Much has evolved since the advent of the first domestic refrigerator in 1913. Nowadays, we rely on our fridge to prevent our food from spoiling by keeping things cool. But what happens when things go wrong? Knowing when to replace your refrigerator and/or how to spot the signs it’s due fo repair is important.
A Fridge’s Lifespan
Ideally, the lifespan of your fridge depends on how well you take care of it. Most refrigerators have a 10 to 20-year life expectancy, depending on the type of fridge you purchase; compact fridges tend to last about 14 years and standard ones last around 17 years.
Regardless of what type refrigerator you own, keeping it away from any source of heat is important. We also recommend cleaning the gaskets (rubber seals lining the inside of the fridge door) with soapy water to avoid cracking and drying. Once a month, the fridge must be emptied and cleaned out, and the temperature should always be between 37 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Signs Your Fridge is Broken
The first warning sign is that your fridge has no power; the lights don’t work, the motor isn’t roaring nor is the fan running. The cause of this shutdown could very well be a defective electrical outlet or a blown fuse.
The second sign is that your food is warming up due to insufficient cooling. A faulty thermostat, defrost timer or condenser fan may be the cause of the warm-up. Also, all the cold air comes from the freezer and travels to the fridge, meaning you may have an air flow issue.
The third sign is that the appliance is making strange noises. If the sound comes from the freezer, the evaporator fan may be defective or broken. If the sound comes from the back of the fridge, the condenser fan or defrost timer may have stopped working.
The last sign is that your fridge is leaking. Check for a clogged drain tube if the water is gushing out the bottom of the fridge. If water is seeping out the back, it may be that your ice maker or drain pan no longer works.
Energy Efficiency
If you own an old refrigerator, your electricity bills are probably through the roof! Opting for a new energy-saving fridge is the way to go. Fridges 10-years-old and up are said to use twice as much energy compared to the new eco-friendly models.
When selecting your next fridge, look for models with manual defrost units because they consume less energy than automatic units. Also, top-mounted freezers are more energy efficient and cost less than bottom freezers. Thinking about sustainability is the ideal way to save money and help the environment in the long run.
If you’re in the Omaha-area, trust ASAP Appliance & Plumbing to repair your refrigerator or your appliances that require replacement parts. For more information, feel free to visit our website or phone us at 402-706-9931.