Refrigerator Repair Troubleshooting

Refrigerators run all day, every day, to chill and store food, making them one of the best and most important inventions of all time. In fact, you'll find one in 99.5 percent of American households. But what can you do if your refrigerator stops working properly? When your fridge is on the fritz, All Mesa Appliance Repair says: "Keep your "cool" and troubleshoot common problems with the following tips. (See refrigerator diagram)

Does your refrigerator and/or freezer:

 

Symptom:	Refrigerator Repair Troubleshooting Tips:
Make strange sounds/noises	Some level of hissing and popping is normal for frost-free refrigerator models. Locate the sound (i.e., front, back, inside, bottom). Check for faulty evaporator, condenser and compressor fans and mounts-replace if necessary.   Noises coming from inside the fresh food compartment indicate a faulty defrost timer.
Stay warm/Not get cold enough   (Ideal temperature settings: Refrigerators: 36 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit/ Freezers: 0 to 8 degrees Fahrenheit)	Try testing the temperature setting first. Additional troubleshooting tips: Assure there is sufficient room for air flow (both inside and outside the unit); check door seals, evaporator and condenser fans; check for a blocked drain tube or a coolant leak. In the case of coolant leaks, call an appliance repair expert.
Run all the time	Continuously running for more than a 24-hour period may indicate a problem. Try cleaning the condenser coils (underneath the unit), or checking the door seals or testing the door switch. There might also be a coolant leak. Note that it is common for units to run (in an attempt to cool down) after temperature adjustments, after being loaded or if located in a humid environment.
Leak water inside unit	Check for a blocked drain tube. Unplug the unit and locate the drain plug near the back or bottom of the main compartment.
Leak water on floor	Check the drain pan. If you have an icemaker, check for a leak in the water supply hose. Also, if the refrigerator is completely level or tipped slightly forward, the water may not be able to drain properly.   Apart from leaks, consider cleaning the drain pan periodically to prevent mold.
Have ice buildup (freezer)	Check the door gasket for leaks. Place a flashlight in the freezer, pointing the beam towards the door. If light is still visible when the door is closed, the gasket should be replaced. Purchase gaskets from the manufacturer or a large-appliance retailer.

 

Many more things can affect the performance of your refrigerator, including age, manufacturer, placement and unit design (e.g., side-by-side). In all cases, unplug your refrigerator or freezer unit before attempting repairs!

 

The average refrigerator will last 14 to 17 years with regular maintenance. Call All Mesa Appliance Repair for more refrigerator troubleshooting tips or help with proper refrigerator/freezer disposal.

 

Save money-choose energy efficient appliances.

Refrigerator diagram

Credit: This material is reproduced with permission of John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Original

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About All Mesa Appliance Repair
We offer full home appliances & air conditioning repair & service. 
We offer same/next day service to all valley cities. (80% of jobs are same day) 
We have good prices for new air conditioning unit instillation. 

We're friendly &  professional. Licensed & Insure. EPA Certified. (HVAC) 
We repair the following appliances : refrigerators, fridges, ice makers ovens, stoves, dishwashers, washers and dryers.

Call (480) 347-9775