Welcome to my blog. When it comes to taking care of appliances, it can be an art. You have to use them correctly, know how to look for signs of trouble and understand how to do simple repairs. Hi, my name is Kelsey, and in this blog, I am going to write everything I know about appliances and related topics. This is my first blog, but I have written in many other types of venues before -- I'm even old enough to have had a 'zine (if you can believe that). I live with my husband, my three daughters, and our dog. Cleaning pet hair of of the dryer and repairing blades on the blender has become my specialty over the years. Enjoy reading!
The Art of Appliance Service: An Appliance Blog
The Top Mistakes To Avoid When Fixing A Refrigerator That Is Not Cooling Properly
Leevi Saari
A refrigerator that is not cooling can be a major inconvenience and may lead to food spoilage. Fortunately, several common issues can be addressed with minimal disruptions by taking simple proactive steps before or when the unit malfunctions.
Mistake: Not Cleaning The Coils
The refrigerant cools down as it flows through the condenser coils. Over time, dust can accumulate on the coils, which reduces their efficiency and makes it harder for the refrigerator to cool properly.
If your fridge is not cooling efficiently or if you hear unusual sounds from the refrigerator, it might be time to inspect and clean your condenser coils. To clean your refrigerator's condenser coils, unplug your fridge and remove any protective grills or panels from its rear side. A soft brush appliance attachment on your vacuum cleaner or a coil brush can gently remove dust and dirt buildup.
Mistake: Not Checking The Gasket Seal
The gasket seal is crucial in maintaining the proper temperature inside the fridge by sealing cold air within while keeping warm air out. If you notice frost buildup around door edges, excessive condensation, or increased energy consumption, you may have a damaged gasket seal.
To replace an old gasket seal with a new one, carefully remove the old seal and clean the door edge with mild detergent before installing your new gasket. When cleaning, make sure to remove any leftover adhesive. These substances could compromise the installation of the new one.
Mistake: Not Defrosting The Refrigerator Regularly
Frost can accumulate on your refrigerator's evaporator coils over time, reducing cooling efficiency. This buildup can cause your refrigerator to work harder to maintain its desired temperature, increasing energy consumption and potentially shortening its lifespan.
Most modern refrigerators come equipped with an automatic defrost feature designed to prevent frost from building up in the first place. However, if you notice significant frost accumulation, it is important to defrost your fridge manually by turning it off and allowing all ice to melt before wiping down surfaces with a soft cloth.
Mistake: Using Incorrect Wattage Bulbs
Incandescent light bulbs produce heat when they are turned on, which can affect the internal temperature of your fridge. It is best to use LED bulbs or appliance-specific incandescent bulbs when replacing lightbulbs inside your refrigerator. Otherwise, this source of heat could be enough to compromise the cooling capabilities of your refrigerator. This could increase energy costs and shorten the life of the food you are keeping in the unit.
Contact a local appliance repair service to learn more.
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