The refrigerator is an essential kitchen appliance. It keeps food cold and helps them stay fresh longer. The fridge also ensures a supply of ice and cold beverages. We’ve all grown up with this appliance. Without it, life is unimaginable.

Designed as a highly durable appliance, refrigerators can last for 9 to 13 years. While these appliances can conk out anytime without warning, they usually show obvious signs before finally going out. So, it is important to pay close attention to these symptoms to prevent major damage.

Telltale Signs of a Failing Refrigerator

We open the refrigerator at least 38 times per day, so there’s really no excuse for you not to notice signs that the unit is breaking down soon. Here are the most common warning signs to watch out for.

Excessive heat from the motor

Place your hand near the coils. If the refrigerator motor is producing excessive heat, you can suspect a brewing problem. Usually, this suggests that the kitchen appliance is working double-time to meet the desired temperature. In most cases, the motor will need to be replaced.

Excessive condensation

If your refrigerator is excessively sweating on a hot summer day, it might not be cooling properly. Check the rubber sealing around the door if it is providing a good seal. Usually, you can fix it on your own. If there is condensation inside the fridge, it might have a faulty thermostat. Be sure to get the unit checked to avoid major damage as well as spoiling foods.

Nearing maximum life expectancy

As mentioned above, refrigerators can last for about 13 years. As the unit comes close to its lifetime expiration date, it can begin to show signs of wear and tear. Certain parts begin to wither and eventually they may fail. Even if your fridge is not yet showing obvious signs of going out, you should be prepared that it may give out at any time.

Always running

Have you noticed your refrigerator running constantly? Typically, refrigerators run about 40-50% of the time. So, expect the humming or buzzing sound to start and stop now and then. If it doesn’t seem to stop, then you can suspect some problems like inadequate airflow or a refrigerant leak. This can cause overheating if not repaired immediately.

Poor energy efficiency

Check your energy bills. If it jumps up without apparent reason, you can suspect inefficient appliances in your home. If you use an old refrigerator, it might be the culprit. Don’t wait for the unit to just suddenly stop, a preventive maintenance check can determine potential issues.

Freezing over

According to a technician from Hartman’s Jacksonville appliance repair, excessive ice formation or door sticking on the side are obvious signs that the freezer has problems. If you need to chisel office to get your foods, it tells you the freezer may go out soon. Try to defrost the freezer by turning the unit off. Usually, this should solve the problem. However, if over-freezing becomes a perennial problem, you should consider getting the unit checked by a qualified appliance technician.

Clicking noise

Like any other appliance, it’s normal for the refrigerator to produce some sounds. But if you notice a persistent clicking sound coming from the back of the fridge, it is a cause of alarm. This may suggest the compressor is no longer running. Usually, this error is due to a faulty part called the PTC relay. If you hear this clicking sound, make sure to call a service provider soonest.

Final Thoughts

Early detection and troubleshooting can save you money and headaches. If you notice any of these signs, be sure to contact a professional right away. Don’t wait for your refrigerator to suffer from more serious damage that can be costlier to repair.

If your fridge suddenly conks out, don’t attempt to fix it yourself. While you may find tons of resources online about appliance repair, this appliance contains environmental hazards like the refrigerant. In fact, the US Environmental Protection Agency requires a license for workers exposed to or handling refrigerant products.

Unlike other home appliances that you can tinker with, the refrigerator requires knowledge and experience to detect and troubleshoot problems properly. Not to mention, doing DIY repairs can void the warranty. So, if you notice any of the signs above, call up a service technician right away. There are plenty of qualified technicians that you can find within your city.