Your refrigerator is one of the only appliances in your home that runs nonstop. While this is important to keep your food cool and safe, it also means that the fridge needs to withstand more wear and tear than other appliances. Proper maintenance will help you avoid refrigerator repairs for years, but if something does go wrong, you need to act quickly. Here are some important do’s and don’ts to keep in mind so you don’t make the issue worse or put your family’s health at risk with spoiled food. 

Do:

Remove food. 

If the temperature is rising, remove the food immediately from the refrigerator and move it to a cooler to prevent spoilage. It’s wise to do a thorough cleanup and remove unnecessary items from the refrigerator as well. An overstuffed fridge can keep it from working properly, so a good cleanup will improve efficiency.

Clean the coils. 

Dirty condenser coils are a common cause of refrigerator failures. Before calling for refrigerator repair, check the condenser coils.

Located either on the back of the fridge or underneath, these coils disperse warm air out using a fan. If they are blocked by dirt and debris (like pet hair), they won't work properly and your refrigerator won’t cool. Vacuuming the coils will help remove the blockage, and it should be done monthly.

Don’t:

Overlook simple fixes.

Sometimes refrigerators stop working for simple reasons, like a tripped circuit breaker or defective seal around the door. It might even be as simple as the temperature settings being incorrect. Troubleshoot for simple fixes first if your fridge stops working all of a sudden.

Check the circuit box, make sure the temperature settings are correct, look for items blocking the flow of cold air, and make sure there’s enough space between the fridge and the walls to ensure warm air can escape and the appliance won't overheat. 

Keep opening the door. 

When your refrigerator isn’t working right, limit how often you open and close the door if you haven’t removed the food. Every time the door opens, you’re letting out cold air and increasing the risk of food spoiling. Do your best to avoid opening the door until the refrigerator repair professional arrives, or you determine the cause of the problem and correct it. 

 

When your fridge stops working, and simple fixes don't solve the issue, contact the professionals at Complete Appliance Service. This locally owned and operated company provides quality appliance repair to clients throughout Northern Kentucky and the Greater Cincinnati area. Their factory-trained technicians use state-of-the-art equipment for all refrigerator repairs, and have knowledge and experience you can rely on. Call (513) 661-3708 to set up an appointment or visit their website to learn more about their services.