Refrigerator Issues That Require An Expert Electrical Contractor | Irving, TX

You store your fresh foods or frozen foods in your refrigerator and bring them out to prepare delightful meals and cherished recipes for your loved ones. A well-functioning refrigerator is an essential part of any good kitchen. Like any other home appliance, though, your refrigerator may develop problems that need repair.

One or more of several common refrigerator problems may occur, in which case your best bet is to have an Irving, TX, electrical contractor fix them. In this article, we discuss some common refrigerator problems so that you know when to call an electrician. And while you’re at it, you may also find some interesting ways to use electric power at home that can enhance your kitchen’s functionality even further.

1. Your Refrigerator Leaks Water

Common as this refrigerator problem may be, it is still alarming for homeowners in Irving, TX. Often, this issue occurs as a result of a frozen or clogged water supply line, or a blocked defrost drain. Kitchen debris, such as food particles, can block the refrigerator’s defrost drain located inside the freezer.

You can use warm water to flush the drain from the inside, though excess debris may require manual removal. Find the defrost drain hose on the back of the unit and remove any accumulated debris by cleaning it with hot water and soap.

If you suspect that the water supply line is frozen or clogged, close the shut-off valve and unplug the refrigerator. Check if there are any tears or breaks on the water supply line. If so, it may need replacement. If something other than ice is clogging the supply line, knowing when to hire an electrician can save you from further damage and frustration.

2. Your Refrigerator Runs Constantly

The unit running or cycling too frequently is among the most common refrigerator problems. Your refrigerator must run properly to keep your food cool and fresh, but the unit can be extremely noisy if it runs constantly. More crucially, it can drive up your energy bill because the refrigerator is among the appliances in your Irving, TX, home that consume the most power.

The build-up of kitchen debris and dust around the condenser coils of the refrigerator is the most common cause of the unit running too frequently. The coils are usually located at the bottom of the refrigerator. Before you try to access and clean them, make sure you cut power to the unit.

If cleaning the coils doesn’t resolve the problem, check if the temperature setting is too low. Extremely low temperatures require a refrigerator to run frequently to maintain that level. Adjust the temperature setting and monitor the cycling. If the problem persists, call an electrical contractor. You may want to refer to these six steps to hiring an electrician to ensure you’re making the best choice.

3. Your Refrigerator Is Too Noisy

The sound coming from your refrigerator should not be disruptive. A noisy unit is a sign that one of its fans may not be working properly. Most refrigerators feature an evaporator fan and a condenser fan. The evaporator fan sucks in the air over the evaporator coils of the freezer as the compressor runs, whereas the condenser fan cools the condenser coils.

These fans run concurrently. If one of the motors powering them has issues, your refrigerator may get loud. If you suspect that this may be the problem, you can have an electrical contractor inspect the motors to see if they’re broken and need replacement. And if you’re unsure about the selection process, these key factors when hiring an electrician can help.

4. Your Refrigerator Is Warm

Excessive heat from your refrigerator can be particularly alarming considering it is designed to keep things cold. If your unit starts to become warm, it needs emergency repair. Condenser coil problems are the likely cause of a warm refrigerator. Call an electrical contractor to check if the condenser coils need cleaning and if the condenser motor fan is functioning well. A warm unit can be a complex problem that only a skilled and experienced electrical contractor can handle.

You might also consider making your home more accessible with the help of an electrician while dealing with such critical appliances.

5. There’s Ice Buildup In Your Freezer

The ideal storage space for ice is the refrigerator’s freezer, but there is a limit beyond which the ice build-up must not exceed. Ice build-up may occur if you leave the freezer open for too long, which increases the freezer’s humidity levels. A broken freezer seal may also cause the same problem in which case you should replace it. Seek the help of an electrical contractor if these solutions fail. While addressing this, you may also want to look into outdoor kitchen electrical wiring and installation services if you’re planning to expand your kitchen setup.

6. The Water Dispenser Doesn’t Work

Recent refrigerator models often come with a built-in water dispenser from which you can easily get fresh, cold water. The water dispenser may, however, fail for several reasons. If the water tub inside the freezer becomes frozen, it may block the flow of water through the dispenser. Thankfully, you can remove and thaw the tub to restore water flow.

A defective water inlet valve may also cause the dispenser to stop working by blocking the supply of water into the dispenser. Low water pressure is another common problem that hinders water from flowing through the dispenser’s inlet valve. Contact an electrical contractor if you encounter these water dispenser issues, and consider asking these questions before hiring a professional electrician.

7. Your Energy Bill Is Way Up

If your energy bill suddenly increases, your refrigerator may be the culprit. It is one of your home’s most energy-hungry appliances, and its efficiency has a significant effect on your home’s total energy consumption. You can use an energy usage meter to measure how much energy your refrigerator consumes and compare the result to the manufacturer’s specifications. If the unit uses a lot more energy than it should, it may increase your energy bill.

Compared to newer models, old refrigerators tend to use more energy to maintain the same temperature levels. Professional repairs can mitigate this problem to a degree. Ultimately, though, replacing an outdated refrigerator is the best way to keep your energy bills manageable. An experienced and trustworthy electrician can recommend some models that fit your needs and budget. Being detail-oriented is what makes Tioga electricians stand out in these situations.

Refrigerator Repair Services You Can Rely On

A well-functioning refrigerator is a staple of the modern kitchen. Your refrigerator will serve you satisfactorily for years if you maintain it well and trust a skilled, experienced electrical contractor with the repairs if any of the issues we have discussed arise. Tioga Plumbing & Electric can handle repairs for all refrigerators as we have the experience, skills, equipment, and spare parts. If your refrigerator has issues, contact us today to schedule a free inspection and a lasting solution.

And if you’re wondering when to call an electrical service or even considering upgrades like ceiling fan types for your home or choosing the right wiring for outdoor use, we’re here to help beyond just refrigerator issues.