At a Glance:
9 Signs to Replace Your Fridge
A reliable refrigerator can serve your household for up to 20 years, but eventually, issues are bound to arise.
When deciding whether to repair or replace your fridge, it’s essential to consider factors like brand reputation and energy efficiency.
Since your refrigerator is one of the most energy-consuming appliances in your kitchen, upgrading to an efficient model could save you money over time.
Explore the most common refrigerator problems below to determine if it’s time for a repair or a replacement.
10 Common Refrigerator Problems
Let’s see which issues you may be experiencing with your refrigerator.
1. Temperature Problems
One of the most frequent refrigerator issues is insufficient cooling, which needs immediate attention.
- Keep Away from Walls: Ensure the fridge is placed with adequate clearance from walls to allow proper airflow through the vents.
- Worn Gasket: Check the door seal for wear and tear. If the door doesn’t close properly or feels stuck, the gasket may need replacing.
- Temperature Gauge: Use a thermometer to verify the fridge’s internal temperature. A faulty gauge might prevent the appliance from cooling effectively.
2. Blocked Vents
Overcrowding your refrigerator can block the air vents, disrupting proper airflow and causing uneven cooling. Ensure vents are clear for consistent temperature control.
3. Dirty Condenser Coils
If your fridge isn’t cooling but everything else seems functional, dirty condenser coils may be the culprit. Clean the coils regularly to maintain efficient cooling and prevent the system from overworking.
4. Faulty Condenser Fan Motor
A malfunctioning condenser fan motor can prevent air from cooling the condenser coils. This can lead to overheating and inefficient cooling.
5. Evaporator Fan Issues
Evaporator fans circulate cold air from the evaporator coils throughout the fridge and freezer. If these fans fail, cold air distribution will be uneven, affecting cooling performance.
6. Control Panel Problems
Modern refrigerators rely on circuit boards for essential functions like temperature control. A damaged main or temperature control board can disrupt cooling, leading to spoiled food.
7. Power Supply Issues
Before diving into complex repairs, ensure the fridge is properly plugged in. A loose or incomplete connection can cut power to the refrigerator entirely.
8. Suboptimal Location
The refrigerator’s location plays a significant role in its efficiency. Extreme temperatures, such as in garages or near hot appliances, can hinder cooling performance.
9. Uneven Ground Leveling
A fridge that isn’t level from side to side can compromise its cooling efficiency. Ensure proper leveling to keep the cooling system running smoothly.
10. Insufficient Clearance
Crowding food inside built-in or counter-depth refrigerators can block air circulation. Ensure proper clearance around stored items to allow cool air to flow freely.
By addressing these common problems, you can maintain your refrigerator's performance and extend its lifespan. Regular maintenance and proper placement can help prevent many of these issues.
9 Signs That Your Fridge Needs to be Replaced
Keep an eye out for these signs to know when to replace your refrigerator.
1. The Back Panel Feels Too Hot
The rear of a fridge is naturally warmer due to the motor, but if it’s excessively hot, the motor may be overheating. For refrigerators under six years old, consider professional repairs (especially if under warranty). If your appliance is over 10 years old, replacement is likely a better investment.
2. Food Spoils Quickly
Spoiled milk or stale cheese before their expiration date is a clear sign your fridge isn’t cooling effectively. Food should be kept at or below 40°F to prevent spoilage. If your temperature settings are fine but the issue persists, it may be time for a new refrigerator.
3. Excess Condensation
Visible condensation signals inadequate cooling. If moisture is on the outside, check and replace the door seal if needed. If condensation appears inside, it’s a sign the fridge can’t maintain a proper temperature, and replacement is recommended.
4. It’s Too Loud
A loud humming or buzzing could indicate a failing motor. Try unplugging and re-plugging the fridge. If the noise continues, it’s a sign your fridge is nearing the end of its life.
5. It’s Too Quiet
If your fridge suddenly becomes silent and stops cooling, the compressor may have failed. Check for tripped breakers or power issues, but if the problem remains, it’s time to shop for a replacement.
6. Frequent Repairs
If your fridge requires constant repairs, it’s more cost-effective to invest in a new, dependable model. Save on repair costs and enjoy the reliability of an upgraded appliance.
7. Excessive Frost Build-Up
While some frost is normal, having to chisel through layers of ice regularly is a sign of an inefficient freezer. Upgrading to a frost-free model can save energy and eliminate manual defrosting.
8. High Energy Bills
Older refrigerators become less energy-efficient over time, leading to higher utility bills. Use an energy monitor to assess your fridge’s power consumption. If it’s using too much energy, consider replacing it with an ENERGY STAR model.
