Replacing a refrigerator can cost you $3,000 on average. The up-scale models of the SUB-ZERO, GE, LG, KENMORE brands can burn upwards of $9,000 holes in your wallet.
However, you don’t have to spend that much cash to get it fixed.
According to this Sub-Zero repair in Tucson company, you can fix most appliances if your model is less than six years old. There are some minor issues you can fix yourself, but you’ll most likely need to bring in a fridge repair company.
But how do you know it’s time to bring in the pros?
Here are four signs that your refrigerator needs more than a DIY touch.
1. It isn’t quiet
When in good working condition, your refrigerator makes a gentle humming sound. The compressor and motor should move, which naturally increases the noise levels. If it’s been operating for a while, the temperature will rise. But it shouldn’t make more noise than that gentle buzzing.
If your refrigerator compressor is continuously going on and off, or the humming has become louder than average, your appliance might be broken. Also, check if it is making any clicking and hissing sound whenever the compressor comes on – these sorts of tones should be checked out by an expert.
2. The refrigerator motor is hot
Under normal conditions, your appliance motor can feel warm to the touch. But it must never feel hot. That’s a red flag.
To check for this sort of anomaly, use your hand to feel the back of the refrigerator. If it feels excessively hot, you should reach out to your repair firm immediately. A hot motor means that it’s working harder than average, which could be a sign of other issues. This sort of problem also runs up your energy bills. You also want to get this fixed before it gets to the extent you have to buy a new motor.
3. Water consistently pooling on the floor
If you consistently have to clean standing water around the refrigerator, it’s wise to immediately call a repair company. Water leakage can be damaging to both the fridge and your home, not to mention the risk of electrocution because water has seeped into the electric mains.
Ice buildup on the walls or back of the refrigerator is another sign that the appliance is leaking. Sometimes, the leak is too small, so the water pool isn’t evident. Instead, the water pools under the device and seeps into the ground.
To forestall this, always clean under your appliance once or twice a quarter. That way, you will notice a leak before it gets worse and call in the repair firm.
4. Ice buildup in the freezer section
Does it seem like your freezer section is overflowing with ice? This could be happening because the refrigerator is struggling to control the temperature. You can stave off calling the repair firm by clearing the fridge and defrosting the freezer.
To defrost, you can place a bowl with boiling water inside the freezer, or use a hairdryer. This should melt the ice away quickly.
Once you have cleared off the accumulated ice, turn the appliance back on and watch out for ice buildup again over the next few days. If you discover ice building up still, you should call in the repair company.
Final Thoughts
It’s okay to practice do-it-yourself on your appliances. However, if you notice any of the issues mentioned above, it’s wise to call in a proper professional to take a look at your refrigerator.
Trying to fix it yourself might cause more damage, especially if you know nothing about the refrigerator’s technical aspects.
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