The average refrigerator replacement costs $2,000 with higher-end models running upwards of $8,000! Luckily, you may not have to shell out that kind of cash.
Many refrigerator problems can be solved by calling an appliance repair company in Portland instead. This is especially true if you have a side-by-side refrigerator that’s less than 5 years old or a bottom or top freezer model that’s less than 7 years old.
But how do you know when it’s time to call in the pros? Well, there are a few telltale signs that your refrigerator is broken.
Do you want to know what they are? Keep reading to find out!
1. It’s Not Cold Enough
Are you not feeling a chill when you open your fridge? Does your stick of butter feel soft to the touch? Is food in your freezer starting to defrost?
If so, your fridge may be having trouble maintaining the proper temperature. Not only can this be costly as your food might begin to spoil, but it may also mean you’ll incur a higher energy bill if your fridge is working overtime trying to maintain its temperature.
Be sure to call a refrigerator repair company as soon as you notice a drop in temperature. Keeping your fridge closed until you get it fixed is the best way to keep food as cold as possible and prevent spoiling.
2. Your Food is Spoiling Quickly
Not all changes in temperature are so dramatic that you can feel it as soon as you open the fridge. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t a problem.
Even slight drops in temperature can cause food to spoil faster than usual. And when the average family of four spends anywhere from $130-$300 per week on food, you could be wasting a lot of money.
Before you throw spoiled food away, check for an expiration date. If you notice you’re trashing several food items that aren’t past the expiration date, consider getting your fridge repaired.
3. There’s Condensation
While a little bit of condensation in your refrigerator isn’t a huge problem, there shouldn’t be excess condensation. There also shouldn’t be any condensation on your food. If there is, your fridge may not be cooling correctly.
This could be due to an issue with your fridge’s mechanics, or it could be as simple as replacing the rubber seal. Over time, the seal with accumulate cracks and tears, causing cold air to seep out when the door is shut.
While replacing your fridge’s rubber seal may seem like an easy DIY, consider calling in the pros. The seal has to be installed just right in order to keep all that cold air in.
4. Ice Is Building Up in the Freezer
Does your freezer look like the surface of Antarctica? If ice is building up inside your freezer, it may be because your fridge is having a hard time controlling the temperature.
The good news is that this problem isn’t an emergency that has to be fixed ASAP. Take a few days to eat the food in your freezer and then defrost it.
You can do this by turning your refrigerator off and keeping your freezer door open. Make sure you keep your fridge door closed to prevent your food from spoiling. You can then melt the ice by blowing on it with a hair dryer or placing a pot full of boiling water inside.
Once the ice has melted, turn your refrigerator back on and look for signs of ice build-up over the next few days. If you notice that ice is starting to form again, it’s time to call a repairman.
5. The Motor is Hot
It’s normal for your fridge’s motor to feel a little warm. However, it should not feel hot.
If you place your hand towards the back of your fridge and feel excessive heat, don’t hesitate to call a refrigerator repair company in Portland. Even if your fridge appears to be maintaining its temperature, a hot motor is a sign that it’s working overtime. This means that it could be close to breaking and you’re likely incurring higher energy bills in the meantime.
6. It’s Loud
Your refrigerator should always be making a very soft humming sound. When the temperature rises higher than the set level, your fridge’s motor and compressor should then kick on and make a slightly louder sound.
However, if you notice your refrigerator is constantly kicking on and off or if the continuous humming becomes loud enough to notice, your fridge may be broken. Other sounds to look out for include clicking, buzzing, and hissing. There is a myriad of reasons your fridge could be making noise, so you’ll want to get it checked out by a professional.
7. There’s Water on Your Floor
Have you decided to finally push the fridge out and clean under it? If you notice water on the floor, be sure to call a refrigerator repair company right away. Another sign that your fridge is leaking is ice buildup on your walls or the back of your fridge.
Both ice on your walls and water on your floor can lead to water damage, so you’ll want to get this problem fixed right away. Many leaks aren’t bad enough to cause water to seep out onto the floor in front of your fridge, causing them to go unnoticed. To prevent this, consider pulling your fridge out once or twice a year to clean under it and to check for possible leaks.
Signs Your Refrigerator is Broken
Don’t ignore a loud fridge or a freezer that’s caked with ice. Instead, follow the guide above to learn the signs that your refrigerator is broken and when to call in the pros.
Do you need a trusted and experienced appliance repair company in Portland Oregon? Then contact us today to set up an appointment.
