The refrigerator is a part of your kitchen that you don’t think about until it breaks. Then, it’s the first thing you want to replace. However, if you want to save money and get more life out of your fridge, there are some simple steps that will help prevent problems in the future.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Fixing a broken fridge can be easier than you think. |
| By following simple steps, you can save money on repair costs and extend the lifespan of your fridge. |
| Understanding common fridge issues and troubleshooting methods is key to successful repairs. |
| Regular maintenance, such as cleaning coils and checking seals, can prevent future problems. |
| If a repair seems daunting or the cost outweighs the benefits, it may be time to consider a replacement. |
Here’s how to fix your broken fridge and make sure it continues working for years to come:
Clean Your Fridge
Before you start fixing, clean the coils, condenser, and filters.
Clean the coils. Remove the back panel of your freezer and use a handheld vacuum cleaner to suck out all of the dust and debris that’s collected there. Be sure to remove any ice or frost that may have formed on top of them before cleaning them with warm water and soap (or vinegar).
While it may seem like a lot of work just to clean something so small, doing so will help improve the efficiency of your system—not only by keeping those parts free from grime but also because they can get too hot if they’re covered in dust!
Clean the condenser coils. If you need an extra hand getting all those little crevices clean using just your hands alone, try using an old toothbrush dipped in soapy water instead!
Then wipe them down with a paper towel before letting everything dry off completely by leaving both doors open overnight after turning off any fans inside (don’t worry about any moisture left behind being harmful).
You’ll want to check those filters regularly too: They should be replaced once every six months or so depending on usage levels within each household but don’t worry about replacing yours just yet; we’ll get into that later after we’ve gotten through everything else first since this step requires taking apart some parts which could cause injury if not done correctly!
Check out our guide on 10 Appliance Repair Hacks That Will Save You a Ton of Money to learn valuable tips for fixing your appliances without breaking the bank.
Know When To Repair, Versus Replace
In the end, it’s up to you to decide whether or not repairing your fridge is worth it. For example, if the appliance costs less than half of what a new one would run, then you might be better off buying a new one instead of spending money on repairs. But if the repair can be done quickly and easily, then it may be worth repairing.
| Point | Description |
|---|---|
| Know When To Repair, Versus Replace | Understand when it’s more cost-effective to repair or replace the fridge. |
| Evaluate repair costs | Compare the cost of repairs with the price of a new refrigerator. |
| Consider age and warranty | Assess the age of the fridge and the remaining warranty coverage. |
| Analyze frequency of repairs | Determine if frequent repairs are becoming a financial burden. |
| Assess energy efficiency | Consider energy-efficient models to save on long-term energy costs. |
| Factor in technological advancements | Take advantage of new features and technologies in replacement models. |
| Account for changing needs | Consider lifestyle changes and evolving storage requirements. |
| Seek professional advice | Consult with appliance experts for guidance on repair or replacement. |
Replace The Gasket If It’s Broken
In order to get your fridge back up and running, you’ll need to remove the old gasket. To do this, clean the area thoroughly and then install the new gasket in its place. Make sure it’s sealed on all sides before putting everything back together.
This simple repair will take less than 10 minutes and save you from buying a whole new appliance!
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Clean Out And Tidy Up The Coils
The coils are the part of your fridge where cooling happens, and it’s crucial to keep them clean. If they get clogged with dust, dirt or even pet hair, they’ll have trouble cooling properly so make sure you clean them out every six months or so with a vacuum cleaner or damp cloth.
Check To See That The Evaporator Fan Is Working And Not Making Any Noise
If your fridge is making a lot of noise, check to see if the evaporator fan is working. It’s located in the back of the fridge and should be making some sort of humming sound when it’s running.
If your fridge is still making a lot of noise and you know that the evaporator fan isn’t working, then you can take it off and replace it with another one from any appliance store or hardware store.
Once you’ve removed the back panel on your refrigerator (it’s usually held on by metal clips), look at how many screws are holding down each part around where these two wires connect into this plug-in spot (you’ll see where I’m pointing).
You might need an extra pair of hands here because once all four screws are out, all four sides should just pop right off like this–don’t worry about breaking anything unless they’re really old rusted ones!
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Replace A Faulty Start Relay Or Capacitor
If you think your start relay or capacitor is faulty, first you’ll want to test it. If the test shows that it’s working correctly, then it’s time to replace the part. It’s easy to do all you need are a few tools and some soldering equipment.
If you’re having trouble finding the correct replacement part for your fridge, just take a look at our handy guide here:
Change The Temperature Setting
In the event that your fridge has been broken for a long time, you may have noticed that the food inside is no longer fresh. This can be due to a number of different factors, but often it’s because the temperature setting on your fridge was set too high.
This is no problem at all! Simply follow these easy steps:
- Open up your refrigerator and look at the thermostat (the dial or button that controls how cold it is). If there isn’t one already there, this may be something you need to buy separately.
