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 When
your refrigerator stops cooling it can be frightening. As consumers we
are usually unaware of what to do, or where to look for help.
If
you have a regular appliance repairperson you need to contact them and
get some advice. They will know your products and usually offer some
suggestions. If you don't use a regular service company then the
following are some suggestions you may wish to try.
Firstly,
don't forget to check the obvious. Some of these suggestions are so
crazy that people naturally overlook them in the rush to get the
refrigerator repaired.
1...
Is
the refrigerator still plugged into the electricity? Open the door and
if the light is on then that suggestion can be eliminated.
2...
Has
anyone moved it recently while housekeeping? Ask your family members if
anyone has moved the refrigerator. You wouldn't be the first person to
find the kids had moved it out without telling you, to retrieve a lost
toy, and accidentally knocked the power line from the outlet.
3...
Are
the cooling controls turned on? The cold control may have been
accidentally knocked while removing or replacing food.
4...
Are
the cooling controls set to normal? If unsure what the normal settings
are, then set both refrigerator and freezer section controls to mid
range on their dials.
5...
Has
the electricity in the house or neighborhood been erratic due to local
construction or weather? Has your power been going off and on, or have
the lights in your house been dimming? If yes, this is a problem best
resolved by an electrician or your local power company.
6...
Use a thermometer to test the refrigerators temperature. Normal is
between 36 degrees Fahrenheit and 42 degrees Fahrenheit. Quickly place
it on a middle shelf of refrigerator (not freezer) section and close the
door. Place it such that a reading can be obtained within a few seconds
of opening the door. Otherwise your reading will be inaccurate. Take
three temperature readings, over a period of at least 30 to 60 minutes.
Both refrigerator doors must remain closed between readings. If the
operating temperature is between 40F and 45F you should be concerned
enough to retest the temperature reading in a few hours. If over 45F
your refrigerator is starting to fail. If over 50F the cooling system
has already failed and you should be contacting your service company and
contacting friends about temporarily storing some of your food.
7...
Is the fan in the freezer section operating? You should hear the sound of
air moving when freezer door is opened. Also check the fan switch
operation. The freezer section may have a switch that stops the fan if
the door is opened. To test, open the door and over-ride the switch by
pushing it in with your finger. If no sounds heard then a service person
will be required. Also, check the operation of all light switches. Open
door and push light switch to check that the light is actually turning
off when the door is closed. A broken light switch that leaves it
operating even though the door is closed will generate a lot of internal heat
making the refrigerator erratic.
8...
If the refrigerator has been erratic for more than a few days you will
probably require a service person. Make the call now because it may take
them a few days to get to you. Start making telephone calls to friends
and neighbors to ask if they can take your food before it defrosts. Worry about the
expensive foods first. Using old plastic grocery bags (everyone has a
drawer full of them) place one or two items in each, fold the bag at
top, staple the fold, and write your name on outside of bag using a
marker. Be organized. Just don't arrive at someone's house with an arm
full of food. Remember,
only one or two items per plastic bag. Many small bags will be easier to
store in someone else’s refrigerator.
9...
Lastly, check your operating manual for further suggestions. In new
refrigerators (particularly those with electronic controls) your manual may suggest you
check things such as, vacation mode, sleep mode, rebooting the internal
computer, or even self-diagnostics. Many manufacturers will suggest
things that are particular to your model. They may also provide a telephone
number or website to allow you to contact them for advise.
See
also Helping
your Refrigerator Live Longer
Lower
Refrigerator electricity usage in 15 Minutes
By
Donald Grummett
Copyright © 2007 Donald
Grummett. All rights reserved
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