Expert Refrigerator Repair and Maintenance

Because refrigerators have moving parts, faint noises are often signs of normal operation and may not indicate that a refrigeration repair is needed. For example, Maytag models with an ice maker generate a buzzing sound when the water valve opens. Whirlpool models may develop a buzzing sound when the compressor and fans are “adjusting” to regulate the temperature.

A buzzing noise may indicate that the refrigerator is unstable, such as if the feet need to be slightly raised to rest firmly on an uneven floor. If the sound appears to be coming from the rear (back) of the unit, the condenser fan or compressor may be damaged. If the sound is coming from the interior of the refrigerator, the evaporator fan may be failing.

Use a vacuum to remove dust and debris from the condenser coils, which are usually located on the refrigerator's back or bottom.

On the exterior, allow two inches of space between the refrigerator and the walls around it. On the interior, ensure proper airflow inside the fridge by properly organizing items and not overfilling them.

Ensure that the liquid is water, not refrigerant, which might be toxic. Refrigerants may emit a strange odour and have an oily texture, and a leak may generate a hissing sound. If any of these signs exist, promptly contact a service professional.

Check the door gasket seal, as a leak might cause excessive condensation. Next, if your fridge has a water dispenser, check the water tank, which is usually inside the door, for signs of a leak.

A blocked defrost drain, which is a small drain near the bottom of the refrigerator, may also cause internal water leaks. The drain usually has an attached “unblocker” tool that can be used to remove the ice or other debris creating the clog.

Replacing a refrigerator door gasket, which ensures an air-tight seal, is a fairly easy do-it-yourself repair. Be sure to use a replacement that is compatible with your make and model.

When you initially place warm food into the freezer, it often creates condensation. Condensation occurs when water vapor changes into water in liquid form, which is the opposite of evaporation. This moisture is exposed to your freezer’s evaporator, which causes an ice buildup in the freezer called “frost.”

Frost buildup can also be caused by a freezer door that does not close completely or has cracks and allows moisture to enter.

Frost may also accumulate in a freezer when the temperature is set too low. Warmer temperatures generate humidity, which freezes as frost. Keep the temperature in your freezer set to approximately -18° Celsius.

Most home appliance manufacturers recommend replacing your refrigerator’s water filter every six months or when the ‘change filter’ indicator light turns on. Most refrigerators with water dispensers today contain a cartridge-like filter that captures contaminants in your water supply, such as chlorine or lead, which could adversely impact the appearance, odour, or taste of your water and ice.

Whirlpool reminds homeowners who may have water quality concerns, such as those who receive their water from a private well, to consider changing their filters more frequently.

The manufacturer KitchenAid explains that the signs of a clogged refrigerator water filter include reduced water flow, evident when the water is dispensing very slowly, and limited ice production.

As a general rule, always check the manufacturer’s guidelines before performing a reset.

For example, on full-size refrigerator models from Whirlpool, a power outage indicator light will appear when the power supply is interrupted. During this time, many of the functions will remain disabled until the user confirms that an outage has occurred. In most of these cases, a reset is not necessary; however, follow the instructions to reset the power if the control panel remains unresponsive.

Samsung discourages refrigerator owners from resetting their appliances unless directed to do so by their troubleshooting (Self-Check) application, if they are relocating the appliance, or when cleaning it. The reason is that any previous error codes or diagnostic data may be lost during a reset.

Refrigerator brands we commonly service include the following:

• GE
• LG
• Whirlpool
• KitchenAid
• Maytag
• Kenmore
• And more!

No matter what type of refrigerator you have, our team will get to work right away to address any problems your appliance has. We can also quickly replace a damaged part, perform general refrigerator maintenance, and everything in between. Call to schedule service today.

Refrigerator parts we commonly replace include:

• Thermostats
• Water filters
• Replacement bulbs
• Ice maker components
• Defrost heaters
• Cold controls
• Door switches and seals
• Condensers and compressors
• Evaporators and fans
• Valves
• Solenoids
• Drawers, bins, and shelving

Refrigerator repair is difficult. If you have attempted to perform a refrigerator repair yourself, but it's too challenging, or you need help determining the issue, contact the appliance experts at your local Mr. Appliance to perform the repair. If you have recently purchased your appliance, the required repairs may be minor, such as slight modifications or tune-ups. A newer fridge can be returned to optimal performance fairly quickly by one of our experienced professionals.

However, if your refrigerator is older and struggling from working hard over the years, replacement may be a more financially savvy solution than fridge repairs may be. Refrigerators usually last about 10 to 20 years, but only if they're well maintained throughout that time.

When you call Mr. Appliance, we will diagnose your refrigerator's problem and determine whether it needs extensive repairs, a slight tune-up, or replacement. Once we’ve determined the issue with your fridge, we’ll make any necessary repairs to ensure it maintains a safe temperature to prevent foodborne illness.