How to Tell When Your Fridge Is Broken

Noticing that your refrigerator is not running is often the first telltale sign that something is wrong. Unfortunately, by that time it is often too late to save anything stored in the unit. Knowing how to tell when your fridge is broken before you lose product can save your business a lot of money.

The Importance of Regular Maintenance

Whether your refrigerator is brand new or several years old, there is no substitute for a regular maintenance program. Although vastly different, a residential-style fridge and a commercial fridge have many of the same maintenance requirements.

Some of the general maintenance tips:

Keep the unit clean inside and out. Create a schedule for keeping the inside of the unit clean, such as wiping the shelves weekly. Wipe down the exterior surfaces. Wipe up spills on shelving immediately.

Vacuum around the coils on the back of the unit with a brush attachment to remove dust and debris.

Check the door seals regularly. Worn or misshapen door seals can cause a loss of cooling capacity. When the cold is escaping, the motor works harder to keep the interior cool causing premature failure.

If you operate a business that utilizes commercial refrigeration equipment, it is beneficial to have a service contract with a refrigeration specialist to perform regular maintenance on your units. The cost of servicing will amortize itself by extending the service life of your reefers.

Signs of a Failing Fridge

When it comes to how to tell when your fridge is broken, there are warning signs that may be evident. Whether it is a commercial unit or your kitchen refrigerator, knowing how to tell when your fridge is broken can save money.

Food Spoils Before the Expiration Date

If you notice that your food is going bad quicker than normal or before the expiration date, that could be a sign that something isn’t right. The interior temperature should be between 37 and 41 degrees Fahrenheit.

If the temperature control is set correctly, but the unit is not maintaining the temperature, check the door seals. In some cases, it could be a worn or poorly fitting door seal. Other problems can be more complex and you may need a repairman.

Freezer Unit Gets Too Cold

A freezer should be maintained at zero degrees Fahrenheit. Older freezers are subject to frost buildup. Newer, frost-free models should not develop frost. If your unit is too cold and developing frost buildup, it could be a sign of a problem.

As with the refrigerator unit, the door seal is the first suspect. A faulty seal allows warm air into the unit which can cause condensation that can freeze. If the door seal is intact and the temperature control is set correctly, the problem could be a faulty defrost sensor. For a faulty sensor, you should entrust the repair to a maintenance professional.

Back or Top of Unit Feels Hot

Although all refrigerators will feel warm in the back because of the motor, they should not feel hot. If it is too hot to touch and hold your hand on, that could be a sign of overheating.

Many times this problem is caused by dirt and dust collecting on the coils. Using a brush attachment and your vacuum cleaner, you can clean the coils to help your unit run more efficiently. This should be a part of regular maintenance.

If cleaning the coils does not allow the unit to cool off and run normally, you should schedule a repairman.

Increase in Electricity Usage

As refrigerators get older, they naturally become less energy efficient. If you notice a sudden rise in your utility bill, it could be a sign that your fridge is failing.

The first check is the door seals. Faulty seals can cause the components to work harder. If the evaporator, condenser, fans, and motor are working harder to cool the unit, it will use more electricity. If the seals are clean and in good condition, you could have a different problem requiring a professional.

Condensation or Frost is Visible

If you see or feel condensation inside your refrigerator, you could have a problem. Another sign is frost appearing suddenly. The problem may be the door gasket, so always check that first. If the gasket is clean and sealing properly you may need to consider replacing the unit or contacting a repair service.

Water on the Floor

If you notice water on the floor under your fridge, it could be a sign of a serious problem. Most of the time, a leaking fridge will go unnoticed until it is really bad. A quick check is to pull the unit out periodically (every six months) to clean under it. This will allow you to check for leaks and pre-empt a potential complete breakdown.

The Motor Is Louder Than Normal

Refrigerators make noise. It’s what they do. However, if you can hear your refrigerator motor running from across the room you may have a problem. If you never noticed the motor before and it is suddenly loud you should contact a repair service.

Frequent Repairs are Necessary

Although not necessarily something to look for, this is something to be conscious of. If you notice that you are calling for repairs to a unit more frequently than normal, it could be a sign that the unit should be replaced.

In business, maintenance expenses are a part of the normal operating budget. When costs begin to exceed the normal parameters, they should be examined. Weighing the cost of continued repairs against the cost of replacement makes good business sense.

The Unit is More Than Ten Years Old

Every piece of equipment has a service life. For most refrigeration units, that may range from 10 to 20 years. Therefore, if a unit is more than 10 years old and is consistently costing money for repairs, replacement should be a consideration.

To extend the service life of any refrigeration unit, hire a reliable service company to perform periodic maintenance on a regular schedule.

Maintenance Programs in and Around Westchester County

Elite Refrigeration Services, Inc. has custom maintenance plans for businesses. From their Yonkers office, Elite services the Bronx, Northern, Southern, and Sub-Regions of Westchester County. Top-notch technicians round out their team of customer-service-oriented personnel.

With Elite on the job, you won’t need to worry about how to tell when your fridge is broken. Contact them at 1-914-222-9173 to arrange for an estimate. You may also ask questions or arrange an appointment using the online Contact Form.