Fridge Breakdown: What to Check Before Calling a Repairman?

Posted on

Introduction

A broken fridge can be a source of frustration, especially if you fear that the stored food inside might spoil. In some situations, immediately contacting a professional repairman is the best option. However, it is often wiser to first perform several checks to determine if the problem is easily solvable. These preliminary steps save time, protect your wallet, and extend the appliance's lifespan. In this article, we will see what checks to perform before calling a repairman and how to maximize the chances of an effective repair.

1. Check the Electrical Supply

The first aspect to check when a fridge is not working as expected is the electrical supply. While it may seem obvious to ensure the appliance is properly plugged in, many apparent malfunctions are simply due to a disconnected plug, a damaged cable, or a tripped circuit breaker. To avoid hiring a repairman unnecessarily, take the time to review each of the following points:

  1. The power outlet: Ensure the refrigerator is well plugged in and that the wall outlet is functional. A faulty outlet can cause intermittent power cuts.
  2. The power cable: Inspect the power cord along its entire length to ensure it is not damaged. If it shows bare parts or burn marks, unplug it immediately and replace it.
  3. The circuit breaker: If you have recently noticed a malfunction with other appliances, the circuit breaker or fuse associated with the refrigerator circuit may have tripped. Check the electrical panel and reset the breaker if necessary.

If in doubt or if you are not comfortable handling the electrical panel, call an electrician. However, when it comes to simply checking that all connections are in order, it is best to start with this step. This helps rule out a basic electrical issue and potentially save on an unjustified service call.

2. Examine the Thermostat and Temperature Settings

If the electrical supply is not an issue, the second step is to look at the fridge's internal settings. The thermostat controls the ambient temperature of the appliance: if it is set too low, it may not freeze or refrigerate properly. Conversely, a setting that is too high can cause excess cold and lead to frost formation on the walls.

2.1. Restart the Thermostat

Sometimes, a shock or a misadjustment can affect the thermostat's accuracy. Proceed with the following steps:

  1. Turn off the appliance: Turn the thermostat dial to "0" or "off" position, depending on your fridge model, then wait a few minutes.
  2. Restore the desired temperature: Set the thermostat back to the temperature recommended by the manufacturer. Generally, it is advised between 3°C and 5°C.
  3. Monitor performance: Let the fridge run for several hours and check if the temperature stabilizes.

2.2. Check the Temperature Sensor

The temperature sensor may be defective if your fridge has more advanced technology. Located near the thermostat, this component measures the temperature inside the appliance. If it is damaged or poorly positioned, the regulation circuit will not function correctly. Ensure it is not covered by food or stuck against the wall, as this would skew the temperature readings. For more accuracy, you can place your own food thermometer inside the fridge and compare the reading to that indicated by the refrigerator.

3. Check the Door Seals and Tightness

Worn or poorly maintained door seals are one of the most common causes of poor refrigeration. When the door is no longer airtight, warm air infiltrates inside, raising the internal temperature and forcing the compressor to work harder to maintain the desired freshness.

3.1. Paper Test

A simple method to check the seal's condition is to place a sheet of paper between the door and the refrigerator, then try to pull it out. If the paper slides out easily, the seal is no longer tight enough. It is then necessary to clean or replace this seal to ensure the door's proper airtightness.

3.2. Maintenance and Replacement of Seals

A layer of dirt or grease between the door and the seal can impair tightness. Regular cleaning with warm water and a bit of mild soap will keep the seals in good condition. If you notice advanced wear signs - cracks, deformations, or tears - do not hesitate to replace them. It is often possible to purchase replacement seals specific to your fridge's brand and model. You can also contact a technician for this operation if you are unsure about doing it yourself.

4. Evaluate the Defrost System Condition

Most modern refrigerators have an automatic defrost system to prevent ice accumulation in the freezer and limit frost formation on the evaporator. If this device does not work correctly, the ice layer can thicken on the cooling circuit. The cold air flow is then hindered, causing a drop in the fridge's efficiency.

4.1. Signs of a Defrost Problem

Several indicators reveal a malfunction of the defrost system:

4.2. Steps to Take in Case of Abundant Frost

If you observe a significant amount of frost, start by manually defrosting the appliance:

  1. Unplug the refrigerator: Safety first, better to avoid any electrical risk.
  2. Empty the contents: Store your food in a cooler with ice packs.
  3. Place containers of hot water: This accelerates the melting of the ice. You can also use a cloth soaked in hot water or a plastic scraper to remove the ice more quickly.
  4. Clean and dry the surface: Rid the fridge of any moisture residue to prevent new frost layers from forming.
  5. Plug the fridge back in: Check the internal temperature after a few hours.

If the ice reappears quickly, you may suspect a defective part within the defrost system (heater, timer, defrost thermostat, etc.). In this case, a professional repairman will be able to diagnose the problem more precisely.

5. Check the Ventilation and Cooling Coils

A fridge breakdown can result from a simple lack of ventilation around the appliance or an accumulation of dust on the coils (or condenser). The coils ensure the dissipation of heat evacuated from inside the fridge. If they are dirty, the cooling system ends up overheating and losing efficiency.

5.1. Space Around the Appliance

It is essential to leave enough free space between the refrigerator and the surrounding walls or furniture. Otherwise, the air struggles to circulate, and the fridge motor must work longer to maintain the expected temperature. Check the manufacturer's instructions, which usually specify the minimum required distance. Generally, it is recommended to leave between 5 and 10 centimeters behind and on the sides of the appliance.

