Cool It When You Discover the Signs of a Broken Refrigerator

Cool It When You Discover the Signs of a Broken Refrigerator – It’s always frustrating when an appliance breaks down. Discover the obvious signs of a broken refrigerator in need of repair before its on its last leg.

Your refrigerator is one of the most important appliances in your home, so if you’re having problems, it’s no surprise that you could be a little worried.

Buying a new fridge can be expensive, so how do you know when you actually have a broken refrigerator?

This handy guide explains the obvious signs of a fridge in distress so you can determine if you should get it repaired or buy a brand-new one. Read on to learn more!

Condensation is Building Up Like Crazy

It’s normal to experience a little condensation in your fridge but if it looks like it’s sweating profusely, there could be a problem. Too much condensation inside the refrigerator means that the appliance is no longer cooling the way it should.

Check the rubber sealing around your fridge door and look for any signs of mold or mildew. If you notice this or it looks like the seal is loose or brittle, it’s an easy fix. Simply replace the door seal with a new one and check for condensation again.

However, if the condensation buildup is not a result of a messed up seal, it could be an issue with the cooling unit itself. Your food can start to spoil, and that’s when it’s time to call in a professional fridge repair service.

The Motor is Running Extremely Hot

Motor issues are one of the most common causes of a broken refrigerator. Place your hand on the back of the unit and check to see how hot it feels. Slight warmth is normal, but if it’s piping hot there could be a motor problem.

Your refrigerator uses insulated coils that are made to prevent excess heat. If they feel hot to the touch, it might be time to call in the experts.

Motor problems don’t always mean you need a new fridge. However, if your fridge is old or the motor costs a lot to replace, it might be time to just buy a brand-new unit.  A technician can inspect the coils and the motor to see if they’re OK to replace before you plunk down the cash for a whole new fridge.

Another red flag for refrigerator motors is if they start to make unusual or loud noises. Listen carefully to your fridge and if you hear something out of the ordinary, you might want to call the appliance repair company.

Things Are Getting Frosty

Frost can build up inside your fridge and freezer, but too much frost is a red flag that something is wrong. When the frost builds up on the evaporator coils, it can cause the temperatures inside your refrigerator to fluctuate wildly.

You’ll need to remove the back panel of the fridge in order to access the coils. Look for ice or frost that has built up inside your freezer, too. If it’s all over the bottom and sides of the freezer, it could be a sign that there’s an issue.

If your coils have failed, you definitely have a broken refrigerator. Before you panic, defrost your fridge and freezer and then turn it back on. If the frost returns at the same level, then it’s time to consider a repair or replacement.

In many cases, it’s the freezer that has the frost issue and not the fridge. You can buy a standalone freezer for a temporary solution if it costs less than buying a new refrigerator altogether.  

Spoiling Food is a Sign of a Broken Refrigerator

The purpose of your refrigerator is to keep food fresh and prevent them from spoiling. Food that has gone bad is not only gross, but it’s also dangerous to your health if you consume it.

If you notice that your milk has gone bad well before the use-by date or that produce seems to wilt, there could be a problem with your appliance. When food goes bad quickly, it’s one of the first signs of a broken refrigerator.

During the summer, your fridge may need to work harder to keep everything cold, but that’s still no excuse for spoiled food and beverages. Your thermostat could be the culprit, and it might simply be broken. Check the temperature and compare it to the fridge thermostat and if the temps are off, get it replaced.

The condenser coils on your refrigerator may be clogged or dusty. This is a common problem but the good news is that it’s also an easy fix. Simply take a vacuum cleaner and remove all of the excess debris and dust to get the coils clean again.

If your motor is struggling to keep things cold, that could be why your food is spoiling. Check the motor, condenser coils, and thermostat before you decide if you need to buy a new refrigerator. Just make sure you get the issue fixed before you do your next grocery run!

Stay Cool

Pay close attention to these warning signs to determine whether or not you have a broken refrigerator. Remember, you don’t’ always need to buy a brand-new appliance if the issue can be fixed quickly.

Listen for loud noises and check the condenser coils to make sure they’re clean and free of dust. Look for excess frost or condensation which can both be a sign that your fridge needs a little extra TLC and attention.

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