Refrigerator repair
Top-freezer, bottom-freezer, side-by-side and French-door refrigerators. A warm fridge is urgent, so these visits are scheduled first.
What usually goes wrong
The most common pattern is a freezer that still feels cold while the fresh-food section warms up. Cold air reaches the fridge through a fan and a duct from the freezer, and when the evaporator coil frosts over, that air stops moving. The real fault is usually in the defrost system: a heater, a thermostat or the control that times the cycle.
When both sections are warm and the compressor is silent, the start relay and the condenser fan are checked first, because they fail far more often than the compressor itself. Sealed-system repairs are possible, but on an older refrigerator we will tell you plainly when the cost is close to a new one.
Refrigerator problems and causes
| Symptom | Likely cause | What the technician does |
|---|---|---|
| Fridge warm, freezer cold | Frosted evaporator, failed defrost heater or thermostat, evaporator fan | Inspect the coil, test the defrost circuit and the fan |
| Both sections warm | Dirty condenser coils, condenser fan, start relay, compressor | Clean the coils, test the relay, fan and compressor |
| Water on the floor | Clogged defrost drain, cracked drain pan, leaking supply line | Clear the drain, check the pan and water line |
| Ice maker not making ice | Water inlet valve, frozen fill tube, ice maker module | Test the valve and module, thaw and clear the fill tube |
| Clicking, no cooling | Failed start relay or overload | Replace the start components and test the compressor |
| Buzzing or rattling | Fan blade hitting ice, worn fan motor | Clear ice, replace the fan motor if worn |
Try this first
- Make sure the vents inside the fridge and freezer are not blocked by food.
- Vacuum the condenser coils, under the front grille or on the back.
- Check that the door gaskets seal: a sheet of paper should be held firmly when the door is shut.
- Confirm the temperature control has not been turned down by accident.
Keep it running
- Keep the fridge at 37 °F and the freezer at 0 °F.
- Clean the condenser coils twice a year, more often with pets.
- Replace the water filter on schedule; a clogged filter slows the dispenser and the ice maker.
Questions
- How long will food last if the fridge stops?
- Roughly four hours in a closed refrigerator and a day or two in a full closed freezer. Keep the doors shut until the technician arrives.
- Do you repair built-in refrigerators?
- Yes, including most built-in and counter-depth models. Mention the brand and model number so parts can be confirmed before the visit.
Refrigerator still acting up? Book a visit.
Request a repair visit