A refrigerator is an essential household appliance that is used daily to store and keep food items fresh. These machines are designed to be as efficient and effective as possible but tend to run into complications as well. There is a reason experts suggest regularly inspecting and maintaining the unit by getting the services of appliance repair technicians. Sometimes, refrigerators run into issues like shutting down by themselves and homeowners are less likely to find a solution. While it can be a frustrating issue, we have compiled a list of some of the most common reasons along with their troubleshooting tips to help the unit get running back to normal.
Faulty Power Outlet
If your refrigerator keeps turning off and you have no idea about the problem, you should check the power outlet. If the power outlet tends to be malfunctioning, it will not be able to provide constant power to the unit. To make sure the power outlet is the issue, you can try plugging the unit into another outlet.
If the unit does not turn off, it means the previous power outlet was the issue. If you have pets in the house, it could be that they damaged the wires or caused some other issue. To fix the issue, you will need to replace the power socket.
Furthermore, you should also check the power cord. If the refrigerator happens to be old, it could be that mice and other intruders chipped it and caused damage. Power chords could also be damaged due to being jingled up. Plus, both age and time tend to be normal factors that can result in early replacement.
Circuit Breaker Problems
Another possible reason your refrigerator keeps turning off is the circuit breaker. The circuit breaker is a type of safety device that contains fuses. These fuses help prevent expensive repairs and replacements by shutting down electronic appliances during power surges.
So, if you notice that your refrigerator has suddenly shut down and is not turned on, you should check the circuit breaker for a blown fuse. Try replacing the fuse to see if the refrigerator turns back on. If the circuit breaker continues to trip, it means something else is the issue.
You might want to check with the local authorities about the power surges or consult an expert for any short circuits taking place in the circuit breaker or other areas of the house that are causing the circuit breaker to trip.
Keep in mind that old wires can also be an issue. With time, wear and tear can cause cracks and damage. So, if the wires in the circuit breaker are the issue, you will need to get them replaced as well. This could be a lengthy procedure and will require an expert’s attention.
Thermostat Issues
Although thermostat issues are not that common in new units, that does not mean such issues are impossible. If you own a refrigerator that is old and have installed an aftermarket thermostat, you will need to check its batteries for replacement. Worn-out batteries will not be able to power up the thermostat, which will in turn not send proper signals to the refrigerator. If the batteries are fine, you will need to check their calibration.
If your refrigerator was recently serviced, it is likely to lose its calibration. You will need to contact a technician in this matter who can calibrate the thermostat of your refrigerator.
On the other hand, if you have recently purchased a new refrigerator, you will simply need to check the thermostat settings. It might be that someone has accidentally adjusted them, which is causing the unit to shut down randomly.
Refrigerant Leaks
Refrigerant leak can cause many types of problems. Every refrigerator comes with refrigerant gas that is compressed to produce cool air. This gas is stored in a special container to prevent leakages. With time, dirt, dust, and other factors can lead to rust and leakages.
If the refrigerant tends to leak, the unit will constantly trip and might even shut down due to overheating. The reason is that the lack of refrigerant puts excess stress on the compressor, causing damage to it.
Due to excessive overheating, the lifespan of the compressor is affected. If it sustains enough damage, it can shut down completely. In such a case, you will need to replace the compressor, which is an expensive component.
Therefore, you should make sure the refrigerant level is always up to the mark as recommended by the manufacturer. If you notice any unusual signs & symptoms, you should contact a refrigerator ice maker repair Fairfax expert as soon as possible so the leaks can be fixed and the refrigerant can be refilled to avoid damage to the compressor.
Lack Of Maintenance
As refrigerators work round the clock to keep food items fresh, they need regular inspection and maintenance. The problem is that most homeowners believe that regular maintenance is enough to keep the unit running smoothly.
The fact of the matter is that you need to go deep inside the unit to check for cracks, leakages, damages, and other issues. For such tasks, you will need special tools and skills as well. As long as you do not possess either of them, you should entrust an expert to do the job.
Reaching out to risky areas inside the unit might cause injuries and repairs. This is why you need to hire an expert to fix your refrigerator.
In addition to that, expert maintenance is not only limited to inspection and cleaning but also thoroughly checking the unit for potential issues. This allows them to fix before the issues turn worse. These services have experts for every appliance. So, whether you have a refrigerator or a cooktop issue, they will inspect and fix it.
Faulty Condenser And Evaporator Coils
The condenser and evaporator coils are equally important components of a refrigerator. Condenser coils help disperse heat and are located outside the unit whereas evaporator coils help in cooling the insides of the refrigerator and are also located inside.
With time, condenser coils become accumulated with layers of dirt and dust, which makes heat dispersion process difficult. As a result, the coils tend to heat up and cause the entire unit to shut down.
Evaporator coils can also malfunction due to age, corrosion, or ice formation on the coils. As the evaporator coils can’t function properly due to these factors, the refrigerator doesn’t cool, doesn’t turn on, or keep turning off when it turns on.
In worst-case scenarios, the coils will be permanently damaged and will need to be replaced. Then again, the coils aren’t cheap and will need to be replaced by an expert.
You can avoid many problems by keeping the coils clean and free from dust (condenser coils) and ice (evaporator coils). This can help you use the refrigerator for years because the coils won’t get faulty or sustain cracks or holes that can leak refrigerant.
Conclusion
Refrigerator problems can be difficult to fix so always consult a refrigerator repair Alexandria expert for professional inspections and repairs. Plus, keep an eye out for any signs that hint at malfunctions. This will help keep your refrigerator running without any issues.
