Refrigerators are the stoic giants of the kitchen. Sometimes it seems as if the fridge just stands there for ages, silently doing its job without a single complaint. When the giant gets sick, however, you are soon to know. Food begins going bad, soda comes out lukewarm, and the motor runs at high speed. Fridges generally work for ages without a problem, but every once in a while they do fail. Knowing some basic fridge repair skills can save you money. Does this Spark an idea?
Stopped Running
If your refrigerator has stopped running, there are several possible causes. When you open up the fridge, check to see if the light comes on. If it does not, check to see if there is power from the outlet. Also listen for running motor sounds to ensure it does not have power. If you are sure, check to make sure the fridge is plugged in, and that the cord is not damaged in any way. If it is plugged in and free from damage, plug an appliance you know is working into the outlet your refrigerator is running from. If all these steps fail, there is likely an issue with the wiring on the inside of the fridge, the thermostat is not working, or the compressor has died.
Clogged Condenser
If the refrigerator is not cooling properly, check to make sure the fridge is running. Usually, poor cooling is due to a faulty or clogged condenser, or evaporator coils that are covered in frost. Condensers are a set of coils, usually underneath the refrigerator. The coils need to be cleaned regularly, or the fan cooling them gets clogged and will not move. If your fridge is experiencing cooling issues, turn it off momentarily, move it from its spot, and using a vacuum with a plastic nozzle on the end, vacuum and excess dust from underneath the fridge.
Evaporator Coils
Another probable cause of poor cooling conditions is excess frost buildup on the evaporator coils of your appliance. You cannot see the coils inside your fridge without dismantling a large panel, but a good indication that there is buildup on the coils is the presence of ice on the side walls, ceiling, and back of the fridge. A fridge is supposed to defrost regularly, so this sort of build up sometimes indicates a further issue with the defrosting system. You can solve the build up on the coils by doing your own defrost. Remove all food from the fridge, unplug it from the wall, and allow it to sit at room temperature for one to two days. You may wish to place a towel underneath the fridge. If this happens often, make sure to get your fridge checked by a professional.
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