‘Help! There’s Snow in My Freezer’—and 3 Other Common Refrigerator Problems That Are Easy To Fix

Getty Images

Refrigerators are one of those appliances that most of us take for granted, until one craps out on you.

A malfunctioning refrigerator can spell all sorts of disaster—from ruined meat and dairy to leaks or spills on the floor, or even a freezer so frosty it looks like a great nor’easter rolled in.

But when something goes awry, you don’t always need to call in a pro. Some major fridge and freezer problems require fairly minor DIY fixes to keep all of your perishables at just the right temperature.

We sat down with the refrigerator experts to find out how you can troubleshoot these four common refrigerator problems. Here’s what they had to say.

1. Frost in the freezer

If you have mounds of frost buildup in your freezer, don’t panic. While shoveling it out to get to your frozen pizzas might remind you of shoveling the driveway in January, this problem actually has a much easier fix (and one that’s easier on your back).

“This is often a seal issue,” says water expert Eric Phillips, of Dripfina. “If water gets into the freezer, then frost can build up. Try defrosting first, and if the problem persists, then consider replacing the seal.”

2. Refrigerator not cold enough

If you have the opposite problem (i.e., the food in your fridge isn’t getting or staying cold enough), then you’re going to want to troubleshoot it fast. Since the Food and Drug Administration recommends maintaining a refrigerator temperature below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, anything above it could easily lead to spoiled food and a really bad time for anyone who eats it.

“A fridge not getting cold enough is a common problem and can be caused by dirty coils at the back of your refrigerator, a faulty thermostat, or your refrigerator simply not being turned down low enough,” says Phillips. “The fridge settings and dirty coils are easy DIY fixes, but a broken thermostat can run $100 to $400 depending on the model and age of your fridge.”

To clean your refrigerator coils (which Phillips recommends doing every few months), just unplug your refrigerator, pull it out carefully, and vacuum the coils in the back before wiping them down.

3. Food freezing in the fridge

It’s annoying when the food in your refrigerator section starts freezing, but it’s another relatively quick fix, according to Ron Shimek, president of Mr. Appliance.

“If the food in your fridge is freezing, this could mean the temperature control thermostat might be malfunctioning or not properly set,” says Shimek.

To remedy the problem, Shimek recommends locating your thermostat and checking the temperature to ensure that it’s in line with the recommendations in the user manual. Don’t have the manual anymore? Do an internet search on the fridge model.

Your thermostat could be in one of several places, depending on what kind of refrigerator you have.

“Thermostats for side-by-side freezer/refrigerators are usually located in the back, while over-under units are more likely to have their thermostat on the top of the refrigerator section,” says Shimek.

4. Broken ice maker or water dispenser

If your refrigerator comes with an ice maker or water dispenser, then you may find yourself wondering why one of the two has suddenly stopped working. For a broken ice maker, Phillips recommends taking a closer look at your waterline.

“Often, this is a water or plumbing problem rather than a refrigerator issue,” he says. “I’ve lost count of the number of times I told a customer to check their water supply line and got a call back saying thanks for the fix! A line could be kinked, split, or have debris within it.”

When it comes to a faulty drinking water dispenser, Shimek has a few ideas.

“Several issues could cause this problem, such as the water tube in the door freezing, a faulty water inlet valve, or insufficient water pressure in your home,” he says. “Another potential issue might be a clogged filter, especially if you haven’t swapped it out in the last six months.”

While some of these issues might require calling in a professional, replacing the water filter is something you can easily tackle yourself—and should do so on a regular basis.

“Replacing the water filter should be done every six months, especially if your family drinks a lot of water,” says Shimek.

How to extend the life of your refrigerator

While refrigerators tend to last at least 10 to 13 years (according to Shimek), it’s also possible to squeeze more life out of it by performing regular cleaning and maintenance.

“Clean your fridge both inside and out regularly, pay attention to the coils at the back, and wipe down door seals so that spills and dirt don’t impede fridge closure and allow decay,” suggests Phillips. “Also check your refrigerator temperature and seals regularly so you catch any problems early.”

The post ‘Help! There’s Snow in My Freezer’—and 3 Other Common Refrigerator Problems That Are Easy To Fix appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.