylvania Local Builders Associations

Find a local builder or council, please contact the home builders' association (HBA) in your area.

Builders Associations

Michigan Local Builders Associations

Find a local builder or council, please contact the home builders' association (HBA) in your area.

Builders Associations

Seven Most Obvious Signs You Need Roof Repair

Do you pay sufficient attention to the condition of your roof? If not, you should no longer take it for granted. These structures protect houses...

Roofing / Gutters

Contact Us | Submit Article | 411homerepair © 2023