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 for long. 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.

2. There is Excess Condensation

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

If there is ever condensation inside your fridge, then your temperature setting is likely faulty. This needs to be attended to quickly, or your food will begin spoiling more quickly than it would otherwise! 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, this problem needs to be taken care of promptly.

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 fridge.

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? 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 as it should.

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 your fridge across your kitchen and into the next room. Unplug your fridge, and if the noise continues, it’s time to start looking for a new one.

When your fridge is dying or has already died, you don’t have time to waste figuring out how to install a new one. That’s not to mention that your fridge’s warranty might even be voided if you install it yourself! When it comes to fridge plumbing, Metropolitan Plumbing is your local expert. When your fridge is dying, contact Metropolitan Plumbing to install a new one for you.