Your refrigerator is one of the most important appliances in your home because it protects most of the food and beverages that your family eats and drinks. When the unit doesn’t run reliably, it will add inconvenience to your daily routine. This is why it’s so important to familiarize yourself with the early warning signs of refrigerator problems.
Your Stored Food Keeps Going Bad
Refrigerators can protect the food and drinks you consume by maintaining a consistent temperature that you set on the thermostats. There’s usually a thermostat in the refrigerator part as well as one for the freezer. When your food and drinks keep going bad before their expiration dates, this likely points to a temperature-control problem, which could stem from a faulty thermostat.
If you replace the thermostat(s) and it doesn’t fix the problem, there’s a more serious issue at play, like a failing compressor. And in this scenario, it’s usually best to replace the entire refrigerator unless you have a warranty in place to cover the cost of a compressor replacement.
The Refrigerator Makes Loud Noises
As your refrigerator runs, it’s very normal for it to make a low humming or buzzing noise. These sounds are coming from the compressor and fans. It’s when the appliance makes a knocking or grinding noise that you need to be concerned. These sounds may indicate a worn compressor, or they could point to a failing evaporator or condenser fan motor.
If you ignore these sounds and don’t schedule an inspection, there’s a good chance you’ll come home to spoiled food. Many times, an expert will tell you to go ahead and replace the entire appliance because compressor replacements and sealed system repairs can be extremely costly, especially when the refrigerator is already more than 10 to 15 years old.
There’s Water All Over the Floor
Your refrigerator should never leak water. If it does, it may have a clogged defrost line, which is usually easy to fix. It could also have a loose water line or cracked drain pan, both of which are also simple fixes. It’s when the system has a major sealing problem that the repair cost could easily exceed the price of a comparable new model, making a full replacement the better financial decision.
The worst thing you can do when your refrigerator isn’t running reliably is to put off scheduling an inspection. An expert can use advanced diagnostic tools to quickly identify the underlying problem and help you make an informed choice. If you live in Sioux Falls, SD or a surrounding area and need refrigerator services, make your first call to 605 Appliance Pros.