If the refrigerator has not cooled down, try the following five troubleshooting steps:
1) Check the condenser coils for dirt;
2) Check the evaporator fan for failure;
3) Check the start relay;
4) Check the defrost system;
5) Check for any refrigerant leaks.
It is a problem affecting Yuma residents to a greater extent than others – all of the elements of the desert, from extreme heat to dust and hard water, take a toll on all parts. There are some of these issues that you can resolve in less than 20 minutes. Others require a licensed technician. This article has a breakdown of each cause, how to recognize it and what to do next.
Why Is My Refrigerator Not Cooling?
Don’t jump to the conclusion that all is lost, before checking some very simple things. Are all the plugs into the fridge sockets tight? Has a circuit breaker tripped? Did the thermostat dial get accidentally turned up (did happen more than you’d think!)? Eliminate those to begin with.
If the above do not apply, then the problem could be one of the following.
Dirty or Blocked Condenser Coils
This is the #1 reason for a refrigerator not cooling particularly in Yuma.
The condenser coils are used to heat up the refrigerant while it goes around your fridge. They can’t do that job when they’re covered with dust, pet hair or debris. Overworked refrigerator attempts to maintain cold temperature and fails.
In most homes, you should clean condenser coils once or twice a year. In Yuma? More often. Every surface here in this valley is covered with the desert dust which coats those coils quickly. Fortuna Foothills or anyplace east of town near the dunes, you know what we’re talking about.
To check: Remove fridge from wall. Either on the back or underneath (behind a kick plate). They should be clean if they are gray and furry.
Simple repair: Vacuum with brush attachment or coil cleaning brush. Takes about 15 minutes. Check out appliance maintenance tips here to get more information: blog/appliance maintenance yuma
Condenser Fan Motor Failure
The condenser fan circulates air over the condenser coils to aid in cooling. If the fan motor burns out, the coils overheat and cooling is stopped.
Often a warning is heard before complete breakdown, a rattling or grinding sound from behind the refrigerator. When the fridge is operating, but not cooling, and the fan does not turn when checked, the fan motor may need to be replaced.
This is a maintenance job that most technicians can easily perform. Common brands such as Samsung, LG, GE and Whirlpool will have parts available typically on the same day.
Evaporator Fan Not Running
- There’s a second fan inside the freezer compartment. This one circulates cold air from the evaporator coils throughout the fridge. In the event that it fails, you may discover that your freezer continues to be very cold, while your refrigerator section warms up a typical sign.
- Go into the freezer and listen. You should hear the fan running. If it is quiet and the refrigerator is not in a defrost cycle, then the fan motor is probably to blame.
- Evaporator fan failure symptoms:
- Freezer remains cold and fridge area does not.
- Strange sounds (or no sound) from the freezer
- The accumulation of ice in the area around the fan
Refrigerant Leak
If your refrigerator is warm and the coils and fans don’t look to be the problem, you may have a leak in the system. Can sometimes happen particularly in older models, or in fridges that have been knocked around or knocked very hard.
When a fridge is leaking refrigerant, it will be the compressor running continuously, and the refrigerator will not refrigerate, and in some cases there will be an oily film around the coils.
This is not a do-it-yourself solution. An EPA certification is required for refrigerant handling and the leak must be found and repaired before it can be recharged. If you think this is the case, it’s time to call a refrigerator repair service in Yuma.
Faulty Start Relay or Compressor
The compressor is the main component of the cooling system within your refrigerator. It’s just been turned on by the start relay. Without a relay, the compressor will not start – and you will have no cooling!
Quick test: Take the start relay out (small part that goes into the side of the compressor). Shake it. If it rattles it is bad. A new relay costs $10 to $30, and is a relatively simple repair.
This is a different story if the compressor has failed. The replacement of compressors is costly, and can be as pricey as a new fridge. A reliable tech will share with you the truth when it comes to repair versus replacing. For more information about refrigerator repair vs replacement, check out the blog post.
Defrost System Problems
Modern refrigerators will automatically defrost themselves every so often to avoid frost formation on the evaporator coils. If the defrost heater, thermostat or defrost timer is broken, frost will build up until it stops the air flow through the refrigerator and the refrigerator will no longer keep the food cold.
You might notice:
Back wall of freezer has frost on it.
The fridge has been cooling initially and gradually increasing in temperature.
A humming sound but no cold air circulating
Your technician can test each defrost system part in isolation to determine the precise problem.
Yuma’s Climate Makes This Worse
To put it simply, refrigerators in Yuma are more likely to work harder than refrigerators anywhere else in the country.
During the hottest time of the year, July and August, when the temperature outside is 115°F, your refrigerator’s condenser is working to release heat into a very hot kitchen. It is a very tough operating condition. Monsoon humidity in late summer, hard water to corrode parts over time and the ever present desert dust… and it’s no wonder that Yuma residents call for refrigerator repair more than the national average.
When the Yuma heat starts to take a toll on an already old fridge, it could be a sign that it is time for the unit’s day of reckoning. A maintenance approach is a good way to go — sometimes a repair or replacement is the most appropriate thing to do.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price of refrigerator repair Yuma AZ?
Refrigerator repair service in Yuma can cost anywhere from $150 to $400 on the part and labor. Simple fixes such as a start relay and fan motor are at the lower end. The cost of sealed system work (compressor & refrigerant) is higher. Any tech should provide you with a definite price before they begin any work.
Should a refrigerator that is 10 years old be repaired?
Yes, typically — if the repair expense is less than 50% of the cost of a new refrigerator that is similar to the one to be repaired. When the compressor fails on a 12-year-old unit, replacement may be more cost effective. You can have a technician help you weigh it objectively.
Why is my freezer cold but my refrigerator is warm?
It is almost always a problem with the evaporator fan or a defrost duct is clogged. There is no circulation of cold air from freezer to the fridge section. This is a very common repair, often not very costly.
Will Yuma’s sun heat up my refrigerator?
Yes, over time. The compressor and condenser are operated outside their designed range of operation due to the extreme ambient temperatures. Properly cleaning coils and ensuring proper ventilation around the refrigerator can greatly prolong its lifespan.
What is the time for repairing a refrigerator?
Most repairs can be finished in just one visit, typically 1-2 hours. For items that require ordering, availability of major brands in Yuma is usually the same day or next.
Before the food gets bad, get professional refrigerator repair.
When the refrigerator starts going downhill, it’s hard to get it going again. The sooner that you catch the problem, the sooner you can avoid food waste, higher bills for your energy, and more expensive repairs later on.
For refrigerator repair Yuma AZ, please give us a call and we’ll be able to diagnose the issue and let you know what the problem is and what it will take to resolve it. Contact us via the internet or call to schedule same day appliance repair Yuma, Fortuna Foothills, San Luis, Somerton and Wellton.