Refrigerators are an essential appliance in every household. They keep your food and beverages fresh and safe from food-borne illnesses. However, what about when your refrigerator stops working properly, and you didn't purchase product protection? Don't panic—you might be able to fix the problem yourself.
That said, product protection is helpful when it comes to such an expensive and necessary appliance. If you're worried about the cost, Mulberry Unlimited has you covered. When you subscribe to Mulberry Unlimited, you can get coverage for all your kitchen appliances under the same product protection plan for an affordable monthly price. And with no deductibles or hidden fees, you never have to worry about being left out in the cold, either.
How to diagnose, repair, and maintenance your refrigerator on your own
- Check the thermostat. Unplug the refrigerator, remove the thermostat cover, and test the thermostat’s continuity with a multimeter. This part controls the temperature inside the unit, and is essential to keeping everything fresh.
- Clean the coils. If you feel like your refrigerator is overheating, unplug it and try cleaning the coils. To do this, simply remove the front grill and clean it with a vacuum using a soft brush attachment.
- Check the defrost timer. Unplug the unit and remove the control panel. Using a screwdriver, turn the timer clockwise until you notice a click. If the cycle starts, then you know it’s working, and if it doesn’t, you might need to replace it.
- Clear the drain. If the drain is clogged, this can cause water to accumulate inside the unit, which can lead to mold and mildew.
- Test the compressor. With the refrigerator unplugged, remove the compressor start relay and test it with a multimeter.
Commercial refrigerator repair
Commercial refrigerator repair can be more complicated, so if you use the tips above and still can’t find the problem, it’s probably a better idea to call in a professional.
Refrigerator maintenance
Once your machine is back up and running normally, it’s important that you take the following steps to keep it working properly for years to come:
- Keep it clean. Clean the inside of your unit regularly, including the door seals.
- Check the temperature. Every now and then, double-check the temperature inside your refrigerator to make sure it’s running at the right temperature. It should be somewhere between 37-40°F.
- Keep the coils clean. Dust and debris can build up in the coils on the back of your refrigerator. To prevent them from overheating, make sure you clean them regularly with a vacuum that has a soft brush attachment.
- Check the door seals. The door seals are what keeps the cool locked inside your refrigerators. If they become damaged or dirty, they won’t seal properly, which means your unit will work harder than it needs to maintain its proper temperature.
- Don't overload your refrigerator. To make sure you keep cool air circulating properly, make sure you don’t put too much in your refrigerator at once. This might also help you reduce food waste!
Conclusion
As with any appliance, maintaining and repairing your refrigerator is an essential part of keeping it running correctly. If you don’t feel comfortable doing repairs yourself, don’t be shy about calling in a professional.
However, next time you’re in the market for a new appliance, subscribe to Mulberry Unlimited to make sure you get affordable product protection for all your kitchen appliances under the same plan, so you’re always covered in the event that you need repairs or replacements.