Category Archives: Refrigerator Repair

Different Parts of the Refrigerator and How to Care for Them

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Many people refer to their refrigerator as the “ice box”, which implies that it is a simple appliance. On the contrary, it is a sophisticated machine that requires many components to simultaneously work together in order to keep your food cold. Here are some of the main parts of your refrigerator and what you can do to care for them.

Compressor

The compressor is the heart of your refrigerator. As the liquid refrigerant passes into the compressor, it becomes highly pressurized, raising its temperature and converting it to a gas. The gaseous refrigerant then enters the condenser coils for the next stage of refrigeration.

Tip: Decrease wear-and-tear on the compressor by opening your refrigerator door less, and keeping it open for as little time as possible.

Thermostat

Nearly every refrigerator has some type of thermostat – a device which allows you to regulate the temperature. High-end refrigerators allow you to set your preference to an exact degree, while economical models typically have a knob that ranges from “cold” to “coldest.”

Tip: For optimal food storage conditions, your refrigerator should be between 34-38° F.

Condenser Coils

The condenser coils are located on the back of most refrigerators (although some models have them underneath the unit). As the refrigerant flows through these long, windy tubes, it releases the heat it absorbs in the compressor.

Tip: Over time, these coils accumulate dust, which hinders their ability to release heat. Clean them every six months using the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner.

Gasket

The gasket is the rubber seal that runs along your refrigerator and freezer doors. As you can probably guess, it is responsible for creating an air-tight barrier, helping to keep the cold air in your refrigerator when the door is shut.

Tip: Any small rip or tear in your gasket can really hurt your refrigerator’s energy-efficiency. Coat it in a thin layer of Vaseline every two months to prevent it from drying out and cracking.

If you are experiencing problems with these, or any other components in your refrigerator, call the repair experts at Speedy Refrigerator Service. We offer around-the-clock emergency service and guarantee one-hour service to New York City and Long Island. Call 866-782-9376 today.

Common Refrigerator Mistakes

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For such a universal appliance, there are a lot of mistakes that people make when it comes to their refrigerator. Mistakes that can spike their electricity bill, compromise food safety, and cause their fridge to break down prematurely. Here are five of those mistakes that you should avoid making.

Mistake #1: Not cleaning the condenser coils.

If you asked everyone you know when was the last time that they cleaned their refrigerator’s condenser coils, the vast majority of them would probably say never. These coils are located on the back of your appliance and are known to collect dust, which can negatively affect your energy-efficiency. Clean them every six months using your vacuum cleaner’s brush attachment.

Mistake #2: Letting frost build up.

If the inside of your freezer looks like an arctic snowstorm, it’s time to defrost it. When too much ice accumulates on the freezer walls, it can limit air flow in addition to reducing precious storage space.

Mistake #3: Neglecting the gasket.

The gasket is the rubber seal on your refrigerator door. It is responsible for creating an air-tight barrier that prevents cold air from escaping your fridge. Unfortunately, any loose edges, cracks, or tears in the gasket prevent it from doing it’s job, which ultimately increases the wear-and-tear on your appliance. Inspect your gasket every month to make sure all is well, and replace it immediately if you notice any problems.

Mistake #4: No method for stocking food.

When we get home from the grocery store and it’s time to unpack all of our food, many of us simply put it wherever it will fit. While this is a quick and easy method to stock your refrigerator, it’s not the best way. Where in the refrigerator you keep your food can impact how long is lasts, so be sure to stock smartly by following this advice.

Mistake #5: Not changing the water filter.

If your refrigerator has a water dispenser, make sure you are changing the filter in accordance with the manufacturers specifications. The older filters get, the less effective they are at removing impurities and bacteria from your drinking water.

Sometimes, these mistakes will cause your refrigerator to leak, make loud noises, or completely break down altogether. If you experience any of these problems, call the repair experts at Speedy Refrigerator Service. Our technicians have more than 75 years of experience repairing refrigerators and freezers all across Long Island. We guarantee one-hour service to Nassau and Suffolk County, so call us today at 866-782-9376.

How To Care For Your Refrigerator Gasket

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The gasket is the unsung hero of your refrigerator. It creates an air-tight seal between your fridge and the outside, keeping cold air in and warm air out. It is a key contributor to energy efficiency, but nobody pays attention to it until it breaks. If you want to make a change and show your gasket some love, here are a few ways you can do it.

Inspect it monthly.

Every few weeks, closely examine your gasket for cracks, loose edges, or signs of excessive wear. The gasket is usually the first component of a refrigerator to need replacement, and identifying it early can save you from a large spike in your electricity bill. Once there is even a small tear in the gasket, the air-tight seal is lost and warm air can enter your refrigerator when the door is shut.

