Refrigerators have become such important equipment in the kitchen that it can be a source of headache if it breaks down. Not only will you not be able to use the fridge, its current contents will go to waste. Not to mention that it can be quite costly to replace it with a new one.
Below are five important signs that you should get your refrigerator looked at.
1. Refrigerator Making a Strange Noise
This is a common problem with refrigerators and can be caused by various problems as there are many working parts on most units. Your refrigerator shouldn’t make any type of loud noise. If you notice it starts to make a noise, even if the noise is not extremely loud, then it likely needs some maintenance. The first step in evaluating the problem is to note whether the noise is intermittent or constant. You will want to be able to share as much information with the service technician as possible in order to fully and quickly discern the problem. Make a note of the noise and its frequency, if the noise is louder at certain times than others, and whether it is knocking, humming or sputtering.
2. Refrigerator Not Cooling Properly
Inefficient cooling is another frequent problem many customers encounter with their refrigerators. This can be an extremely time sensitive problem, so it is important that you act quickly. It is helpful to keep a thermometer in your refrigerator to monitor the temperature. If you have one of these, then it will be helpful in recording temperature variations. Another area to be aware of is if the temperature is fluctuating in response to something you are doing, for example; immediately after filling the fridge with groceries the temperature plummets. Or perhaps the temperature is only failing at a certain time of day or for a short period of time. Having this information will assist the technician in discerning the problem.
3. Excessive Frosting or Freezing
If you notice your refrigerator is cooling too much, it likely needs some maintenance. Many newer refrigerators are known to be “frost free.” So, if you notice a large build-up of frost in your freezer you may have a problem. Now, be careful not to confuse frost build-up with frost bite on your food. Frost bite can happen if a food item has been in the freezer for an extended period of time and has not been properly stored. Frost build-up will look like snow and will be on the inside walls of your freezer. There could be a number of problems causing this frost build-up, so it will be important to address the problem promptly. The amount of frost and its location can be helpful in narrowing down what the problem might be. Freezing can also occur in your refrigerator. You may notice items near the back of your refrigerator appear frozen, while other items near the front are not. This could be as simple as having the temperature setting in your refrigerator set to a temperature that is too cold. However, if you use a thermometer to measure the temperature in the refrigerator, you may realize that the temperature reading is accurate, yet the freezing is still happening. This situation may indicate that the refrigerator needs to be looked at.
4. Refrigerator Having a Strange Smell
While a strange smell emanating from inside your refrigerator could indicate spoiled or spoiling food, depending on the smell, it could also indicate a problem. If you have ensured that your refrigerator is free of any foods that could be causing the smell in your refrigerator, yet a strange smell persists, you will want to look into the problem. Different parts of the refrigerator could malfunction and cause a strange smell. Make a note of the type of smell,and where it is originating from. But if the smell appears to be dangerous in nature, you may want to unplug the unit and call an appliance repair company immediately.
5. Food Spoiling Before Expiry Date
If you are sure that your refrigerator is cooling properly, yet your food items continue to expire prior to their expected expiration date, your refrigerator may need maintenance. This could be caused by overuse, prolonged or extensive door opening, or it could indicate something more serious. If the seals are in need of maintenance, then proper cooling may not be occurring. But to be on the safe side, it is advisable to have a professional repair person take a look at the problem to evaluate the problem more extensively.
Now that you are better informed about the signs indicating that your refrigerator may need maintenance, it is important to act promptly when you have reason to believe that your refrigerator may need maintenance. Be sure to contact a professional, and the problem will likely be fixable and come at a fraction of the cost of having to otherwise replace the entire unit.
