.st0{fill:#FFFFFF;}

Common Causes of a Broken Refrigerator 

 May 9, 2025

The refrigerator is one of the most important appliances to have in our home because it prevents food from getting spoiled and reduces frequent trips to the grocery store. Just like any other appliance, they are still prone to wear and tear, which could result in long term damage if left unattended.  Here are the common problems that could be the reason for your refrigerator breakdown:

Faulty motors

A few different things can cause a refrigerator motor to fail. One is simply age. Over time, the motor can wear out and stop working properly. Another is dirt and debris build-up, preventing the motor from running smoothly.

Sometimes, a refrigerator motor can also be damaged by a power surge. If there’s a sudden spike in electricity, it can fry the motor, causing it to stop working.

If your refrigerator has stopped working, it’s important to figure out what’s causing the problem. If it’s a faulty motor, you’ll need to replace it.

Lack of coolant

If your refrigerator isn’t cooling properly, one of the first things you should check is the coolant level. The coolant is what keeps your fridge cold, so if it’s low, your fridge will struggle to maintain a proper temperature.

There are a few possible reasons for low coolant levels.

First, if you have a leak in your fridge’s coolant system, the coolant will slowly escape and need to be replenished. Second, the coolant may have degraded and lost some of its effectiveness if your fridge is older. Finally, if your fridge has been turned off for an extended period, the coolant may have settled and needs to be stirred up.

Adding coolant to your fridge is a relatively simple process. You can buy coolant at most hardware stores, and it usually comes in a can with a nozzle that fits into the sight glass. Open the can and squeeze the coolant into the sight glass until the level rises above the line.

Once you’ve added coolant, turn your fridge back on and let it run for a few hours to ensure the coolant is circulated correctly. Source: Lone Star Appliance Repair LLC

Defective compressor 

Out of all the components, the compressor is considered the most important and regarded as the heart of a refrigerator. The refrigeration cycle starts from the compressor; if it’s defective, the machine cannot produce enough cooling. Sometimes, there is a gas leakage problem from the compressor side. Keeping the compressor cool, clean, and lubricated is the solution to this problem.

Untidy condenser tubes

There are condenser tubes at the back of the refrigerator. The condenser’s function is to convert the pressurized gas into liquid, and heat dissipates into the atmosphere via the condenser tubes. If the tubes are dirty, the tubes cannot dissipate enough heat, and the refrigerator’s efficiency decreases. Source: Coast 2 Coast Refrigeration

No regular cleaning

No one likes a messy fridge. It’s not just because it is sticky or dirty, bacteria and viruses can live inside your refrigerator if you don’t clean it regularly. These will be harder to get rid of the longer the spill stays inside. We recommend cleaning your fridge every 2 weeks. Source: Fix Repair CA

We hope that this post will help you be mindful of the importance of maintenance when it comes to your home appliances. If ever you need professional repair services for them, just get in touch with us and we’ll handle the problem as soon as possible!

related posts:

{"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}

Get in touch