There’s nothing more irritating than reaching for a cold drink or fresh snack, only to discover your fridge in Durban isn’t keeping things cool. The humidity and heat in our subtropical climate can make a malfunctioning fridge a real problem! However, before calling a technician, there are simple troubleshooting steps and DIY fixes you can tackle. This guide will empower you to get your fridge back to its optimal temperature.
understanding the issue
fridge repairs
A fridge’s job is to remove heat, keeping the inside temperature cool. When it’s not doing that, it’s crucial to pay attention to clues that can point to the root cause.
Signs that Your Fridge Isn’t Cooling Properly
- Spoiled food: This is the most obvious sign, indicating the fridge isn’t maintaining a food-safe temperature.
- Warm temperature: The interior feels warmer than usual, even with the temperature setting adjusted.
- Excessive running time: The fridge motor seems to run constantly with little breaks.
- Ice build-up: Frost accumulation in the freezer compartment could mean an issue.
- Unusual noises: Beyond the regular hum, odd noises indicate a problem.
what causes a fridge to stop getting cold
Let's explore why your Durban fridge might be struggling:
- Power issues: A loose plug, tripped circuit breaker, or damaged power cord are easy to check but can be overlooked.
- Incorrect temperature control: Ensure you haven’t accidentally adjusted the temperature setting.
- Dirty condenser coils: Dust and pet fur buildup on the coils (usually under or behind the fridge) impedes heat release.
- Blocked airflow: An overcrowded fridge, items against the vents, or frost buildup restricts proper air circulation.
- Faulty door seals: Damaged or loose seals allow warm, humid Durban air to leak in, overworking your fridge.
- Evaporator fan malfunction: This fan is crucial for circulating cool air, and a failure will affect cooling.
- Defrost system problems: Frost buildup on the evaporator coils can prevent efficient cooling.
Troubleshooting Steps
Let’s walk through the diagnostics process:
Check the Temperature Settings: Start with the basics. Make sure the temperature setting hasn’t been bumped to a warmer than usual temperature, especially if multiple people use the fridge.
Clean the Condenser Coils: These coils are heat exchangers, and cleanliness is key. Unplug the fridge, gently pull it out, and remove dust from the coils using a vacuum with a brush attachment or a soft brush.
Ensure Proper Airflow: Maintain a few centimeters between the fridge and walls for ventilation, and arrange the fridge’s contents so air vents aren’t blocked.
Check the Door Seals: Inspect the rubber seals around the doors for cracks, looseness, or debris. A simple dollar bill test can help check the seal: close the bill in the door; if it pulls out easily, the seal might need attention.
DIY Fixes
Replace the Door Seals: If damaged, it’s a relatively easy fix with new seals available online or from appliance parts stores in Durban.
Defrost the Fridge: If there’s significant frost, manually defrost the fridge by unplugging it for 24 hours with the doors open. Drain the water and ensure everything is dry before restarting.
Check and Replace the Evaporator Fan Motor: More advanced, but some DIY-inclined folks might be capable. You’ll need to locate the fan motor, order a replacement, and follow safety and installation guides.
who can fix refrigerators in Durban
If the above steps do not work, you can contact the smart appliance centre on 031 562 0666.