Wipe it down with soap and water.

Just like anything else, your gasket gets dirty. Failure to clean it can lead to mold and mildew growth. Not only is this unsightly, it can be bad for your health and contaminate your food, too. Cleaning the gasket is simple, just wipe it down using a wet rag with a mild cleaning detergent.

Cover it in a thin coat of Vaseline.

Applying petroleum jelly to your refrigerator gasket can help tighten the seal and prevent it from cracking. Gaskets begin to dry out over time, which can lead to ripping and tearing. A thin layer of Vaseline every few months will help keep your gasket soft and elastic, prevent mildew growth, and strengthen the seal.

If your gasket does happen to break, the repair experts at Speedy Refrigerator Service can hook you up with a new one in no time! Our phone lines are open 24/7 and we guarantee one-hour service to New York City and Long Island, so call us anytime at 866-782-9376.

All About the Different Styles of Refrigerators

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If you are thinking about purchasing a new refrigerator for your home, one of the first things you will have to consider is style. Generally speaking, there are four different types of refrigerators: top freezers, bottom freezers, side by side, and French door.

Each of these styles offers its own unique set of pros and cons, which we will cover below.

Top Freezer

The top freezer layout is probably what you picture when you think of a refrigerator. In this style, the frozen food compartment sits atop the fresh foods section. It is the most common type of refrigerator.

Pros

  • Cheapest to buy and repair

  • Most usable space

Cons

  • Wide-swinging doors require more room to be opened fully

  • Less optional features than other styles

Bottom Freezer

The top freezer refrigerator flipped upside down. This model features the frozen food section at the bottom of the appliance, usually accessible via pull-out drawer.

Pros

  • Puts the fresh food section at eye level

  • Energy-efficient

Cons

  • More expensive than top freezer models

  • Have to bend down to access freezer

Side By Side

Side by side refrigerators are exactly what they sound like. Instead of being divided into a top and bottom section, they are split left and right with two doors that open from the middle.

Pros

  • Both fresh and frozen compartments are at a convenient height

  • Most freezer space

Cons

  • Less space in the fresh food section

  • Not energy-efficient

French Door

A hybrid of the bottom freezer and side by side styles. This three-door refrigerator has two fresh food doors at the top, and a pull-out freezer at the bottom.

Pros

  • Wide variety of available features

  • Narrow doors do not require much room to open

Cons

  • Most expensive style

No matter what type of refrigerator you have, Speedy Refrigerator Service can fix it. Our technicians are licensed and knowledgeable enough to fix any style, make, or model of refrigerator. If you live in New York City, Nassau County, or Suffolk County, and are experiencing fridge problems, call us any time at 866-782-9376.

How To Fix A Leaky Fridge

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Almost everything in your kitchen is prone to leaking – the sink, the dishwasher, even the refrigerator.

Fortunately for you, not all leaky refrigerators require expensive repairs. In fact, you can fix many leaks yourself by using the simple step-by-step instructions below.

Why is my refrigerator leaking?

Often times, when you notice water pooling in or around your refrigerator, it isn’t actually leaking. Refrigerators produce a large amount of condensation. When everything is working, this condensation runs down a drain tube into a drip pan under the appliance, where it evaporates unnoticed. However, when your fridge is “leaking”, it is likely that this water just isn’t draining properly.

This is primarily due to two reasons: a clogged drain tube or an unlevel refrigerator. Here is how to fix both.

How to fix an unlevel refrigerator

  1. Pull off the toe grille at the base of the refrigerator.

  2. Using a flathead screwdriver, adjust the legs until your refrigerator is even. Turning the screwdriver clockwise will raise the leg, counterclockwise will lower it.

  3. Use a level to make sure your refrigerator is even, and snap the toe grille back into place.

How to fix a clogged drain tube

  1. Unplug the refrigerator.

  2. Remove the crisper drawers from the unit. You should see the drain tube on the bottom of the back wall.

  3. A piece of ice is likely the culprit for the clog. Use a hair dryer to melt it, or poke it out with a Q-tip or a pipe cleaner.

  4. Flush the tube with warm water.

  5. Replace the crisper drawers and plug your refrigerator in.

Not all refrigerator leaks are so simple to fix – sometimes, you will need to call in a licensed professional. If you live in New York City, Nassau County, or Suffolk County, look no further than Speedy Refrigerator Service. We can fix any make or model of refrigerator and offer 24/7 emergency service. Call us any time at 866-782-9376.