If you own a refrigerator or are planning to get one, you can be certain that at some point in its life, it will need some sort of troubleshooting. Instead of calling for an expensive technician, would it not be handy to know the common issues that refrigerators face and resolve them on your own?

We are here to help you learn how to troubleshoot your refrigerator. We have a list of the top issues that you may face and quick solutions and techniques to resolve them.

So, let’s get started.

Why is my refrigerator not cooling properly?

The most common and troubling issue can be that your refrigerator is not cooling as much as it should. Whenever you notice this, do not panic and follow the simple steps below to zero in on the problem.

1. Check the refrigerator’s power connection. Ensure that the refrigerator is plugged in properly. You can open the fridge door to see if the light comes on. Something as simple as your fridge being disconnected can trouble you a lot if you do not spot this quickly.
2. Check the thermostat settings inside your refrigerator. This is basically the temperature setting that can be changed using a knob or digital controls if your fridge has those. Ensure that your refrigerator has not been set at a higher temperature by mistake. You could also use a separate small refrigerator thermostat to monitor your refrigerator’s temperature.
3. Check the condenser coils and rear vents to ensure that they are not dirty. Use a vacuum cleaner to clean them thoroughly. Make sure the vents are unclogged and the coils are clean so that they can dissipate heat quickly and function properly.
4. Check the capacitor and start the relay. These help the compressor inside your refrigerator start up quickly by providing a burst of power to start it up. The capacitor acts like a battery, and if it is burned out or malfunctioning, the compressor may not start up when needed and will not cool your refrigerator properly. Although this is not a common defect, you can use a capacitance meter to check the capacitor. If it is defective, you will need to have it replaced.
5. Check your compressor. Leave your refrigerator door open for a few minutes. This will make it start cooling once you close the door. You should then hear the sound coming from the compressor. If it does not happen, then your compressor may be faulty, and you will need to have it checked by a technician. However, one quick tip that would come in handy here would be to try and reset the compressor at least once to see if it works again. Here is how to do it.

How to reset the compressor?

In order to reset your compressor, you will need to follow these simple steps:

• Switch off the refrigerator by removing the power plug from the power outlet.
• Next, turn the temperature settings of the refrigerator and freezer to ‘Off’ or ‘Stop.’
• Now plug the refrigerator back into the power outlet.
• Next, adjust the refrigerator and freezer settings to the desired values. A temperature setting of 37 to 41 degrees Fahrenheit is good for the refrigerator, and 0 degrees Fahrenheit is good for the freezer.
• You now have to let the refrigerator run for about 24 hours to allow it to cool again. This will effectively reset your compressor and allow you to check if it is cooling properly.

Ensure that your condenser and compressor fan are running smoothly. To check the condenser fan, you will need to unplug your refrigerator. Switch off the refrigerator and turn the blades of the fan with your hand to test if it rotates smoothly. If not, use a clean, dry cloth to wipe it down and ensure that it rotates without any hindrance.

Also, you will need to check if the evaporator fan is making a squealing noise. To do this, connect your refrigerator to the power socket and turn it on. If you hear a chirping noise, it may be from the condenser fan.

In order to double-check this, you can open the freezer door, where the fan is located, to see if the noise gets louder. If this is the case, then you will need to replace the evaporator fan. Here are the steps to get this done:

How to replace the evaporator fan?

Evaporator fans are easily available on online marketplaces, so you can order the one you need. Here are the simple steps to help you replace your evaporator fan on your own:

• Keep a socket/ratchet set handy, as well as a wire cutter and wire stripper.
• Disconnect your refrigerator and make sure it is turned off.
• Open the refrigerator’s freezer compartment, and you will see the back cover. You need to unscrew and remove the back cover, as the evaporator fan is located behind it.
• If the refrigerator’s fan is protected by a fan cover, you will need to remove the screws that hold this fan cover in its place and remove the cover. This will allow you to reach the fan easily.
• Next, unscrew the mount that holds the fan to the refrigerator and remove it.
• Remove the mounting bracket and unplug the wires to free the old fan completely.
• Next, attach the new fan to the mounting bracket and plug in the wires properly.
• Screw the fan back into the refrigerator, and then screw the back cover back in its place.

