DIY: How to Avoid Refrigerator Repairs

Refrigerator maintenance is a type of household upkeep that homeowners often forget or throw to the wayside. Just like any other air conditioner, fridges have multiple components that need looking after. Performing routine maintenance on your fridge can prevent long-term issues that could require expensive repairs or replacements.

Refrigerator repair costs can range anywhere from $200 to $300 on the lower end. So, to save money and extend the life of your fridge, follow these simple tips. Most of these maintenance practices are easy enough to fit right into your normal cleaning routine.

If you notice your fridge isn’t getting cold enough, it is likely because of dirty or worn-down condenser coils. Especially with older fridges, condenser coil maintenance is paramount to keeping them running properly.

The condensing unit on a fridge is what transfers heat out of the interior and keeps it cold. Compared to other parts of the refrigeration cycle, the condenser is one of, if not the most vital.

Over time, dust and dirt can clog up these coils, which blocks the heat that the condenser works to release. Especially if you have pets running around the house, the fan can just as easily catch their hair and dander. However, cleaning them is easy with tools you likely already have at home, or can acquire for little cost.

First, unplug your appliance, then locate where the coils are on your fridge (typically found on the back or bottom). Next, use a duster, vacuum, or long-handled brush to rid them of any dust, dirt, and grime. Doing this regular clean-up every six months will ensure that your fridge stays as cold as possible, for as long as possible.

Just like your condenser coils, your condenser fan also needs regular maintenance. The condenser and evaporator fans help dissipate heat as it transfers out of the fridge. Without a working condenser fan, your refrigeration system could overheat and malfunction.

A simple grate typically covers the fan and protects the blades from collecting dust and debris. However, this grate is not always perfect, as small bits of debris can slip through and build up over time. Cleaning them is as simple as accessing the blades and dusting or wiping them down.

As with any other refrigerator maintenance, first cut power to the fridge to prevent any safety risks. The next step is to locate and remove the grate, which varies depending on the fridge. Some grates snap off, while others you have to unscrew, etc. Once you’ve figured that out, you can easily reach the fan blades to clean them with a duster or vacuum cleaner.

Again, doing this step twice a year will contribute to the longevity of your fridge.

The temperature setting of your fridge is an important factor in making sure the fridge is running efficiently. When your refrigerator setting is too cold, your refrigeration system works harder than it needs to. Over time, this will wear down your refrigerator parts like the condenser and compressor. Eventually, your fridge will stop working far sooner than it should, all for the lack of simple preventative maintenance.

The ideal temperature for a fridge is 40 degrees Fahrenheit. This is just cold enough to keep the food in your fridge fresh without overworking your fridge needlessly. Be sure to regularly check your fridge’s temperature to monitor any changes that could indicate malfunctions.

Similar to the condenser fan, there are many vents on the inside of your fridge that help facilitate air flow. Especially in the freezer, buildup from the ice maker can block these vents and cause temperatures to rise. Taking the time to scrape or break off frost or ice makes sure that cold air continues to circulate throughout your fridge and freezer.

If there is any stubborn buildup, you can turn the refrigerator off and remove its contents. Then, use a blow dryer or other portable heater to melt the ice and free up those vents to allow them to breathe.

Most fridges come with a drip pan that catches any runoff from melted ice and excess condensation. However, if too much builds up in the pan over time, it can begin to leak and potentially waterlog the bottom of your fridge. This can cause water damage to important parts of your refrigeration system, like the condenser and evaporator coils.

You can typically find the drip pan near the front of the fridge by the condenser fan grate. Checking your drip pan once every three months helps you stay on top of the overflow. It also prevents stale fridge water from leaking onto your kitchen floor.

The rubber gaskets bordering the length of your refrigerator doors are what keeps cold air sealed inside your fridge. If the door seals gets especially dirty, the door may not perfectly seal and allow cold air to escape. When this happens, your fridge must work extra hard to maintain the temperature you set. This adds unnecessary wear on your refrigeration system.

The simplest way to maintain your door gaskets is to keep them clean. Regularly wiping them down with a damp cloth and even a mild cleaning solution will keep the seals intact.

If you think your seals still aren’t working properly, you can test them by shutting a piece of paper halfway in the door. When you pull on the paper, you should feel some resistance from the gasket holding the door shut. If it slips out easily, then your gasket likely needs replacing.

If you go through these steps and still notice problems, it may be time to call your local fridge or air conditioning technician. They can diagnose the problem and give you a quote on what needs repair.

Replacing one part of a refrigerator, like the condenser, is often more cost effective than replacing the whole fridge. But to avoid fridge repair costs altogether, do these preventative maintenance tips. These practices are the best way to ensure your fridge stays cold and working in top condition.