You depend on your refrigerator to keep food cold, safe, and easily accessible. Though refrigerators tend to have long life spans, they can encounter issues that render them inoperable. Not only does this result in spoiled food, but it also creates unsanitary conditions that encourage bacteria and mold growth. For these reasons, it is essential to promptly replace your refrigerator once it has reached the end of its life; below are a few common signs that can tell you when it's time.

How to Tell If You Need a New Refrigerator

1. The Motor Is Always Running

Refrigerators are designed to be self-regulating. The motor helps maintain a consistent interior temperature that keeps foods at the desired level of coldness and freshness. If the motor is constantly running, it's a sign that the unit is having trouble preserving a steady temperature.

Be aware that there may be a very simple reason for a motor running more often—you just might be opening and closing the door a lot, causing the interior temps to fluctuate. But if the door remains closed most of the time and the motor is still churning away, it may be time for a new fridge.

2. Your Food Is Spoiling

A refrigerator that can't provide the proper environment to keep foods cold might need replacing. First, however, check that it isn't something obvious and easily fixable, such as a too-low temperature setting or a faulty electrical cord. More serious problems include clogged condenser coils, blocked air vents, and defective mechanical components.

3. Frost Buildup in the Freezer

You want your freezer to be cold, but not so icy that thick layers of frost develop on the interior surfaces. This can be a sign of ineffective sealings or gaskets, a broken door, improper ventilation, or a malfunction in the defrosting system. Most newer refrigerators have automatic defrosting capabilities, so this likely won't be an issue with a fridge replacement.

Before purchasing a new unit, always get refrigerator problems checked out by a professional. At Lindbergh Commercial Services, we're here to help. Serving the St. Louis County, MO, region, we offer commercial appliance sales, repairs, and maintenance. Whether you need a new ice machine for the employee breakroom or a comprehensive walk-in freezer system for a high-volume restaurant, we have the solutions you need. Call (314) 731-0404 or visit our website to schedule service or to learn more about our inventory.