A refrigerator works by turning itself on and off in cycles in order to maintain a set temperature inside its compartments and their components. This on and off cycle leads many to believe that their refrigerator is in its off phase when really, they have a broken refrigerator.
If you do not hear your refrigerator running, it is easy to assume that it has switched off. Temperature surges inside can tell you whether you need to repair or replace it altogether. In some instances, when the damage is extensive, it is cheaper to replace it than to repair.
In some instances, however, it will give a few warning signs as it bows out. Here are a few signs you should look out for.
Frost Buildup
When frost collects on the evaporator coils, it can cause fluctuations in temperature inside the refrigerator. The evaporator coils are located behind the back panels and so are not as easily accessible.
If frost is building up on the walls and floor of the interior, it might be a sign of struggling evaporator coils. Defective evaporator coils normally cause damage to the overall refrigerator system.
Warm Food
A defrosting freezer is one of the more obvious signs of a broken refrigerator. If your food is not freeing inside, you should check the fan visually to see if it is running. if this is not possible, listen out for it. Adjust the thermostat and also be sure to check circuit breakers or the fuse at the power source of the refrigerator.
If all of them seem to be working normally, the problem might be deep inside. Electrical appliance repairs are best left to the experts in order to avert more damage or risk of electric shock.
A Sudden Spike in Your Electrical Bill
If your electricity bill increases suddenly when your daily energy usage has not changed, you should check your electrical appliances. Unlike other appliances, refrigerators are left on throughout the day and night.
A faulty fridge will struggle to maintain its internal temperature resulting in it using more energy than normal. This, in turn, drives up your electricity bill.
Puddles of Water Under the Refrigerator
If water is leaking from your refrigerator, it might mean either it is not freezing properly inside or the door is not shutting the way it should maintain a seal. The drip pan and the hoses leading to it may also have a problem.
You should remove the drip pan and pour out the water, then put it back again to see if it fills up.
Warmer Temperature Than Normal Inside
This is the most obvious sign that you need to get your refrigerator checked. The most common reason for this is a broken motor fan. The easier option would be to replace the fan.
However, in some instances, this might be as expensive as buying a new refrigerator altogether. You should seek the advice of a professional before making this decision.
How to Ensure You Are Not Operating a Broken Refrigerator
Regular checks and cleaning will help you to detect early warning signs such as frosty walls. This will help you to avert costly refrigerator repairs that would arise should the damage have spread to other components. If you suspect that you have a broken refrigerator, seek the services of professionals to fix it.
The risk of trying to fix it yourself might be too high. For refrigerator and other home appliance repairs, be sure to contact us or check out our website.
