What To Do When Your Fridge Stops Working
Some things we take for granted and only realize when they’re not working anymore. One of the best examples is the refrigerator, one of the most essential appliances in any kitchen across Canada. Once you realize your fridge has stopped working, you must act swiftly to prevent food from spoiling and potential water damage from a defrosting fridge/freezer unit.
This is why we’ve compiled this guide to give you an overview of what to do when your fridge stops working. From ensuring you have an electrical connection and a working thermostat to potential damage to the condenser coils and more, we’ll also give some helpful troubleshooting tips and explain what you should do to prevent your foot from spoiling.
Initial Assessment
The first step is to confirm your fridge is actually receiving power. Plug another appliance into the same outlet to test if it is functional. Alternatively, you can also use a circuit tester.
If the other appliance doesn’t work either, try to use an extension cord from another outlet, at least temporarily, to get your refrigerator back working. If the appliance works, you’ll have to check your power cord to see if there are any visible signs of damage. If it looks okay, you might need to call in an expert to investigate more closely.
Next, check the thermostat. Sometimes, you accidentally hit the thermostat and change the temperature of your fridge and freezer. If it looks off, set it to the right temperature and see if that will correct the issue.
You should also examine your refrigerator for any visible damage or unusual noises. If you notice any dents, leaks or anything else that looks out of the ordinary, it could be an issue that needs addressing.
Troubleshooting Steps
You can do a few things right away to check if they might help get your refrigerator working properly again. As mentioned above, double-check the temperature settings in the fridge and freezer compartments. Sometimes, it’s as simple as setting them to their proper temperatures. Another potential culprit is dirty and dusty condenser coils. If they’re clogged up, they can severely affect the cooling performance. Use a vacuum or brush attachment to clean them.
Check for frost buildup. Excessive ice in your freezer can obstruct the airflow and lead to issues. If necessary, defrost your freezer and ensure the defrost drain isn’t clogged. Finally, ensure the door seals well to keep the cold air inside the fridge. Test it by closing the door on a piece of paper. If the paper slides out easily, the seal may need replacing.
Immediate Actions
If none of the troubleshooting tips have worked to resolve the issue, there are a few steps you should take immediately. First of all, to prevent food from spoiling, transfer all perishable items to a cooler with ice packs or a neighbour’s fridge. This step will buy you time to address the issue without losing your groceries. If that’s not possible immediately, keep the fridge door closed as much as possible to retain cold air. The more often you open the door, the more the temperature will increase and accelerate your food going bad.
Also, do not overload the fridge with warm or room-temperature items. Adding too much warm food can cause temperature spikes, making it harder for the fridge to maintain its cool temperature.
Seeking Professional Help
If troubleshooting does not resolve the issue, contact the refrigerator manufacturer’s customer support. They can provide specific advice or arrange a technician to assist with repairs. Alternatively, check for a reputable local appliance repair service. iCare Appliance Repair has served Toronto and the GTA for many years and can help you with professional and efficient service.
Check if your refrigerator is still under warranty. Certain repairs may be covered, saving you on repair costs if it is still under warranty. Review your warranty details to understand what is included.
Long-Term Solutions
Your appliance repair technician will be able to let you know the status of your fridge and what the issue is. If the repairs are extensive or the refrigerator is old, replacing it might be more cost-effective. Do some research to check how much a new fridge of the size and type you have would be to determine if it might not be worth it.
Upgrading to a new fridge also allows you to take advantage of the increased energy efficiency and additional features many new appliances offer, which could give you better performance and savings over time.
Whichever way you go, however, to prevent future breakdowns, establish a routine maintenance schedule. Regularly clean the condenser coils, check your door seals, and ensure proper temperature settings. Keeping things in good shape can go a long way in keeping your fridge running smoothly.
Conclusion
When your fridge stops working, don’t panic. Take the steps above. Assess the situation and go through the troubleshooting tips to see if you can get things going again without any bigger delays. If that doesn’t work, take immediate action to keep your perishables safe and cool and get professional help to assess and fix your fridge.
Bookmark this guide for future reference and share it with others who may find it helpful. Even if you’ll hopefully never need it again, it’s always good to have it close.
If you feel your fridge needs more thorough maintenance or repairs or have any questions, consider calling iCare Appliance Repair, your trusted source for professional and efficient refrigerator repairs and information.
At iCare Appliance Repair, our technicians are factory-trained and licensed to service almost every major model and brand. We offer same-day and after-hours fridge repair services, including evenings and late hours. Contact us today at (647) 370-2828 or complete our convenient online form to learn more.
