Signs Your Refrigerator Needs to Be Repaired 

 March 24, 2025

A refrigerator is important in keeping your food fresh but over time, it may start developing issues. There are several signs that show it’s no longer working properly and once that happens, then it might require expert attention. With a professional’s care, further damage can be prevented, and it will even extend its lifespan.

So, make sure not to let any of these signs prolong in your refrigerator before deciding to get it fixed.

Loud noises

If your fridge is making scraping, grinding, or knocking sounds, this can mean the condenser or evaporator fan is obstructed. A clicking, vibrating, or buzzing sound is an indication of an icemaker problem, while rattling can mean the unit is too close to another surface, is not level, or has a loose drain pan. If a humming or buzzing sound gets louder and louder, the compressor could be failing. Such can be the case if you hear no noise at all.

Food spoils too fast

If you’re finding produce to be spoiling much sooner than it should, or notice a beverage is taking more time to get cold; the appliance is likely having trouble maintaining the proper temperature. Improper temperature usually corresponds to increased energy consumption. As a result, you’re probably wasting more money on replacing food while paying higher energy bills. Source: Wilshire Refrigeration

Excess frost and ice buildup

Another sign of trouble is when your freezer looks less like a freezer and more like the Arctic Circle. Seeing your frozen foods caked in a combination of frost and ice isn’t normal, plus the ice itself can be dangerous to remove. Attacking the problem with an ice pick, for example, only invites damage to the unit.

Most modern refrigerators have an automatic defrosting feature to keep frost and ice buildup at bay. This feature can fail in some refrigerators, however, and in some cases, ice buildup can be severe enough to overcome your refrigerator’s automatic precautions. You maybe need to unplug the refrigerator for a while so it can defrost properly.

Excessive frost and ice buildup is a problem you should have your service technician check out as soon as possible.

Excess condensation

If your refrigerator sweats as much as you do on a hot day, you may have a condensation issue on your hands. Condensation occurs when moisture trapped in warm air condenses from a vapor to a liquid once the air is cool enough. Condensation is a natural part of the refrigeration process that helps keep your food fresh.

Your refrigerator normally deals with the small amount of condensate it produces by channeling it into a tray located underneath the fridge. Door seal failure can cause your refrigerator to sweat on the inside, resulting in water pooling at the bottom of the unit. Excess condensation on the outside of the refrigerator can also leave behind unsightly water puddles around the unit.

Water leaks can also occur if large amounts of condensate overwhelm the drip tray, causing it to overflow onto the floor. Even a small water spillage can cause a variety of serious hazards, including electrocution. You should have a service technician check these issues out as soon as possible. Source: Dick Kearsley Service Center

Your energy bills have risen

Your refrigerator signs show that it needs repair if you’ve observed an increase in energy costs. One of your home’s top energy users, your refrigerator might result in increased energy use and expenditures if it’s not operating correctly. A malfunctioning compressor, which can make the appliance work harder and consume more energy than necessary, is one of the most frequent reasons for higher energy use in a refrigerator. Source: Kridovia Appliances LLP

Make sure not to let any of these signs remain unattended for too long to ensure your refrigerator will continue to function for many years to come. If you are looking for a professional who fixes all sorts of appliances, we are always available to be of service to you. Get in touch with us today!

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