We’ve all been there: you open your refrigerator, hoping to find fresh, cold food. Instead of the cold air, you find lukewarm temps, weird noises, or an exterior that feels hot to the touch. When you have this, don’t panic.

This article is intended for both experienced DIY enthusiasts and those who want to understand the fridge hacks before seeking expert assistance. Continue reading to learn about common fridge hacks you can use to your advantage.

Unplug the fridge if not cooling.

Is your refrigerator warmer than usual? Even if it feels cold inside, if your food starts rotting quickly, you most likely have a cooling problem.

Before calling a fridge repair professional, disconnect the refrigerator and pull it away from the wall. This will give you access to the condenser coils, which could be the source of your cooling issues.

These coils frequently become blocked with dust and debris, making it difficult for them to cool the refrigerator properly. A brief broom sweep or vacuuming will return your fridge’s cooling performance to normal.

If that doesn’t work, inspect the evaporator fan—a defective fan can disrupt the cooling process. If the fan does not appear to be performing correctly, you should consider replacing the fan motor.

If your freezer is still cold but the fridge compartment is only tepid, the cooling problem could be due to a clogged vent.

To see if this is the issue, open the door and inspect the space between the freezer and fridge compartments. If you notice ice accumulation, use a hair dryer (set to low heat) to melt it away gently. This easy modification will restore proper ventilation and cooling between the two chambers.

Level the fridge if it is making a weird noise.

Is your formerly silent fridge becoming louder when you open it? A variety of underlying conditions can cause odd refrigerator noises. While this is the case, there are various actions you can take before contacting a repair company.

First, make sure your refrigerator is level. Adjusting the legs to bring the fridge to level will typically reduce vibrations that contribute to loudness.

If the problem persists, the source of the noise could be the condenser fan. Debris getting lodged in the condenser fan and rattling around is a widespread problem. Check the fan (including the mounting bracket) for wear. Use a brush or vacuum to remove any material that may be blocking its operation.

If the condenser fan does not cause the noise, check the evaporator fan. Press the freezer’s light switch. If the noise becomes louder, you’ve identified the problem.

To access the evaporator fan, remove the panel at the rear of the freezer after unplugging the refrigerator.

Check that the fan blade is whirling freely. If not, consider replacing the fan or the elements that surround it.

Did you know? Not all refrigerators include condenser fans. To see if this is the problem, unplug the fridge and look behind the access panel on the backside.

Remove spoilt food if the fridge is smelly.

Weird, unpleasant fridge odors can be offensive when you reach for a snack. Before you worry about buying a new fridge or hiring an appliance repair technician, there are a few basic solutions you can make yourself.

Begin by removing any rotten or expired food items that may be the source of the unpleasant odor. Then, inspect the drip pan beneath the fridge, which is known to trap unwanted scents. If the drip pan appears to be in good condition, you may be dealing with a cooling issue that is causing food to spoil.

For continual odor management unrelated to chilling, keep an open box of baking soda inside the fridge to absorb undesirable odors.

Check the thermostat to see if the fridge is freezing everything

Is your refrigerator converting fresh produce into frozen mush? The most likely cause is a defective thermostat.

Check if this is the problem by adjusting the thermostat to the warmest setting. Does this resolve the issue? If not, look further into the fridge’s internal workings.

For example, the temperature sensor could be faulty, causing the refrigerator to overcool. Maintaining the proper temperature in the fridge may be as simple as replacing the temperature sensor — or having an appliance repair specialist do it for you.

Check the defrost drain if the fridge is leaking water

If you notice water pooling around your refrigerator, the problem could be a leak in the water supply line, or a clogged defrost drain.

Begin by checking the water supply line for leaks and loose connections. If that is not the issue, thoroughly investigate the freezer section.

A clogged defrost drain can potentially cause water to accumulate inside your refrigerator. Use a hair dryer on low heat to melt the ice and clean the drain. If the problem persists, the inlet valve may require maintenance.

If you still don’t know why your fridge is leaking, call a refrigerator repair specialist to inspect the unit.

Tricks to maintain fridge to avoid expensive repairs

Preventing problems in the first place is the simplest way to keep your refrigerator running smoothly for years. This starts with proper refrigerator maintenance.

Here are some maintenance and cleaning suggestions to keep in mind:

Regularly clean the interior of your refrigerator, including the shelves and drawers. This will help prevent unpleasant odors.

Keep an eye on the condenser coils and clean them on a regular basis to prevent dust and debris buildup.

Check the door seals for any gaps that could reduce cooling performance.

Avoid overcrowding the refrigerator or storing hot foods inside. This can put undue strain on the compressor and cause problems in the future.

Parting shot

While there are many minor issues that you can troubleshoot and resolve by yourself, other repairs require the expertise and understanding of a professional.

If you have tried fixing a problem and you can’t find a solution, let an experienced appliance repair Alexandria professional help you out.

When you are hiring a repair professional, take your time to find one who not only has the requisite experience but also has an attractive personality. You don’t want to be stuck with someone that you don’t enjoy being around, do you?

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