An improperly functioning refrigerator can quickly lead to food spoilage. While some problems may require simple home fixes, others require professional assistance.
If the fridge keeps running with an audible humming sound, this could be caused by an issue with its temperature control thermostat or evaporator coils. Use a multimeter to check these components for continuity.
Check the Power
Refrigerators are one of the great conveniences of modern life, so when they stop functioning it can feel like an emergency. While most refrigerator problems require professional help, others can be resolved with some know-how and knowledge.
First, ensure your fridge is connected and receiving power. Most models should feature an interior or rear sticker with information on its wattage needs; otherwise, check your owner’s manual for model-specific guidance.
Purchase an energy meter to monitor how much power your refrigerator is using and reduce your utility costs, especially if it is older.
Check the Condenser Fan
Refrigerators are one of the most energy-consuming appliances in a home, making it essential to keep its components clean. If your fridge keeps cycling on and off repeatedly or it simply won’t cool properly, this could be down to dirty condenser fan or coils; frequent cycling typically indicates this issue is present. Frequent cycling typically indicates condenser fan or coil clogging with dust, pet hair or food debris causing inefficient performance of cooling units.
Cleaning the condenser fan of your refrigerator is simple; all it requires is disconnecting and removing the rear access panel before vacuuming coils and fan blades with a brush attachment, replacing any worn out motors, and vacuuming once more before reconnecting and reconnecting your appliance.
When replacing the fan motor, make sure to also upgrade its start run capacitor. Running an expensive fan motor with an ineffective capacitor could lead to overheating and subsequent burnout.
Check the Defrost Timer
The defrost timer is an unrefined clock that alternates between defrosting mode and cooling mode in your refrigerator. When switched into defrost mode, cooling stops completely while heating is activated to melt any frozen frost in your freezer.
If the defrost timer is advancing into a defrost cycle and then abruptly ending too soon, check for issues with one of its termination controls. These controls are activated by an internal solenoid which responds to temperature switch mounted on your evaporator; once energized they should close at specific temperatures to end the defrost cycle.
One potential cause is a dirty evaporator coil or clogged defrost drain, as this could prevent airflow over the condenser and cause it to overheat. Clean these areas by vacuuming, vacuuming, and re-lubricating as appropriate before trying thumping rods on any blockages found.
Check the Evaporator Fan
If your refrigerator is making noise and buzzing, it may be time to inspect its evaporator fan. Housed within its freezer compartment, this fan pulls air over your fridge’s evaporator coils when your compressor runs; if its motor makes noise or shows signs of wear and tear it might need replacing.
You can get more refrigerator warranty help from Cinch here if necessary. But, on the whole, the tips above will surely help you.