Here is a detailed explainer video to help you out: Click here.

How to replace the condenser fan?

If your fridge is not cooling sufficiently, the compressor and condenser fan may be faulty. In order to check this, you will need to unplug the refrigerator. Next, you need to remove the thin cover or panel at the bottom rear of the refrigerator and expose the fan.

Now plug the refrigerator back and check if the fan is running. Open the refrigerator door for a few minutes to force the compressor to run. If the compressor runs and the fan is still running, take a hairdryer and point it at the area or section marked as ‘No Heat.’ This will heat up the compressor and cause the fan to start.

If the fan still does not start, it is faulty and needs to be replaced. Here are the steps to replace your condenser fan:

• Ensure that the refrigerator is switched off.
• Unscrew the fan from the bracket and unplug or cut the connecting wires.
• Strip the wires and connect them to the new fan.
• Next, screw in the new condenser fan to the mounting bracket.
• Finally, screw in the bracket with the fan in its place and check if it runs by turning on the refrigerator.
• Do not forget to replace the thin panel at the back of the refrigerator.

How do you improve your refrigerator efficiency?

Most of us plan to use our refrigerator for 10 years or more. The durability of a refrigerator is enhanced if it runs efficiently. Here are a few quick tips to ensure refrigerator efficiency and improve its lifespan:

• Keep the condenser coils clean. Dirt, human or pet hair can easily clog the vents and dirty the condenser coils. Use a vacuum cleaner to keep it clean and improve the refrigerator’s durability.
• Keep the door closed as much as possible. This allows the refrigerator’s compressor to rest and consumes less power. It also ensures a long, productive life for the refrigerator.
• Keep the gasket clean. Every time you open and close the refrigerator door, the gasket is responsible for sealing it in order to prevent the cold air from escaping. Thus, it is very important to wipe down this gasket (the rubber seal on the refrigerator’s door) regularly to ensure proper cooling. You may also want to replace the gasket if it has experienced wear and tear.

Here is the complete guide to refrigerator efficiency.

Does my refrigerator need annual maintenance?

Yes, all refrigerators need to be cleaned thoroughly at least once a year. This cleaning must include a thorough cleansing of the condenser coils, the fans, the gasket, and the freezer. The inside shelves, baskets, and racks need to be cleaned more frequently, especially if your refrigerator is used regularly. You can do this once a month or once in two months, depending on how dirty it is.

Also, it is a good habit to check the food inside a refrigerator every week and throw out the spoiled food. If you do not do this, it can cause your refrigerator to smell bad, and this spoilt food can contaminate the other food inside your refrigerator.

Do I need an extended warranty when I purchase my refrigerator?

Most manufacturers these days offer extended warranties on all home appliances. This is true for refrigerators as well. Although it may seem expensive at the time, you can still get a 2- or 3-year extended warranty as long as it is within your budget. This will ensure complete peace of mind for several years. You will not have to shell out extra for repairs.

However, even if you decide not to get an extended warranty, it would be fine. Most high-quality refrigerators from top brands usually do not need to be repaired within the extended warranty period.

These days, several reports have been suggesting that extended warranties are completely unnecessary. While we do not agree with that, we would suggest buying it only if you can comfortably afford it and it is from a company that actually provides efficient and fast service on customer’s requests.

We hope these tips help you repair your refrigerator. We do suggest that if you are not comfortable handling electrical wires and tools, you should definitely hire a professional to do it. Make sure you keep the contact number of the refrigerator service center handy or saved on your phone, and be sure to get a quote before you get any repairs done.

On the whole, the refrigerator is not such a complex appliance as it may seem. These simple troubleshooting tips will go a long way in helping you keep your refrigerator functioning smoothly!