As an expert in refrigeration and appliance repair, I have seen my fair share of dying fridge freezers. And let me tell you, it's not a pretty sight. Not only can a malfunctioning fridge freezer lead to spoiled food and wasted money, but it can also be a major inconvenience for your daily life. That's why it's important to know the signs of a dying fridge freezer so you can take action before it's too late. One of the most common signs of a dying fridge freezer is excessive condensation on food.
If you notice that your food is spoiling too quickly or that there is an unusual amount of moisture on your food, it could be a sign that your fridge freezer is struggling to maintain the proper temperature. This can also lead to ice accumulation in the freezer and a hot back panel on the refrigerator. Another telltale sign of a dying fridge freezer is strange noises. While most refrigerators make a soft buzz, if you start hearing loud or unusual noises coming from your appliance, it could be a sign that the motor is struggling to operate properly. In some cases, simply unplugging and reconnecting the fridge can solve the issue, but if the noise persists, it's likely time to call in a professional. If you notice any of these signs and your fridge freezer is more than 10 years old, it may be more cost-effective in the long run to replace it rather than repair it.
Most refrigerators are designed to last 10-20 years, so if yours is already reaching the end of its lifespan, investing in repairs may not be worth it. However, if your fridge freezer is relatively new (less than 6-8 years old), it may be worth calling a technician to diagnose and repair the issue. This is especially true if your appliance is still under warranty. After making any necessary repairs, it's important to wait 15-20 hours before checking the freezer's performance to ensure that the issue has been resolved. To maintain the performance of your fridge freezer, it's important to regularly check and clean the gasket, both inside and out. You should also adjust the temperature settings as needed and make sure that the circuit breaker connected to the appliance is functioning properly.
According to the UK Food Standards Agency, the ideal temperature for a household freezer is -18°C to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. If you do need to replace your fridge freezer, it's important to consider the root cause of the temperature problem before making a decision. Built-in refrigerators are typically worth repairing, while side-by-side refrigerators that are 5 years old or younger and bottom-freezer refrigerators that are 7 years old or younger may also be worth repairing. However, if your fridge freezer is older than these guidelines, it's likely time for a replacement. In some cases, a malfunctioning fridge freezer may just be a result of cold air escaping from the freezer into the refrigerator compartment. This can often be solved by turning off the freezer and allowing any frost to melt.
However, if you find yourself constantly dealing with temperature issues, it may be time to invest in a new appliance.