Refrigerator Repair Tips

Refrigerators, if maintained properly can save you huge electricity and repair bills. Here are some ways, which would help you minimize the calls to the local repairman, with these easy refrigerator repair tips.
Refrigerator Repair Tips
A home without a refrigerator would seem like a nightmare! Today, almost every house contains a fridge. The working person would probably know its advantages more than anybody else. A life without the refrigerator would make daily tasks a cumbersome affair. Two-door refrigerator, side-by-side refrigerators, compact refrigerators etc are available in pretty color schemes to match your home décor and also in compact sizes for the single person. Whatever the requirement, the choice is ultimately yours.

The refrigerator also becomes most unobtrusive to the surroundings until it actually stops functionally properly. Although the fridge may look spic and span from the outside, it is not always the appliance is functioning smoothly from the inside. Till one fine day, you realize that it is no longer functioning! Incessant calls to the repairman and lots of worried moments follow till you finally get the refrigerator repaired back to its normal state.

But did you know there are certain ways you can keep your refrigerator functioning smoothly? There are indeed some ways you can repair the refrigerator yourself without relying on your regular service.

Here are some Refrigerator Repair Tips:

There are times when your refrigerator may suddenly act noisy. You even see an increase in the electricity bills. Fret not; in such cases, all you need to do, is buy a special wire brush that fits appropriately under the refrigerator. With this, you can pull out all the dirt and the grime. Now you can vacuum the area with the help of a thin attachment. This is one the main reasons your refrigerator may be sluggish and noisy and you can be rest assured it will function at its best! No need of any heavy-duty repairs.

Another way would be to clear all objects that are blocking the airflow outside the refrigerator. Always allow at least 3 inches of space all around.

The next time your fridge stops functioning, check the condenser coils on the rear of the box. Also ensure that the box is several inches from the wall and nothing should be on top, at the rear that would block the heat coming off, from the coils.

If your refrigerator is not cooling properly, you can check out your fridge before you give a tinkle to the repairman. Firstly, you need to see if the light comes on when you open the door. Then, check if the thermostat is set properly. If there is no problem with this, then you need to check if the compressor motor is running. This is usually located at the back of the refrigerator near the bottom. Even if the problem persists, the problem may arise because of the various components. Refrigerators have either an ADC (Adaptive Defrost Control) or a mechanical defrost timer. If your refrigerator has a mechanical timer, you must set the coldest setting and advance the defrost timer. You can also manually advance the timer with the help of a screwdriver. You have to insert the screwdriver into the advancement pinion and turn it clockwise. If the problem still persists, you may need to ultimately call the repairperson.

Another way to get your fridge working as soon as possible would be to have a thorough checking of the grill. For that you need to unplug the refrigerator to avoid any electrical shock. Most refrigerators have an access grill, which is attached to the front bottom of the unit. Once you remove the grill, you can check the amount of dust that may have mounted up, on the coils. This dust will have to be removed with the help of a vacuum cleaner. But whist doing this, ensure you do not bend or puncture any part of the tubing.

Here are some tips for proper maintenance of your refrigerator:
  • Never overfill your refrigerator because it won't cool too well.
  • Never keep your refrigerator unplugged for an extended period. This is simply because some units require continuous use. This would ensure proper lubrication of the compressor.
  • Always keep your refrigerator upright when you are moving to a new place.
  • Ensure that your fridge is full because this will also help in the proper functioning of the piece. Avoid overfilling.
  • Always defrost your manual defrost freezer regularly and never chip away frost.
  • Always keep a gap of 24 hours after moving a refrigerator and before plugging it in.
Always refer to the manual for appropriate refrigerator repair tips or maintenance tips that will help in the smooth functioning, for a long time to come!
   By Kashmira Lad
Published: 12/7/2007
 
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