Broken Fridge? What to Do Now and When to Call a Pro

If your fridge is humming weirdly, leaking water, or just not keeping food cold, you’re probably wondering whether you can fix it yourself or need a professional. A broken fridge isn’t just annoying – it can waste food and money fast. Below are the most common reasons a fridge stops working, simple checks you can do at home, and clear signs it’s time to call an expert.

What Usually Makes a Fridge Stop Cooling?

Most fridge failures boil down to a few mechanical or electrical hiccups. Here’s a quick rundown of the usual suspects:

1. Dirty condenser coils. Over time, dust and pet hair coat the coils at the back or underneath the unit. When the coils can’t release heat, the compressor works harder and eventually gives up, leaving the interior warm.

2. Faulty thermostat or temperature sensor. If the thermostat is stuck on a higher setting, the fridge thinks it’s already cold enough and stops the cooling cycle.

3. Bad door seal. A cracked or warped gasket lets warm air sneak in, making the compressor run nonstop without ever reaching the right temperature.

4. Low refrigerant or a leak. This is less common in new models but can happen in older units. A leak reduces the cooling power and may be visible as oil spots around the compressor.

5. Defective fan. The evaporator fan circulates cold air inside the fridge. If it stops, the fridge will feel warm even though the compressor is running.

DIY Checks Before You Call a Technician

Before you pick up the phone, try these easy steps. They’re safe, need no special tools, and often solve the problem.

Check the power. Make sure the fridge is plugged in and the outlet works. Test the outlet with a lamp or a voltage tester.

Inspect the door seal. Close a dollar bill in the door opening. If it slides out easily, the seal is compromised and should be replaced.

Clean the coils. Pull the fridge away from the wall, locate the coils, and brush away dust using a vacuum with a brush attachment. A clean set of coils improves efficiency.

Adjust the thermostat. Turn the dial a few degrees colder and listen for the compressor click on. If it never clicks, the thermostat might be stuck.

Listen for the fan. Open the freezer and locate the small fan near the back wall. You should hear a faint whir when the compressor runs. No sound? The fan may need cleaning or replacement.

If any of these steps don’t bring the temperature back to normal, it’s time to call a professional. Trying to fix a refrigerant leak or a broken compressor yourself can be dangerous and might void your warranty.

At Northampton Appliance Repairs Services, we specialize in fridge repairs across the Northampton area. Our technicians know how to diagnose the exact issue, whether it’s a minor seal swap or a major compressor replacement. We work fast, charge fairly, and guarantee the job.

Don’t let a broken fridge ruin your grocery budget. Give us a call today, and we’ll have your fridge back to chilling your food in no time.