The Refrigerator Repair that Can Add Years to Its Life

When your refrigerator stops working, it’s easy to panic because everything starts thawing, but don’t immediately rush to get a new appliance. If the compressor is dead and the refrigerator is old, you may have to go shopping; both parts and labor are expensive. But it could be just the thermostat that’s gone bad. If the box is otherwise good and you don’t feel like spending the money on a new one, a new thermostat can add years of life to it. The cost of this repair is generally less than $100 plus labor.

Before calling for repair, try some simple remedies. See if the circuit breaker has thrown. Check if years of dust cover the external condenser coils or obstruct the air flow. Turn it off and on again. Defrost it; older “frost-free” refrigerators sometimes need defrosting. Make sure nothing’s keeping the door from closing properly. Take a look at the gasket (seal) on the door; a bad seal that leaks cold air is easy to fix. Sometimes thermostats drift but don’t need replacement; try adjusting the coldness dial. The main food compartment and the freezer will have separate settings.

With an old model, finding a new thermostat could be a problem. It might require a special order that costs more, or it might not be available at all. If your refrigerator is so old that parts for it aren’t available any more, it could be time to get a new one.

A good refrigerator should last at least ten to fifteen years. If you don’t have money to waste, fixing simple problems is a better approach than buying a whole new unit.

If you’re looking for a reliable appliance repair service, contact us.