9. It’s Over 10 Years Old
While some fridges last longer, models over a decade old often consume more energy and cost more to maintain. Upgrading to an ENERGY STAR-certified refrigerator can save up to 9% more energy than non-certified models, lowering your bills in the long run.
Recognizing these signs can help you decide when it’s time to replace your fridge with a more efficient, reliable model.
Our 3 Favorite Fridges
If you’ve found your fridge has one or more of these common refrigerator problems, take a look at some of our most reliable appliances below.
Café 36 in. 27.6 Cu. Ft. Platinum 4-Door French Door Refrigerator
Shop Café 36 in. French Door Refrigerator
Cafe refrigerators are known for their modern designs. If you are looking to create a statement kitchen, this undeniably stylish option is excellent.
Keep all your leafy greens fresh with Cafes Humidity Control System.
Use the full-width tray to store date night flatbreads or pizzas without taking up valuable space.
Lastly, our best refrigerator choice has WiFi capabilities that send you immediate alerts when something needs to be fixed or adjusted.
Why We Love It:
- 27.6 Cubic Feet of Max Capacity
- Sophisticated Style
- Auto Fill Water Dispenser
- WiFi Technology
KitchenAid 36 in. 22.6 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel with PrintShield™ Finish Counter-Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Shop KitchenAid 36 in. Refrigerator
If you’re looking for a curated look for your kitchen, search no further.
This KitchenAid refrigerator features a smudge-resistant finish accompanied by sleek designs.
The Preserva Food Care System keeps food fresh for longer, while the FreshFlow Air Filter eliminates unwanted odors.
Also, for chilled water and immediate ice, this fridge provides you with the In-Door-Ice System for those busy summer days coming up.
➜ Learn More: KitchenAid Refrigerator Reviews
Why We Love It:
- 22.6 Cubic Feet of Capacity
- Preserva Food Care System
- FreshFlow Air Filters
- Measured Water Filler
Bosch 800 Series 36 in. 20.8 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator
Shop Bosch 800 Series 36 in. French Door Refrigerator
Bosch refrigerators pride themselves on showcasing form and function with high-tech possibilities.
This Bosch bottom freezer fridge features an XXL frozen foods BigBox compartment for any number of pizzas or boxes of popsicles.
Also, to save energy, activate the Eco-Mode function. This automatically adjusts temperatures to bring about economical chilling climates.
Lastly, this Bosch refrigerator uses FreshProtect and AirFresh Filters to eliminate obnoxious and harmful odors that may stem from ripe fruits or veggies.
➜ Learn More: Bosch Refrigerator Reviews
- 21.0 Cubic Feet of Capacity
- XXL BigBox Frozen Drawer
- Eco-Mode
- MultiAirFlow, FreshProtect, and AirFresh Filters
All in all, investing in a new refrigerator rather than spending excessive amounts of money trying to fix an old fridge may be the best option. If your fridge’s water stopped working or your refrigerator freezer won’t freeze, a repairman can only do so much. Check out Spencer’s extensive refrigerator catalog and see which one will fit your home the best.
FAQ
Let’s review a few more common refrigerator problems and questions.
What is the average life expectancy of a refrigerator?
The US Department of Energy states that most refrigerators will last for roughly 12 years. After 12 years, it may prove necessary to replace the refrigerator.
Why is my fridge leaking?
The most likely cause of your fridge leaking water is a plugged defrost drain. The defrost drain keeps the fridge from getting too cold. The refrigerator defrosts automatically and drips water into a pan. Food particles or other materials might jam the defrost drain on occasion.
Which brand of refrigerator has the least problems?
We’ve found that Samsung, GE, and LG fridges have the least number of problems over longer stints of time.
Why Trust Spencer’s TV & Appliance?
Since 1973, Spencer’s TV & Appliance has grown to 10 locations throughout the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. The secret to our longevity is simple: personal service. Customer satisfaction has always been the focus of our business, and throughout the years, we have been able to work hard with our suppliers to bring you the best prices. After all, getting customers the best price and personal attention is how we compete with big-box stores, day in and day out.
Not only do we offer top-rated appliances, name-brand electronics, and the best mattresses on the market but we also provide water treatment solutions and perform kitchen design services. Stop by your nearest Spencer’s and see what you’re missing!
Shop Refrigerators at Spencer’s
At Spencer’s TV & Appliance, we provide high-quality, name-brand products at great prices — check out our catalog to shop fridges online today. Your friends in the business are always happy to help you find the common refrigerator problems you may be experiencing. Call us, or better yet, stop by at one of our locations in the Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Glendale regions. Visit us today!