5 Common Fridge and Freezer Problems and how to Repair Them

Equipping your home with all the necessary stuff is how you and your family ensure that you have a comfortable time living inside of it. A home is not a home without the right things that make everyday life easier. Having a place to call your own means having everything you need inside of it. The less you have to rely on outside help, the better. This is why it is the dream of more and more people to have versatile homes that make sense and that actually have perks instead of simply having lavish mansions. From furniture that fulfills all of your comfort needs to appliances that make cooking, storage, heating, and cooling easier, there is a lot to dissect when talking about what a home needs.

The Most Necessary of the Bunch

In this article however, we are focusing only on a single thing, one without which no home can function properly in the modern world. If you mean for your family to thrive and to have what it needs each and every day, you will need these two things. On top of that, if you want to live like every other 21st century individual, you definitely need them. And if you want the heart of every home that is the kitchen to be stocked and ready to be cooked and dined in, these two appliances are crucial. We are of course talking about the refrigerator and the freezer, which are of course one and the same device these days. Without a combo fridge to keep food and drinks in and preserve them for days or even weeks, there is no modern living.

Caring For It

Source: marthastewart.com

As with any other thing in life, especially as important as this, you need to take good care of it if you want it to last you a long time. Fridges and freezers have always been among the sturdiest and durable kitchen (and home) appliances, right up there with cookers and washing machines. Once you invest in a good model you should be fine for at least a few decades. That is, if you care for it and maintain it as much as it requires you to. The good news is that fridges and freezers do not require a lot of maintenance, but there are things you have to do on a regular basis if you want them to reach their maximum lifespan.

The basics include regular cleaning and washing both on the exterior and the interior. As something that is in contact with food and drinks, it can get messy rather quickly. All the half-consumed bottles, containers, plates with leftovers, and even fresh ingredients or produce can make it dirty. Spills are everywhere and condensation alone is enough to make things messy. Cleaning the fridge is important because a lot of buildup can prevent it from working optimally and consume more electricity for less performance. Speaking of performance, there is no need to keep the fridge cooling to the max all the time. Somewhere around 60% to 70% is plenty for all the things inside to be preserved and still the right temperature for instant consumption.

Smart choices and proper use of both the fridge and the freezer are also important. Avoid leaving things without lids inside to prevent odors from escaping and spoiling other stuff. Always close things. Use tin or aluminum foil if you do not have enough glassware or tupperware. An important thing to remember is to never put in warm, hot, and especially not boiling hot things. The steam will turn into water and the water will cause ice to build up all over the interior, which you will then have to eventually melt away. Mind the glass shelves and put the heaviest things on the bottom. Doing this will prolong the life of your device.

Solving Common Issues

Issues could still happen regardless of the amount of care you show. Therefore, you need to know how to repair them. Some things can only be repaired by professionals, so make sure to check out melbournemetrorefrigeration.com.au to learn more. There are however things you can do on your own:

1. Too Much Warmth

Source: easytechjunkie.com

If the fridge is warmer than the thermostat is showing, there can be several reasons for it. The doors may not be closing properly, the fridge could be overfilled and impossible to close all the way, or the thermostat could really be broken. Replacing the thermostat is a common DIY job that you can do on your own, especially if you are handy with tools and appliances. It could be complicated with new, modern fridges though so call a professional if you do not want to tinker with it.

2. Freezer Is Too Weak

Source: angi.com

If the freezer is not freezing things all the way or if already frozen items are defreezing, there could be a few things worth checking. Again, overfilling things could be an issue. Ice buildup may be the cause, which needs defrosting or at least scraping whenever you notice it. Not only will it hamper the freezing potential but you will be able to put less stuff inside. Finally, the condenser coils at the back may be in trouble. Dust buildup prevents proper cooling so get in there and clean it thoroughly. If the problem prevails, it is a more serious compressor, thermostat, or gas issue at which point you will need an expert.

3. Water Pooling And Leaking

Source: mrrooter.com

These two issues almost exclusively happen due to a blocked drain hole. Water condenses at the back of the fridge, which is normal as it is colder there. It should run down into a drain hole and evaporate due to the efforts of the compressor. If it does not, it will pool and leak. The reasons for this are usually easy to deal with. Clean the drain hole of any dust, dirt, or food waste and it should be fine again. Flushing it with water should do the trick, but cleaning it with thin items like straws or cotton buds is also viable.

4. More Noise Than Usual

Source: realtor.com

Fridges and freezers are (in)famous for the weird noises that seemingly appear out of nowhere and at random times. Humming of the compressor, whirring of the evaporator, cracking of ice… these are all normal. However, if there are new, unusual noises, it could point to a problem. A compressor failing or the evaporator tray moving out of place are usually causes of strange new noise. Evaporator trays are easily fixable, but a new compressor can set you back at least $180. Worst of all, you will need to hire a professional to perform the fix, which means an even costlier repair.

5. Light Not Working

Source: lightovo.com

To finish things off, if the light bulb is dead, you can easily repair it. All you need is a spare, and a screwdriver. If your fridge has a LED strip however, it is a tougher job and you will need a professional’s help.