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Common Refrigeration Problems and How to Fix Them

Refrigerators are an integral part of our lives, keeping all our food and perishables cool. You can also use them as grocery or storage bags. Refrigerators can become a little finicky, especially if something is off with the temperature, the seals, or the appliance’s operation. Things that go wrong can range from finding a small pool of water in front of the fridge to food spoiling because it’s not being kept cold enough.
But several of these bumps can be smoothed using easy remedies. A Local Refrigerator Repair Service can also help with complex issues. In this article, we explore common refrigeration problems and simple ways that you can fix them without breaking the bank.
Understanding Refrigeration Systems
To appreciate the refrigeration system and refrigeration troubleshooting, you first have to understand the components of the system.
The basic components of the refrigerator system are:
- Compressor – pushes the refrigerant around the system. It’s made to compress the refrigerant from a low-pressure gas to a high-pressure gas.
- Evaporator – receives heat from the refrigerator and cools the interior of the refrigerator.
- Condenser – heat is given off to the surrounding air after the absorbed heat is released from inside the fridge.
- Refrigerant – this is the liquid that flows through the refrigerator and is responsible for heat removal. It enables cooling by cycling through the compression and expansion phases.
All of these components work in tandem to cool your refrigerator. An issue with any of these can lead to poor function or total breakdown.
Common Refrigeration Problems and Their Fixes
Here’s what might be ailing your fridge — and what you can do about it.
Refrigerator Not Cooling Properly
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Verify the thermostat is set properly.
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Clean the condenser to ensure there is no dust buildup.
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Ensure the evaporator fan is working.
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Check for blocked vents.
Refrigerator Leaking Water
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If the refrigerator is leaking water, ensure the drain pans are well-aligned and that they aren’t leaking.
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Check that there are no clogged defrost drains.
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Ensure the refrigerator doors close properly.
Strange Noises
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Tighten loose nuts and screws.
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Ensure there are no vibrating items in the refrigerator.
The Refrigerator is Cycling Too Frequently
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Check to see if the thermostat is working well.
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Clean the coil.
Below are some Common Refrigerator Troubleshooting Tips that will help you out. When you have larger issues at hand, not to worry – Chill Heating & Cooling has you covered with the best service, HVAC products, and guaranteed customer satisfaction.
Should You Call a Professional?
When you notice common refrigeration problems, the above simple fix may work. However, there are problems that only a professional can tackle.
Here are five indicators that you should not ignore, and when to call a professional to take a look at your refrigerator.
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Ongoing cooling problems: If your refrigerator isn’t staying cool, apply the solutions we’ve covered. But if the problem persists, then it’s time to contact an appliance repair professional who can fix the fridge.
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Electrical problems: Googling is great, but you do not want to mess around with electricity, so call in a professional when the wiring starts to play up.
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Refrigerant leaks: Leaks can only be addressed by a professional.
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Whenever you smell something unusual and suspect a leak, it is time to call a professional.
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Persistent vibration of the refrigerator: When a fridge is vibrating, there may be a compressor issue. Call an expert to check it.
As with any work-related job, to keep things safe and to keep legalities in check, always hire licensed professionals. Also, make certain that your repair person has experience with your refrigerator model, whether it’s a private or Commercial Unit.
Preventive Maintenance Tips
Prevention, as they say, is the best cure. There are many good things that come with regularly performing PM on your refrigerator.
Here are some refrigerator maintenance tips:
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Clean the refrigerator coil every six to 12 months. This ensures proper cooling.
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Make sure the door gasket is in good working order to avoid the fridge leaking water and poor cooling. Replace them when needed.
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Have a professional, licensed tech look at it regularly.
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Position the refrigerator on a level and solid floor.
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Monitor the temperature.
In Conclusion
It is important to resolve refrigerator problems quickly to avoid further issues and damage. Refrigeration troubleshooting will also save you some cash and time down the line when your machine is running more efficiently. Next time you spot something wrong, do a little troubleshooting on your refrigerator with a professional and check the following: make sure it stays well-maintained, and consider contacting a professional for more complicated problems. What are the most common issues with your refrigerator?