Common Refrigerator Issues in Cold Weather and How to Prevent Them

Author
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Mark Jardine
Date
April 25, 2024
Theme
Home appliances
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9037
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Our refrigerators - the unsung heroes of freshness - face particular difficulties as winter approaches. In this talk, we'll look at frequent problems with refrigerators that occur in the winter and show you how to avoid them so that your kitchen appliances continue to function properly. Knowing these difficulties is essential to making sure your refrigerator keeps preserving food as best it can during the winter, from frozen condensation to temperature swings.
Come along as we walk you through winter appliance care so you can shield your refrigerator and its contents from the cold.


  1. Problem: Refrigerator not cooling enough
    Not having enough cold air in your refrigerator is a common problem in the winter. Numerous things, like a broken thermostat, an obstructed condenser coil, or an inoperable evaporator fan, can be the cause of this.
    Fix: Make sure the thermostat is set to the right temperature by first verifying the settings. Clean the condenser coil to get rid of any dust or debris that might be obstructing airflow if it doesn't fix the issue. Last but not least, make sure the evaporator fan is operating smoothly and replace it if needed.
  2. Problem: Freezer forming excessive frost
    If you notice excessive frost buildup in your freezer, it could be due to a faulty defrost heater, a broken defrost timer, or a defective defrost thermostat.
    Fix: To get rid of any existing frost, start by manually defrosting the freezer. Next, use a multimeter to verify that the defrost heater is still operational. Replace it if it's broken. Next, make sure the thermostat and defrost timer are working properly and replace them if necessary.
  3. Problem: Refrigerator cycling too frequently
    Your refrigerator might be having trouble keeping a steady temperature if it is turning on and off all the time. This may be the result of a broken compressor relay or a temperature control thermostat.
    Fix: Turn the thermostat from the lowest to the highest setting to inspect the temperature control thermostat first. It could need to be replaced if you don't hear a click. Likewise, check for continuity with the compressor relay and replace it if needed.
  4. Problem: Water dispenser not working
    If your refrigerator has a water dispenser that's not functioning properly, it could be due to a frozen water line or a faulty water inlet valve.
    Fix: Examine the water line first for any obvious symptoms of freezing. If frozen, gently defrost with a hairdryer. If the water line is clear, use a multimeter to test the water inlet valve and replace it if necessary.
  5. Problem: Strange noises coming from the refrigerator
    Strange noises like as rattling, grinding, or buzzing may be signs of an issue with the compressor, evaporator fan motor, or condenser fan motor.
    Fix: Find the source of the noise to start. Try cleaning or lubricating the condenser or evaporator fan motor if that's the cause. It could be necessary to replace the motor if the noise continues. It is preferable to contact a qualified expert to identify and resolve the problem if the noise is coming from the compressor.
To prevent further damage, always remember that it's best to see a professional expert if you're unsure about doing any repairs on your refrigerator.