A cold fridge is a good fridge! But what happens when your fridge is feeling a bit run down, and its not cooling, or it's making a suspicious noise?

Having a working fridge is imperative, and when yours isn’t doing that one thing, then there is a problem. It could be something simple that you can DIY – we all love a good DIY moment! But fridge repairs can become tricky when it comes to working with electricity. For those who are not comfortable going beyond cleaning the filters, it may be time to call in the pros!

The question on your mind now is how do you know when to DIY or when to call in the pros? If that is the case, then keep reading. We are going to look at some refrigerator troubleshooting tips and tricks, as well as some other things you need to know about appliance repairs.

DIY Appliance Repairs and Maintenance

DIY is the go-to for many these days, and appliance repair is no different. And we are all for getting the job done yourself if you can – it saves time and money. But sometimes no matter how much you want to do it yourself, the job requires someone who knows a little more.

There are a few simple things that you can always do yourself though. When done regularly, these maintenance tips will also help extend the life of your fridge.

Always remember to stay safe when working on your appliances, and make sure they are turned off before you start.

1. Clean Coils

Many fridge niggles come from problems with the coils. If you clean them regularly, you can remove many of these problems. You should clean the coils at least twice a year with a brush or vacuum (or both if you want to be extra thorough). Heat is released more effectively after coils are cleaned, preventing refrigerator problems.

2. Door Seal

Sticky stuff can get caught in the seal and must be wiped away to avoid the gasket tearing. Keeping the gasket clean allows the seal to remain tight and keep the cold where it should be.

3. Clean Condenser Fan

Problems with the condenser fan are also common. Dust and other particles get stuck in the fan and can prevent it from working. A simple wipe with a damp cloth should do the trick.

4. Clean and Clear Vents

The vents allow air to circulate in the freezer. If they are not cleaned regularly, they will block up and cause problems. Clean vents also help the appliance be more energy-efficient, which is a bonus.

5. Check Temperature Settings

The ideal refrigerator temperature is between 1 - 4 degrees C. One source notes, “This temperature range is as close as you can get to freezing without being so cold your food will freeze. It's also as close as the refrigerator temperature should get to the 40°F threshold, at which point bacteria begin multiplying rapidly.”

Regularly checking your settings will ensure that everything in your fridge or freezer stays cold while extending the life of the appliance.

6. Fridge Repairs vs Replacement

Cost of repairs versus cost of replacing is a question we ask every time something starts to give us hassles. How do you know if it is time to call it quits with your appliances, and replace them? There are a few things to take into consideration when making this decision.

7. Age of Appliance

With new models hitting the market all the time, the age of your fridge or freezer is the first thing to look at. Once fridges are more than 10 years old, they often start to give more and more issues and the repairs can become costly. It is sometimes cheaper, in the long run, to look at a replacement.

8. Cost of Repairs

If you have a lesser-known brand of fridge, or the company no longer exists, then replacing the appliance is the logical way to go. You'll spend considerable time and energy trying to locate spare parts for repairs and servicing whether it is refrigerator repairs or stove repairs!

In addition to being more expensive, fridges with built-in appliances such as water or ice dispensers are also more challenging to repair. When the cost of repair is close to or near the cost of replacing the unit, then it is time to consider an upgrade. (When looking at upgrades, go with a well-known brand for parts availability.)

9. Energy Efficiency

The energy efficiency of new fridges and freezers is far superior to that of older models and gets better every year. The old appliances you keep in your home may be adding significantly to your monthly electricity bill.

Refrigerators such as the 552L Eco Fridge Freezer have an on-door display which helps to reduce energy further. It also has an A++ energy rating.

10. Repairing - What now?

If you have looked at the age and cost and it is still cheaper to repair than replace, what is the next step? Start by Googling “fridge repairs near me” and then start your enquiries from there. Companies closer to you will charge less in travel fees to come out.

If you are looking to extend the life of your trusty Defy appliance, then start reviews for a Defy Authorised Service Centre. Whether you are looking for Defy spares for DIY repairs, or assistance with repairs and maintenance, the Defy service centre is also a good place to start.

Replacing Your Cooling Appliance

If you have decided that you are going to bite the bullet and replace your fridge, again the prudent thing to do is to shop around for the best deals. There are a few things to consider when buying a new fridge:

●      Make sure it fits before you buy it!

●      Work out your budget and get the best you can for your money

●      Check its energy efficiency

●      Check availability of parts

●      Make a list of features that are most important to you

●      Look at different styles and finishes to suit your décor and lifestyle 

Refrigerator Repairs

Are you looking for solutions to Defy refrigerator problems? Simple fridge repairs and servicing can be done at home, and if you take proper care of your fridge, you can extend its lifespan significantly. But once it reaches the point where repairs cost the same as a replacement, then you need to stop and think about an upgrade.

Please contact a fridge repair pro at a Defy Service Center near you if you have questions about the right spare parts to use, or how to best maintain your fridge. We have a friendly and professional team ready to assist you with anything you may need..