There are a million things that could go wrong in our homes. However, there is an appliance that would cause us major conflict if it did. This appliance is our refrigerator. If it was our oven, we could improvise and eat out a night or two. But if it were the refrigerator, that would cause us complete panic if it was stocked up with perishable food items.
Therefore, if you are facing this type of scenario, you should start right away researching refrigerator repair companies. Pick a few to come out and examine your fridge so they could give you the best quotes. Because, when it comes to an appliance such as a refrigerator, it may be one particular part of it that is causing the whole thing to malfunction. The repairman can tell you what part it is along with a cost for parts and labor.
Most Common Refrigerator Repair Costs
The three issues that are more common for a refrigerator repairman to encounter are:
- Ice maker stops working
- The compressor stops
- There are noises that just cannot be tolerated
If one of these three is your refrigerator’s issue, getting a professional to figure out which one will be important. The price range for these types of repairs can be very different. For instance, if it is the ice maker that has completely stopped working, you might pay up to $330 dollars for this type of fix.
Furthermore, if your compressor stops, you may have to replace it. This could cost $50 dollars up to $300. This is because specific models will have different compressors and depending on which one you have will determine your cost.
In the case that it is a noise that is disrupting your household, a few things might be the culprit. And the amount you spend will be determined by the repairman after he identifies it. A few examples would be a drip pan leak, or the drip pan not placed correctly. These repairs are on the low scale of a repairman’s payment plan at around $50 dollars. However, if the noise happens to be the defroster, then the price will go up a good bit – the $100 to $200-dollar range.
Tips to Keep a Refrigerator Running Smoothly
In stating the most common problems, it will also be helpful to give some tips on what to do to keep your refrigerator running smoothly after the repair has been made.
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Keep Your Fridge Full
There is a debate with some about this tip, but the truth is if you keep your fridge fully stocked and neat then the cooling system will not have to work so hard. -
Place Your Refrigerator away from windows and direct sunlight
Direct sunlight through a window can cause a fridge to work harder. If at all possible, place it in a cool corner of the kitchen area. -
Set the Correct Temperature
Most refrigerators are set between 37 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit and the deep freezer should be set at 5 degrees Fahrenheit. -
Cover All Food
As you might know, the compressor helps retain extra moisture and if food is not covered correctly some types of food will make the compressor work harder to obtain a moisture-free area. -
Do Not Open Your Fridge if Not Necessary
Constantly opening the door or standing there with the door open for too long will cause your compressor to work harder to keep it cool. -
Check Your Condenser Coils
Do this at least 2 to 3 times a year. Your condenser coils play a role in keeping the inside of your fridge cool as well. Clean them if they are dirty. -
Replace the Gasket
This is a rubber seal that all refrigerators come equipped with. It helps keep the warm air out. Replace it if the suction is not working.
A Recap of Some Important Tips to Follow
First, if you do have a problem that needs to be solved by a repairman, it would be best to get a few quotes from different refrigerator repair companies and make the right choice that will fit in with your budget.
Second, now that you have repaired your refrigerator, make sure you start keeping it running smoothly so you will not have to call a repairman out again. Follow the above list to do so.
Special Note: If your refrigerator is more than 15-years-old, it is probably time to buy a new one.
Finally, I hope the tips in this article will help you if you are having refrigerator issues or if you have bought a new fridge and want to keep it running well. The refrigerator is, indeed, one of our most needed appliances. Take the initiative to keep yours running for years to come.