Refrigerator Repair Guide

Appliance repairs are nearly predictable, but don’t be hopeless, fixing it isn’t that difficult. First and foremost you have to understand how a refrigerator works and how to diagnose whenever problems occur.

CAUTION: Before attempting to work on a refrigerator, make sure it is unplugged. The electrical current associated from the wall outlets can be enough to kill someone. If the refrigerator or freezer has a capacitor-type, you must discharge it or you could obtain a severe shock. Please exercise extreme caution. Noble Appliance Repair cannot be held accountable for injuries due to misuse of our repair guides.

How does a Refrigerator Work?

A refrigerator is one of the few appliances in your home that runs day and night. Inside a refrigerator, it functions to bring the heat energy and drive it outside the appliance thus the output temperature inside the freezer drops. Let’s get started with some basic information.

Condenser coil and evaporator coil are two basic components of refrigerators and freezers. A liquid coolant circulates through these coils by a compressor and a motor and then flows to the evaporator wherein at the evaporator; the air in the unit is cooled by contact with liquid filled coil. The condenser of a refrigerator or freezer is the coil on the outside while the evaporator is the coil on the inside. The coolant then circulates through the system by means of a compressor.

Most of the refrigerators and freezers are frost-free. It simply means that, in this type of unit the heater is automatically turned on by a timer in order to melt the frost inside. When it is totally melted, the thermostat then would automatically toggle to a cooling cycle in order to uphold the normal freezing temperature.

Refrigerator Repair Troubleshooting Guide

PROBLEM	REMEDY
Refrigerator doesn’t run and the light does not work	Make sure that it is correctly plugged. Check for a blown fuse or any tripped circuit breaker. Test the power outlet for current. Inspect if the electrical cord of your refrigerator is damaged. Check the outlet voltage.
Refrigerator does not run but the light works	Check the thermostat. Be sure that there is a three inch space outside of the refrigerator between the walls in order to allow airflow. Clean the condenser coils Unplug the refrigerator for about two hours then plug it again. If you hear it running, there must be a problem causing your compressor to overheat. Tests the temperature control, as well as evaporator fan, defrost timer, compressor relay and motor, and the overload protector.
Refrigerator light does not work	Replace the bulb and test the door switch.
Refrigerator or freezer is not cold enough	Check the thermostat. Assure there is enough airflow in the refrigerator or freezer. Tests the temperature control as well as the door switch, defrost heater and timer, and the evaporator fan. Clean the condenser coils and check for door seals, clogged drain tube or a possible refrigerator leak.
Refrigerator or freezer is too cold	Check the thermostat and its temperature control.
Refrigerator is noisy or makes odd sounds	It is normal for frost free refrigerators, it is due to the defrost heater. Check the drain pan, condenser and evaporator fan. Inspect the compressor mounts.
Refrigerator runs continuously	Defrost the freezer. Clean the condensor coils
Refrigerator starts and stops frequently	Test the condensor fan, compressor relay and motor, overload protector. Clean the condensor coils as well as check the outlet voltage.
Freezer does not defrost automatically	Test the defrost timer, heater and thermostat.
Refrigerator has an unpleasant odor	Clean the interior of the refrigerator with hot water and baking soda. Remove spoiled food. Clean the door seals.
Water spills out on the floor outside of refrigerator	If you have an ice maker, check the water supply hose going in and out of the water inlet valve. Check the drain pan.
Water spills inside the refrigerator	If you have an ice maker, check the level of refrigerator and icemaker. Clean the drain tube.

If you have any questions regarding our Refrigerator Repair Troubleshooting Guide, feel free to contact us at 678-646-4346 or simply email us at admin@noblebhs.com and we’ll be happy to assist you!