If you own a refrigerator, you know how important it is to your daily life. A malfunctioning fridge can cause a lot of problems and can even lead to food spoilage, which can be costly. You might be surprised to learn that many refrigerator malfunctions can be fixed with just a few DIY tips. In this article, we’ll explore five DIY tips for fixing your malfunctioning refrigerator.
Check Your Thermostat
One of the most common reasons why a refrigerator might malfunction is the thermostat. If your fridge is too warm or too cold, your thermostat might be the culprit. Before you start panicking and calling a handyman, you should try adjusting your thermostat. Make sure it’s set to the right temperature, and if not, adjust it accordingly.
If the thermostat is still not working, you might consider replacing it. You can easily buy a replacement thermostat online or from a hardware store. Installing a new thermostat may seem like a tricky task, but it is much easier than it seems. Follow the instructions carefully, and in no time, you can have your fridge working again.
Clean Your Coils
Another common issue with refrigerators is dirty coils. The coils are located on the back of the fridge and can quickly become clogged with dust and debris. Dirty coils can cause the compressor to overheat and malfunction, resulting in a fridge that doesn’t cool properly.
To clean your coils, you’ll need to unplug your fridge and move it away from the wall. Then, use a vacuum or a soft brush to remove any debris from the coils carefully. Once you’re done cleaning, plug your fridge back in and check if it’s working correctly.
Check Your Door Seals
If your refrigerator is not cooling properly, one possible cause might be the door seals. Over time, the door seals can become cracked or damaged, allowing cool air to escape. When this happens, the compressor has to work harder, which can lead to malfunction.
To check your door seals, close the fridge door on a piece of paper. If the paper can be easily pulled out, then your seals need to be replaced. You can order replacement seals online or from your local hardware store. Replacing door seals might seem like a daunting task, but it’s quite simple if you follow the instructions carefully.
Check the Evaporator Fan
If your fridge is not cooling, one possible reason might be a faulty evaporator fan. The evaporator fan circulates the air inside the fridge to keep everything cool. If the fan is not working correctly, then your fridge might not cool adequately.
To check your evaporator fan, unplug your fridge and remove the back panel of your freezer. If the fan is not working, then you might need to replace it. You can buy replacement fans online or from your local hardware store. Installing a new evaporator fan might be a bit tricky, but it’s doable if you follow the instructions correctly.
Check the Condenser Fan
The condenser fan is responsible for cooling the compressor, which is the heart of your fridge. If the compressor gets too hot, then your fridge might not cool properly. If the condenser fan is not working correctly, then your fridge might not cool down.
To check your condenser fan, unplug your fridge and remove the back panel. Locate the condenser fan and try spinning it by hand. If it’s hard to spin, then it might be clogged with debris. Clean the fan carefully and try spinning it again. If it still doesn’t spin correctly, then you might need to replace it.
FAQs
1. How often should I clean my refrigerator coils?
You should clean your refrigerator coils at least twice a year.
2. Can I clean my refrigerator coils without unplugging the fridge?
No, you should always unplug your fridge before cleaning the coils.
3. Can I use a hairdryer to defrost my freezer?
No, you should never use a hairdryer to defrost your freezer. Always use a plastic scraper.
4. Can I use bleach to clean my fridge?
No, you should not use bleach to clean your fridge. Instead, use a mixture of warm water and dish soap.
5. How do I know if my thermostat is not working correctly?
If your fridge is too warm or too cold, your thermostat might be the culprit.
6. How often do I need to replace my door seals?
You should replace your door seals every five years.
7. Can I replace my evaporator fan without professional help?
Yes, replacing the evaporator fan is a DIY task that you can do at home.
8. Can I replace my condenser fan without professional help?
Yes, replacing the condenser fan is a DIY task that you can do at home.
9. Why is my fridge making strange noises?
Your fridge might make strange noises due to a faulty compressor or faulty fans.
10. How do I prevent my fridge from malfunctioning?
You can prevent your fridge from malfunctioning by cleaning it regularly, checking the door seals, and inspecting the fans.
Fixing a malfunctioning refrigerator might seem like a daunting task, but with the right DIY tips, it’s doable. By checking your thermostat, cleaning your coils, checking your door seals, and inspecting your fans, you can solve many common fridge problems. Before you call a handyman, try these DIY tips and see if they work. With a little bit of patience and effort, you can have your fridge working like new.
