How To Troubleshoot your Refrigerator

Your refrigerator can be considered a heavy-duty appliance since it works all day round. However, there are cases in which problems arise. Before you consider replacing your refrigerator, do some troubleshooting and investigation first. Learning how to troubleshoot your refrigerator can save you time, effort, and a good amount of money. Here are some easy-to-follow tips in solving common refrigerator woes.

    Check the power cord and plug. Before you end up whining, check if the cord is properly plugged in. If the cord is plugged in but the refrigerator is not working at all, the circuit breaker may have been tripped. Most house designs have a separate circuit breaker for heavy-duty appliances like HVAC and refrigeration. Check your fuse box, or use a voltage tester to see if the power outlet is working.
    Move the appliance away from the wall. Never position the appliance too close to the wall. Instead, leave at least four inches from the wall in order for the coils on the back to circulate properly. Some refrigerators have internal coils at the side, so consider your ref’s design in positioning it relative to the wall.
    Check the bulb or the bulb switch. Your fridge bulb should light up whenever the door is open. If it doesn’t turn on, this might indicate that either the bulb or the fridge is not working. Sometimes, though, the bulb remains turned on even when the door is shut, and this will result in cooling problems. Press on the kill switch along the door to check if the light is going off as intended. The light should turn off when you press the button. Change the switch if it is not functioning properly.

    Adjust the thermostat controller. The normal temperature inside a refrigerator is between 1 to 5 degrees Celsius. If you feel that your fringe is giving off warm air, then you have to check the thermostat setting. Simply adjust the thermostat controller located inside the refrigerator to a higher level.
    Check the fan and the condenser coils. If adjusting the temperature does not make any difference, then the problem may be in the fan or condenser coils. Their location will depend on the model of your fridge. Remove the fan and condenser coil cover and clean the inside with a vacuum cleaner or brush. Wash these with soap and water if the particles have thickened and have become greasy.
    Defrost the fridge. Defrosting involves removing the ice or frost from inside the freezer and the cooling elements. While some refrigerator models are self-defrosting, some will require manual defrosting on a regular basis. Remove all of the perishable foods and other items from the fridge and freezer. Turn off the refrigerator and leave the doors open overnight for the ice to melt. In the morning, make sure that you remove the remaining water first before replacing the items.

    Switch on the refrigerator and set the thermostat to its medium setting. Open the refrigerator after six hours and check if the temperature is back to normal. Some refrigerators offer a one-touch defrost setting, in which you just press a button, and the fridge turns off. It will automatically turn on when all the ice in the freezer has melted. After defrosting check the backside of the refrigerator for any accumulated water in the water receptacle. This is usually where the melted frost goes.


Most minor fridge problems can be solved on your own. However, if the issue is in the coolant or power supply, then you will have to ask for professional help.