The ultimate refrigerator repair guide (with troubleshooting tips).

6 fridge problems and how to fix them.

Refrigerators are a major appliance, and a number of problems can cause them to malfunction. Below, we'll look at six of the most common issues.

1. Your refrigerator is not cooling.

Is your refrigerator warmer than expected? Even if it feels cool inside, if your food is suddenly spoiling at a fast pace, you probably have a cooling issue. 

Before reaching for the phone to call a repair service, unplug the fridge and pull it away from the wall. This will give you access to the condenser coils, which may be the root cause of your cooling woes. Oftentimes, these coils get clogged with dust and debris, making it difficult for them to cool the fridge efficiently. A quick sweep with a broom or once-over with the vacuum is often enough to restore your fridge's cooling performance to normal. 

If that doesn't do the trick, check the evaporator fan — a faulty fan can compromise the cooling process. If the fan doesn't seem to be functioning properly, you may want to consider replacing the fan motor.

2. The fridge is not cold — but the freezer is.

If your freezer is maintaining its chill but the fridge compartment is merely lukewarm, the cooling issue might have something to do with a blocked vent.

To determine if this is your problem, open the door and inspect the area between the freezer and fridge compartments. If you find ice buildup, you can use a hair dryer (set to low heat) to help melt the excess ice away. This simple fix can restore proper airflow and reestablish cooling between the two compartments.

Here are more reasons why your freezer is working but your fridge isn't.

3. Your fridge is making noise.

Is your once-silent fridge now louder when you open it? A variety of underlying issues can contribute to unusual fridge noises. However, there are several steps you can take before calling a repair service. 

• First, check to make sure your fridge is level. Adjusting the legs to get the fridge to level will often minimize vibrations that are contributing to noise.
• If the issue persists, the source of the sound might be the condenser fan. A fairly common culprit is debris that gets stuck in the condenser fan and rattles around. Examine the fan (including the mounting bracket) for wear. Use a brush or vacuum to clean away any debris that might be obstructing its function. 
• If the condenser fan isn't causing the noise, check the evaporator fan. Push the freezer's light switch. If the noise gets louder, you've found the problem. You can access the evaporator fan by removing the panel at the back of the freezer, after unplugging the fridge. See if the fan blade is spinning freely. If not, you may want to replace the fan or the parts surrounding it. 

Did you know? Not all fridges have condenser fans. To determine if this is your issue, unplug the fridge, and check behind the access panel on the back side of the appliance.

4. The fridge has a bad or unusual smell.

Weird, unpleasant fridge odors can be off-putting when you reach for a snack. Before you panic, buy a new fridge, or call an appliance repair professional, there are a few simple fixes you can do yourself.

Start by removing any spoiled or expired food items that might be the source of the bad smell. Then, check the drip pan located beneath the fridge — a fridge area known to harbor unpleasant odors. If the drip pan seems okay, then you may have a cooling issue causing food to spoil.

For ongoing odor control unrelated to cooling, place an open box of baking soda inside the fridge to absorb unwanted smells.

Related: Weird sounds and smells in your home you should never ignore.

5. Your refrigerator is leaking water.

If you find water pooled around your fridge, the issue might be a leak in the water supply line or a clogged defrost drain.

Begin by inspecting the water supply line for any leaks or loose connections. If that's not the problem, do a deep exploration of the freezer compartment.

A clogged defrost drain can also cause water to pool inside your fridge. Using a hair dryer on low heat, you can melt away the ice buildup and clear the drain. If the problem persists, the inlet valve may need attention.

If you still can't figure out why your fridge is leaking, contact a refrigerator repair technician.

6. The fridge is freezing everything.

Is your fridge turning your fresh produce into frozen mush? The most likely culprit is a faulty thermostat.

Determine if this is the issue by adjusting the thermostat control to the warmest setting. Does this resolve the issue? If not, delve deeper into the fridge's inner workings.

For example, the temperature sensor could be malfunctioning, causing the fridge to over-cool. Maintaining the right temperature in the fridge could be as simple as replacing the temperature sensor — or having an appliance service professional do it for you.

When to replace vs. repair your refrigerator.

Understanding when to repair or replace your fridge is essential for making an informed decision about what to do next.

Consider repairing your fridge if:

• It's relatively new.
• The repair costs are reasonable.
• Your warranty covers the repair.

Consider replacing your fridge if:

• It's older and nearing its expected lifespan.
• It's plagued by multiple issues.
• The repair would cost more than half the price of a new fridge.
• You've been wanting to buy a more energy-efficient model.

How much do fridge repairs and replacements cost?

When considering fridge repairs, keep in mind that costs can vary depending on factors like the type of repair you need, the brand of your fridge, and your location. Factors such as labor costs, replacement parts, and the complexity of the repair can all influence the final bill.

It's a good idea to obtain quotes from multiple repair services to get a better idea of the potential costs.

How long do refrigerators last?

On average, refrigerators have a lifespan of around 9 to 13 years. However, regular maintenance and timely repairs can extend this lifespan considerably.

If your fridge is approaching the upper end of this range (and seems to be having frequent problems), it might be time to consider a replacement.

Maintenance tips to avoid expensive fridge repairs.

Preventing issues in the first place is the easiest way to keep your refrigerator humming along for years. And this starts with good fridge maintenance.

Here are a few maintenance and cleaning tips to keep in mind:

• Regularly clean your fridge's interior, including the shelves and drawers. This will help prevent bad odors.
• Keep an eye on the condenser coil, and periodically clean them to ensure they stay free of dust and debris.
• Check the door seals for any gaps that might compromise cooling efficiency.
• Avoid overloading the fridge or placing hot items inside. This can strain the compressor and lead to problems down the line.

Here’s who to call for refrigerator repair.

While there are plenty of minor issues you can troubleshoot and fix by yourself, some repairs require a professional's expertise and knowledge. Download the Thumbtack app to find and hire reputable refrigerator repair professionals in your area.