- Adjust to the lowest possible setting—you want your fridge as cold as possible!
| Point | Description |
|---|---|
| Change The Temperature Setting | Adjust the temperature setting for optimal fridge operation. |
| Use manufacturer’s guidelines | Follow the recommended temperature range by the brand. |
| Consider food storage requirements | Set temperatures based on specific food storage guidelines. |
| Avoid extreme temperature settings | Prevent freezing or spoiling by avoiding extreme settings. |
| Use digital temperature controls | Utilize advanced digital controls for accurate adjustments. |
| Monitor temperature fluctuations | Regularly check and adjust temperature for stability. |
| Optimize for energy efficiency | Set temperature within the energy-saving range. |
| Account for seasonal variations | Adjust temperature based on seasonal temperature changes. |
Make Sure You’re Using The Coldest Part Of Your Fridge Efficiently
The best way to store your food is in a manner that allows for maximum efficiency. This means keeping the coldest part of your fridge at the back and warmest part at the front.
You can also use different bins for different foods, so that when you’re ready to eat something, it’s easy for you to get without making multiple trips into another bin. The temperature inside should be maintained between 35 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Defrost A Frost-Free Freezer On A Regular Basis
Frost-free freezers are designed to prevent frost build up by automatically defrosting the freezer compartment. You should still check your freezer periodically and make sure there is no ice buildup.
The best time to defrost a frost-free fridge is overnight, when you won’t be using it and can let it run for several hours without being disturbed. If you are on a budget, use the defrost cycle on your fridge to do the job.
Turn Off Your Ice Maker
Once you’ve turned off your ice maker, use an ice tray to make ice instead. You can also purchase bags of crushed or cubed ice at the store if you don’t want to deal with buying a new tray.
Seal Up All Of Those Pesky Leaks
To seal up the leaks in your fridge, you’ll need some way to cover them up. The first step is determining what kind of leak it is.
Food savers and vacuum sealers can only be used for small holes that aren’t too large, like a hole caused by a sharp vegetable or fruit peeler. For larger leaks from broken racks in the freezer or refrigerator door, use plastic wrap around large sections of the area that are damaged before covering it with tape to keep air out.
For smaller holes such as those found on drinking glasses, place some paper towels over the cracks until they’re patched up completely with tape; this method works best if there’s not much liquid coming out of these cracks since paper absorbs liquids pretty quickly!
| Point | Description |
|---|---|
| Seal Up All Of Those Pesky Leaks | Properly seal any leaks in the refrigerator to prevent air leakage. |
| Fix damaged door gaskets | Replace worn-out or damaged door gaskets with high-quality ones. |
| Check for cracks in the refrigerator | Inspect the refrigerator for cracks and seal them effectively. |
| Apply silicone sealant if necessary | Use silicone sealant to seal gaps or openings in the refrigerator. |
| Use manufacturer-approved sealants | Choose sealants recommended by the refrigerator manufacturer. |
| Ensure a tight seal between doors | Adjust the door alignment to ensure a tight seal when closed. |
| Address leaks around water dispensers | Fix any leaks around water dispensers or ice makers promptly. |
| Properly secure water and ice lines | Ensure water and ice lines are securely connected and leak-free. |
| Eliminate gaps around electrical wires | Seal any gaps or openings around electrical wires in the fridge. |
Proper Food Storage And Rotation Is A Must!
When it comes to food storage and rotation, there are a few things you need to know.
Proper food storage prevents waste and keeps your food fresh. It also helps prevent the spread of foodborne illnesses, allergies and mold and fungus growth.
The best way to store your food is in its original packaging or container as this allows you more control over how long it stays fresh. Also make sure that you’re storing foods at the right temperature (not too hot or cold), as this will affect their quality over time as well.
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Conclusion
So there you have it! If you find yourself in need of some fridge repair help, we’ve got you covered. It’s important to know when to repair and when to replace your fridge, so don’t hesitate if it seems like something is wrong with yours.
We know that this post has been a long one, but hopefully there’s some great information in here that will help get your broken appliance back up and running as soon as possible!
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources for further reading on fixing and repairing broken refrigerators:
Should You Repair or Replace Your Broken Refrigerator?: Consumer Reports provides insights and considerations to help you decide whether to repair or replace your broken refrigerator.
Fix Refrigerator Problems: The Family Handyman offers helpful tips and step-by-step instructions for troubleshooting and fixing common refrigerator problems.
Should You Repair or Replace Your Broken Fridge: iFixit’s comprehensive guide helps you evaluate whether it’s worth repairing your broken fridge or if it’s time for a replacement.
FAQs
How do I determine if my refrigerator can be repaired?
Assess the severity of the issue and consider factors such as age, repair costs, and the availability of replacement parts. If the cost and effort of repair outweigh the benefits, it may be time to replace it.
What are some common refrigerator problems?
Common refrigerator problems include a malfunctioning thermostat, faulty compressor, leaking water, excessive frost buildup, and inconsistent temperature.
Can I fix a refrigerator problem myself?
Some minor issues can be fixed with DIY solutions, such as cleaning the coils, replacing gaskets, or unclogging drains. However, complex repairs should be handled by a professional technician.
How long should a refrigerator last?
On average, a refrigerator can last between 10 to 15 years. However, this can vary depending on usage, maintenance, and the quality of the appliance.
Are there any preventive measures to extend the life of a refrigerator?
Yes, regular maintenance such as cleaning the coils, checking seals, and keeping the temperature settings in the optimal range can help extend the life of your refrigerator.
Hello, everyone! My name is Hellen James and I’m the founder of Unified Fix. I’ve been a home improvement enthusiast for years, so when we started this blog, I knew that it was important to me that we shared our knowledge with you.
