Causes of Most Refrigerator Problems

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Refrigerators are complex machines that require many different pieces to work together in order to function as a unit. If just one of these pieces fail, your whole appliance can suffer as a result. Here are some of the most likely causes for your refrigerator problems.

Dirty Condenser Coils

Condenser coils are responsible for releasing heat, but are known to accumulate dust. When this happens, you may notice that your refrigerator constantly cycles on and off, or has trouble keeping your food cold. Clean these coils (located on the rear of the refrigerator) every six months using the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner.

Faulty Gaskets

The gaskets are the rubber seals that run around your refrigerator and freezer doors. They form an air-tight barrier, and one little rip or tear can lead to temperature problems, condensation, and a spike in your energy bill. Inspect your gasket every other month, looking for small cracks or loose edges. If you notice any problems, replace it immediately.

Clogged Drain Tube

If you have an auto-defrost freezer, the melted ice runs down a drain tube in the back of your refrigerator, where it empties into a drip pan under your appliance and eventually evaporates. All of this happens inconspicuously, unless there is a clog. A clogged drain tube can cause water to pool at the bottom of your refrigerator, causing many people to panic thinking there is a leak. Don’t worry, a clogged drain tube is an easy DIY fix, click here for instructions.

Malfunctioning Compressor

Similar to the engine in your car, the compressor is the heart of your refrigerator. If it starts to malfunction, things can go downhill very quickly. Neglecting a failing compressor to the point that it totally breaks down will result in a trip to the appliance store for a new fridge. If you suspect your compressor is beginning to fail, contact a local appliance repair service immediately.

Residents of New York City and Long Island can count on Speedy Refrigerator Service for all of their refrigerator repair needs. We offer same-day service and complete most repairs in the comfort of your own home. Call us any time at 866-782-9376 to schedule an appointment with one of our licensed technicians.

Easy DIY Solutions for a Warm Refrigerator

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The job of your refrigerator is quite simple: keep your food cold. However, how it gets the job done is actually a very complicated process.

Your refrigerator requires many pieces to work together in order to function properly, and if just one thing goes wrong, the whole unit will fail. If your fridge is too warm, try fixing it with these easy tips from Speedy Refrigerator Service.

Adjust the Thermostat

Almost every refrigerator comes with a thermostat, whether it is an adjustable knob or a digital screen. Sometimes, getting your refrigerator to cool down is as simple as adjusting the thermostat. Turn it down and wait 24 hours to see if your refrigerator’s temperature has dropped at all.

Check the Gasket

The gasket is the rubber seal on your refrigerator door and is responsible for forming an air-tight barrier. Just one small rip or tear in the gasket can cause your appliance to lose cold air, even when the door is shut. Closely examine your gasket for cracks, worn areas, or loose edges, and replace it immediately if you notice anything wrong.

Vacuum the Coils

The condenser coils are located on the back of most refrigerators and are responsible for releasing heat. Over time, these coils can become coated in a thick layer of dust, which hurts your refrigerator’s energy efficiency and ability to cool off. Clean your condenser coils twice every year by using the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner.

Sometimes, a warm refrigerator isn’t always this easy to fix. Some issues, such as a malfunctioning compressor, should be left to the professionals. That’s where Speedy Refrigerator Service comes in.

If you have tried these solutions to no avail, it’s time to call in the experts. Speedy Refrigerator Service offers around-the-clock, 24/7 service to residents of Long Island and New York City. If your refrigerator, freezer, or ice maker breaks down, call us any time at 866-782-9376.

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.