You rely on your fridge to be there to keep your food cold at the right temperature. Not only does this keep your food fresh, but also protects you and your family from potential food-borne illnesses. Even food that is kept at the wrong temperature for a few hours can begin to spoil. So if you notice your fridge isn’t keeping food cold or is starting to make noises, it’s time to call a service technician.
How Long Does A Fridge Last?
Fridges are designed to be one of the most reliable appliances in your home. Many fridges can last 10 years or more with proper care and maintenance. By ensuring your store food the proper way and that you do regular cleanings and inspections of your fridge you should be able to get many years of use out of your fridge.
How Long Should A Fridge Last?
You have probably walked into someone’s basement and seen a fridge that has been around for more than 40 or 50 years. Though this is a rarity today, you should still expect many years of service out of your fridge.
A 2018 Consumer Report found that most manufacturers claim that their fridges will last up to 10 years. With approximately 40% developing some kind of mechanical issue within the first five years.
Among the most common complaints homeowners experience are:
- The fridge is not cold enough
- Motor stops working
- Water is leaking from the interior or exterior
- The fridge is making noise
To ensure your fridge is running the way that it should, we have put together some helpful tips and hints so you can identify the reason your fridge isn’t working properly.
Fridge Not Cooling
One of the most common signs that your fridge isn’t working right is it stops keeping food cold. A fridge that is not adequately keeping food cold is not only an energy concern but a health and safety concern too. It is always important to store your food at the recommended temperature to prevent food-borne illness.
If your fridge isn’t cooling properly, it could be the result of several issues including:
- The fridge isn’t getting power
- The thermostat is broken or malfunctioning
- Vents are blocked or frozen
- Coils are clogged or broken
- The condensation fan is malfunctioning
By running through this simple checklist you will be able to easily identify some of the less complex issues that may be causing your fridge to not keep food cold enough.
Hot Back of Fridge
Like other appliances in your home, your refrigerator runs on a motor. Over time the motor can begin to malfunction or require more energy to keep your refrigerator cool. This is usually due to your fridge getting older.
The heat exhaust helps regulate the temperature of your fridge. If you pull your fridge away from the wall you will notice coils running down the back. If these get damaged or too old then they no longer regulate temperature properly causing excessive heat on the back and underneath of your fridge.
Check the back of your fridge every few months so you can have a better understanding of what the normal temperature should be and if you notice it is getting too hot, call a service technician. Remember to never tip your fridge to try and see the back. This can cause serious injury or death if the fridge falls forward.
Food Spoils Fast
If those leftovers are smelling a little stronger than normal, it may be an issue with your fridge. If you are finding it takes longer for your food to get cold, it may be time to call a technician.
Fridges that have to work harder to keep food cold can run up high energy bills. So it is important to keep an eye on the temperature of your fridge. If you turn up the temperature dial and still don’t feel a difference, then it’s time to have a professional look at your fridge.
Fridge Sweats
It isn’t just humans who can perspire when it gets too hot. If your fridge isn’t cooling the right way, it can cause a build-up of condensation. Usually, this is caused by faulty seals which can be fixed by replacing the seal around the door. It is important to never let your fridge get too warm inside. If you notice condensation around the fridge or water on the floor, contact the right repair technician.
Loud Noises
Most modern fridges make very little noise except when the motor kicks in to further cool the interior temperature. If you are hearing loud noises or rattling, it is most likely time to replace your motor. To inspect the motor, pull your fridge away from the wall and listen for any unusual noises. If you are hearing a clattering or grinding sound it is time to replace your motor.
Frost Build Up
Years ago it was not uncommon to have to defrost your fridge every few months when a thick layer of ice would build up inside. Today fridges are frost-free meaning you never have to worry about chipping away at blocks of ice on the interior. So if you notice frost building up anywhere in your fridge, it’s a clear sign that something is wrong.
Start by emptying your freezer to see if the drain is blocked or frozen. If it is, clear some space around it and let the water drain properly. If it continues to build up again, then it may be the result of a blockage in the drain hose or it is time to look at upgrading your refrigerator to something more energy-efficient and modern.
Many fridge issues can be fixed quickly with the help of a service technician. If your fridge isn’t keeping your food cold, then it may be time to call Alpha Tech Appliance. We can do a complete inspection of your refrigerator, identifying any issues that may be preventing it from operating the way it should and offering affordable and professional repair services you can rely on. Contact us today for a FREE quote.