Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Refrigerator

A refrigerator is an important element of any kitchen, and its smooth operation determines not only comfort but also the safety of food storage. Over time, even the most reliable equipment begins to malfunction. Extraneous noises, unstable temperature, increased electricity bills – all this may indicate that your refrigerator needs repair or replacement. In this article, we will consider the main signs that will help you understand whether it is time to buy new equipment. If you are unsure about your decision, consult with appliance repair experts in South Florida — they will tell you exactly what to do.

The Most Common Breakdowns in The Refrigerator

Replacing a refrigerator is not cheap. It is not surprising that most people prefer to repair the equipment while it is possible. However, there are situations when repair is too expensive or impractical. Here are key signs that will help you understand that it is time to think about repairing or buying a new refrigerator.

Unusual Noises

Refrigerators always make noises — the compressor, fans, or ice maker. But if you hear new or too loud noises, the refrigerator is broken. If it stops making noises altogether, then it is probably broken. Try unplugging it for 5–10 minutes, and then plugging it back in. Sometimes this helps.

Rapid Spoilage of Food

If food starts to spoil before the expiration date, this is a sign that the temperature in the refrigerator is not low enough. The problem may be related to the door seal or a malfunction of the cooling system.

High Temperature Inside

Check the temperature of the refrigerator with a built-in sensor or a regular thermometer. If the temperature is higher than normal even with the doors closed, the appliance may need to be replaced.

Excessive Frost Buildup

A small amount of frost in the freezer is normal. But if the frost is constantly building up, the problem may be with the door seal, the evaporator fan, or even the compressor. If this cannot be eliminated, it is time to consider buying a new refrigerator.

Rising Electricity Bills

Refrigerators with a faulty cooling system run more often than they should, which leads to increased energy consumption. Listen to the sounds. If the refrigerator motor runs almost non-stop, then you have found the cause of high electricity bills. For accuracy, you can use an energy monitor.

Condensation

Moisture accumulation on the surface of the refrigerator indicates a problem with the door seal. If the appliance is not too old, the seal can be replaced. You can contact the specialists at Spark Service, who provide quality appliance repair services in South Florida.

The Case is Very Hot

The refrigerator produces heat, but if the back part gets very hot or does not cool down at all, this may indicate a breakdown. Combined with poor cooling, this can lead to problems.

Age of The Refrigerator

Age in itself is not a reason to replace the equipment. However, if the refrigerator is more than 10 years old, and it has started to malfunction, repairs may not be cost-effective.

How to Choose a Refrigerator For Your Home?

How to choose a refrigerator for your home? Before buying a refrigerator, it is worth thoroughly studying its characteristics:

Dimensions of the refrigerator

Before you go shopping, decide what parameters the model should have.

Determine a place for the refrigerator and measure it. Keep in mind that for complete cooling, the fridge needs free space to remove heat from the engine. If you do not leave much space, you will spend more money on electricity because the refrigerator will have to work harder to produce cold.

Compare the dimensions of the unit and the dimensions of the corridors and doorways. Before buying, measure the entrance door with a tape measure and the length and width of the free space where you will carry the refrigerator.

Type of construction

Currently, there are several main types of construction, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Let’s consider each of them in detail:

• Top freezer. Inexpensive models are presented in a wide range. The disadvantage is that you have to bend over to use the most frequently used compartment.
• Bottom freezer. It has a logical design (what is often used is at eye level). There is a large selection of models on the market. The freezer has convenient pull-out baskets.
• Side-by-side (refrigerator next to the freezer). It has a large space and additional functions. The refrigerator is suitable for kitchens that do not have space for a large hinged door. The disadvantages include large dimensions, and the temperature in the upper and lower parts of the refrigerator may differ.
• French door. A refrigerator with a lower freezer and a two-door main compartment. Models are distinguished by many functions, capacity, a wide main compartment and a freezer. These are expensive and large-sized devices.

Compressor

The most common are linear (conventional) and inverter compressors. Conventional devices operate according to the following scheme:

• The consumer sets the desired temperature on the thermostat;
• The refrigerator cools the air inside to the desired value and turns it off.

The process of starting a linear compressor is accompanied by vibrations, and the unit itself consumes a significant starting current. Vibrations create additional noise.

Defrosting technology

There are the following defrosting technologies: manual, automatic (drip), No Frost. Let’s take a closer look at each of them:

• Manual. An ice layer forms in the refrigerator. To remove it, you need to disconnect the device from the network, take out all the products, defrost, wash, and load everything back. Such a device is cheap, and the process of forming an ice layer can take a year.
• Automatic or drip. The advantages include low cost and a humidity mode that prevents products from drying out and getting stale. The disadvantages include a condensate drainage channel, which can become clogged. If this happens, you will have to defrost the refrigerator manually and clean the channel.
• No Frost. This is a refrigerator with a blowing system that prevents the bulk of the condensate from accumulating on the walls. 

Final Thoughts

Ignoring the early signs of a broken refrigerator can lead to spoiled food and serious expenses. If your appliance is performing erratically, constantly breaking down, or using too much energy, it may be time to consider replacing it. However, before making a choice, it is a good idea to get an expert opinion. Contact Spark Service, appliance repair specialists in South Florida, for a professional assessment of your refrigerator and, if necessary, repair it.