7 Signs Your Fridge is Dying

Fridges are one of those essential kitchen appliances that you can’t go long without. Sure, you can fill up a few eskies with ice and store your food in there for a short while, but that won’t get you by in the long run. Luckily, you can watch out for some warning signs your refrigerator is dying so you can prepare for a new one.

1. The Motor Runs Hot

It is not unusual for the back of your fridge to feel warm at the back. Fridges work by pumping out hot air so the inside remains cool. The mechanisms that do this are fixed to the back of your fridge, hence you will often find the back of your fridge quite warm.

Excessive heat, however, is not normal. While you could call out an appliance technician to repair or replace the motor coils at the back, it is often better to just get a new fridge. If the coils need replacing, it won’t be long before other components are also in need of repair or replacement.

2. There is Excess Condensation

Has your fridge ever looked like it’s just run a marathon and is sweating more than just a little condensation? This is most often caused by improper cooling. If this is the case, you’ll want to check the door seal around the door of your fridge. Should you discover water droplets, mould or mildew here, they’ll need to be replaced.

If there is ever excessive condensation from inside your fridge, then the setting of your temperature control board is likely faulty. You’ll need to address this quickly, or your food will begin spoiling sooner than it otherwise would! Again, while you can have this repaired or replaced, chances are you’ll be repairing something else only a few months later.

3. You Need to Frequently Defrost the Freezer

Most homes have a fridge-freezer duo now, and if your freezer is starting to resemble an icy wonderland, it might be on the way out. If you find you’re having to chip away at ice to get to that packet of peas in the back, the first thing you’ll want to do is defrost the freezer. If you find the ice has built back up again not too long after, this is a sign your fridge is dying.

Newer freezers have automatic defrosting features that get around this problem now. Regardless of your fridge/freezers age, however, it’s a problem you need to take care of immediately.

4. Your Fridge is More than 10 Years Old

You can expect your fridge to last 10-20 years. If your fridge is more than 10 years old and is constantly needing repairs or replacements, it’s time to start looking for a new model.

You might think you’ll be wasting money by buying a new fridge when you can just repair your old one. The cost of appliance repair will eventually outweigh the cost of a new fridge, however. Newer fridges also come with modern benefits such as energy efficiency.

5. It is Not Energy Efficient

Have your energy bills jumped up for no apparent reason? Inefficient appliances such as an old fridge might be the cause of this.

More energy efficient fridges will not only be better for your wallet, but they are also more environmentally friendly! Now might be the perfect time to replace your old refrigerator and upgrade to something new.

6. Food is Going Bad Too Quickly

Have you found your food is spoiling more quickly, well before its expiration date? Or maybe it’s taking longer for something to chill than it used to? This is a clear sign that your fridge isn’t cooling correctly and resulting in more spoiled food.

This means your fridge is wasting energy (and money!). On top of that, your food is not being stored at a safe temperature, hence food is going bad more quickly. Bacteria could be growing on your food if this is the case and has the potential to make you sick! When this is starting to occur, it’s time to look for a new fridge.

7. Your Fridge is Noisy

Fridges aren’t exactly silent, but they’re certainly not loud. A slight buzz is normal, but you shouldn’t hear the noise from your fridge across your kitchen and into the next room. Unplug your fridge, and if loud or strange noises continue, it’s time to start looking for a new one.

BONUS: The Fridge Door Seal Has Worn Out

A compromised fridge door seal is a tell-tale sign that your fridge might be nearing the end of its life. This crucial component ensures that the refrigerator door closes tightly, securing the internal temperature. When the door seal wears out, cold air escapes, forcing your fridge to work harder to maintain the right environment for your food. A failing door seal not only leads to energy waste but can also put a strain on your fridge’s compressor, leading to potential breakdowns. Regular checks of your door seal can save on energy bills and extend the life of your appliance. Keep an eye out for signs of wear to ensure your fridge stays efficient and effective.

Time For A New Fridge?

When your fridge is dying or has already died, you might be tempted to consider refrigerator repair, but that can often cost just as much as doing a straight replacement. Luckily, you don’t have time to waste figuring out how to install a new one. That’s not to mention that you run the risk of voiding your fridge’s warranty if you install it yourself! When it comes to fridge plumbing, Metropolitan Plumbing is your local expert. When you begin to see signs your refrigerator is dying, contact Metropolitan Plumbing to install a new one for you.