Your refrigerator is an important kitchen appliance that keeps your meals stored fresh for long periods of time. Most refrigerators come with a fridge and freezer that give more space and flexibility to preserve your favorite food items. The thing is that these units are electronic appliances at the end of the day, regardless of how well-maintained, they are prone to running into problems. The best way to deal with such situations is to consult appliance repair services or to be aware of the troubleshooting tips. If your fridge is working but the freezer is not, you have come to the right place. Let’s take a look at how you can get your refrigerator running back to normal.
Overstuffing
One of the reasons your freezer might not be working as it should be is overstuffing. Every freezer comes with compartments and specific storage spaces meant to store a limited number of food items at a time. In most cases, this factor is ignored as homeowners tend to keep on stuffing the freezer.
The problem with this is that the unit is not able to circulate cool air properly. Plus, you will also observe that the food items inside will be half frozen, which could result in spoiling. On the other hand, the unit has to work harder than usual to make up for the loss.
Overstuffing causes the unit to think that it is not doing enough to achieve the desired temperature, which it is. That said, it has to work harder than usual, which uses more electricity at the end of the day. So, if you notice your electricity bills going up as well, you should check if the refrigerator is working fine and use correct food storage techniques.
Dirty Coils
Another important reason your freezer might not be working is due to dirty coils. Refrigerators consist of evaporator and condenser coils that help with the cooling process. With time, these coils can become dirty as dirt, dust, and grease accumulate. This makes heat dispersion a bit difficult.
As a result, the coils turn hot and are not able to disperse heat properly. In worst-case scenarios, the coils stop working altogether due to overheating, which is an expensive replacement. This is why experts suggest regularly cleaning the unit to ensure the coils can manage heat.
However, cleaning the coils is quite easy and you can do it yourself. Simply grab a cleaning brush or similar tool and a cleaning agent. Spray the cleaning agent over the accumulations and wait for a bit so that it breaks down the layers. Then, use the brush to scrub the layers. Finally, use a clean cloth to remove any remnants making sure there is no chemical agent left.
Frost Buildup
Sometimes, the problem is not with any of the components or the unit itself. For instance, frost buildup can take place due to a variety of reasons and it can make your freezer stop working. Modern refrigerators come with an auto defrost feature that automatically engages the defrost system as soon as they detect frost buildup.
But, if the weather conditions are such that ice buildup is taking place, you will need to remove it manually as the defrost function will only be able to handle a limited amount at a time. But never use sharp tools or harsh removal techniques. Do it slowly and allow the ice to melt. The best way to do that is by watering the buildup with tap water. This will help break down the ice so you can remove it easily.
Bad Door Gasket
A bad door gasket is one of the easiest problems to fix but a bit difficult to observe. Refrigerators come with numerous minor components that play a crucial role in every functioning of the unit. For example, the seals and gaskets installed on the doors help prevent its cold air from leaking. It also prevents the outside air from entering and spoiling the food.
These gaskets and seals are mostly made of plastic and rubber that wear down with time. If you notice that something is wrong with the freezer, you will want to check the seals and gasket. You can also do a cold air leak test first.
Then, look closely for any signs of wear and tear and if found any, find an exact replacement by contacting the manufacturer and replacing it. You do not need special tools for this as it can be done by hand unless there are screws or bolts. Read the instructions mentioned on the product before starting and then begin the replacement. You will be done with the replacement in no time.
Low Refrigerant Level
A low refrigerant level can make your refrigerator do weird things. Refrigerant is the lifeline of these units and needs to be at a certain level for the refrigerators to work without any issues. With time, the refrigerant could leak due to rust and other factors. This will result in leakages and the refrigerant level drops.
If you notice frost buildup on the coils, it might also be due to low refrigerant levels. The best way to check is by contacting a refrigerator ice maker repair Alexandria technician. If there is a leakage, it will need to be fixed before the gas can be refilled. Keep in mind that refilling the gas is an expensive process. So, you would want to be sure the leakage is properly fixed.
Malfunctioning Thermostat
A malfunctioning thermostat should be a concern if the fridge is working but the freezer is not. The reason is that modern units come with thermostats that allow you to control both the fridge and freezer separately. This means you can set different temperatures for each.
If the freezer is not working the way it should be, you will need to check if the thermostat is working properly. If the unit was recently serviced, it could be that it has lost its calibration. Although calibrating the thermostat is not rocket science, you will need a few tools.
We will suggest consulting an expert who can help recalibrate the thermostat. But, if the unit has an aftermarket thermostat installed, you will need to replace its batteries. And, if that does not work, replacing the thermostat is going to be the only option left.
How To Avoid Refrigerator Problems?
If you wish to avoid both refrigerator and freezer problems, you should invest in professional maintenance. You would have thought it’s just about cleaning the unit inside out but in reality, it helps the professionals identify potential issues and fix them before they could create trouble.
This is why it is called an investment as you are paying to keep the troubles at bay. This also helps the unit run for longer periods without any minor or major issues. Make sure you opt for someone qualified enough to perform such tasks.
Conclusions
A situation where the fridge is working but the freezer isn’t can be a complicated issue to take on. But, keeping the information mentioned above in mind, you will at least have an idea of what could go wrong. If the issue is hard to fix, call in a refrigerator repair Fairfax expert. To prevent such issues from occurring in the first place, you need to hire a professional who can regularly check up on the refrigerator.