5.2. Cleaning the Coils

Depending on your fridge model, the coils may be located at the back or under the appliance. To clean them:

  1. Cut the power supply: Make sure to unplug the appliance or turn off the circuit breaker.
  2. Locate the coils: Consult the manual if you are unsure of their exact location.
  3. Vacuum the dust: Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush to remove most of the lint and debris.
  4. Use a coil brush: This long, thin tool allows you to go between the tubes to dislodge embedded dust.
  5. Do a final vacuum: Be sure to remove any debris that fell to the floor during the operation.
  6. Plug the appliance back in: Restore power to the fridge and check its proper functioning.

This cleaning should be done about once or twice a year. Regular maintenance prevents the motor from overheating and saves energy in the long run.

6. Test Accessible Internal Components

If the problem persists after cleaning the coils, checking the defrost system, and examining the door seals, it may be worthwhile to examine some internal elements of the fridge. However, this step requires caution, as handling electrical and mechanical components can be dangerous.

6.1. Check the Fan

The fan circulates cold air throughout the appliance. If you hear an unusual noise or notice a lack of cooling, the fan may be obstructed or damaged. Perform a visual inspection (after unplugging the fridge) and gently remove dust or ice deposits from the blades. If the fan remains blocked or makes a shrill noise even after cleaning, replacement may be necessary.

6.2. Inspect the Water Collection Tray

During normal operation, a refrigerator produces condensation water. This water, drained from the walls, ends up in a small container called a collection tray, often located near the compressor. If this tray is cracked or saturated, you may notice leaks or unwanted odors. Always unplug the appliance before removing this tray to empty, clean, and check it for damage.

7. Perform a Sound Diagnosis

Although it may seem trivial, the sounds emitted by a broken fridge can provide valuable clues about the nature of the malfunction. Before calling a repairman, listen carefully:

  1. Clicking noise: A sharp noise may come from the compressor start relay. If this noise occurs frequently, the compressor may struggle to start or be nearing the end of its life.
  2. Continuous humming: A slight hum is normal, but if this noise becomes louder or turns into an aggressive purr, the compressor may be defective or overloaded.
  3. Squeaking or whistling: These sounds may be related to an internal ventilation problem or a fan rubbing against a fridge element.
  4. Random clicks: They may indicate a phenomenon of refrigerant pipe expansion or be related to automatic defrosting. Most of the time, these are normal noises.

The nature and regularity of the noise will help a professional technician focus their investigations on certain specific parts, such as the compressor, start relay, or fan.

8. Prepare for the Repairman's Visit

If your checks do not yield satisfactory results or if you suspect a damaged internal part, the intervention of a specialist may become inevitable. Before picking up your phone, prepare the ground to facilitate their diagnosis and speed up the repair:

  1. Gather important information: brand, model, serial number of the appliance. You will often find this information on the nameplate inside or at the back of the refrigerator.
  2. Detail the problems encountered: inform the technician of the checks already performed as well as the symptoms observed (frost, suspicious noise, overheating, etc.).
  3. Organize your space: ensure that the repairman can easily access the back of the appliance and any ventilation elements under the fridge.

9. Prevent Future Breakdowns

Nothing is more annoying than seeing your fridge break down shortly after an expensive repair. To extend the life of your refrigerator and reduce the risk of new failures, here are some preventive tips:

  1. Regularly clean the interior: remove food leftovers, wash the shelves and bins with warm soapy water, then dry thoroughly.
  2. Monitor the temperature: keep the temperature between 3°C and 5°C for the refrigerator compartment, and around -18°C for the freezer.
  3. Check the door tightness: periodically inspect the condition of the seals, clean them, and replace them if necessary.
  4. Maintain the condenser coils: schedule a cleaning every 6 to 12 months, especially if you have pets that shed hair.
  5. Do not overload the fridge: allow air to circulate inside, especially if your fridge model has a built-in fan.
  6. Avoid heat sources: keep the appliance away from radiators, stoves, or any other device emitting a lot of heat, as this can force the compressor to run more strongly.

10. Conclusion

A refrigerator that breaks down is not always synonymous with major repairs or considerable expenses. Often, it is enough to perform a basic diagnosis to resolve the issue yourself or, at least, to identify it. Checking the electrical supply, examining the thermostat and temperature sensor, ensuring the doors' tightness, and verifying the defrost system's proper functioning are simple steps that can quickly help you locate the problem's origin.

If, despite these checks, your fridge remains inoperative or shows signs of a more serious malfunction (failing compressor, persistent noises, flashing error code), it is recommended to call an authorized repairman. Before their arrival, make their job easier by gathering the key information about your refrigerator, while precisely describing the symptoms observed and your repair attempts.

Finally, preventive maintenance remains the best way to avoid unpleasant surprises and extend your appliance's lifespan. Regular cleaning, careful inspection of the seals, and special attention to heat dissipation will help keep your fridge in perfect working condition. Take care of your refrigerator, and you will save not only on repair costs but also on your energy bill in the long run.

In short, before systematically calling a repairman, start by inspecting your electrical installation and checking the operating parameters. Diligent maintenance and regular checks will help you spot and resolve common refrigerator issues, while preserving the freshness of your food and ensuring daily comfort.