Refrigerator Repair Guide | How to Fix Refrigerator?

The refrigerator is one of the most used home appliances and therefore, sometimes it comes up with some small problems which thereby result in not cooling the refrigerator. However, it is not too hard to fix the problem yourself but due to lack of knowing the proper troubleshooting process, we have to call a repair technician. This home visit of a repairman costs a lot and is a high burden for middle-class people.

So, being a person who has been doing this for years, I thought of explaining the actual ways of repairing this small problem yourself.

Most of the refrigerators come with a 5-year warranty (taking about branded refrigerators) and any damage to the motor and other parts are covered. But you need to know that there are many other parts and accessories of a refrigerator which are not covered in this warranty. So, I would always recommend you to buy the best available in your budget.

Materials and Tools required for Refrigerator Repair

You must be thinking that you would require a lot of tools and materials for fixing up the refrigerator not a cooling problem but it’s not true. You just need 3 things – A socket, a wire cutter, and a condenser fan (also known as an evaporator fan).

Required steps to fix refrigerator not cooling

There could be several reasons for your refrigerator not cooling which may require complex repairing but what if it some simple one and you end up calling a repair person and pay more than what is required. So, to get an idea of whether you need to call someone for repairing you should do some troubleshooting first.

You must go through these troubleshooting steps in order to save your money and time.

• Check whether your refrigerator is plugged into the power source properly.
• Open the refrigerator door and check for whether the light gets ON when the door is opened.
• Now, check whether the thermostat of your refrigerator is working or is in order or not. If not, you can get one from a shop nearby or order from Amazon.
• Sometimes, the cooling of the refrigerator is affected due to improper ventilation which is on the back of the refrigerator. Be sure to check, it is not blocked by anything. Circulation of air is required for the cooling of the refrigerator.
• This can also be caused due to clogged coils. Check coils and make sure that it is not clogged.
• Refrigerators having coils don’t have fans but other products have condenser fans. So, if your refrigerator has condenser fans then check the fans. Unplug the refrigerator and move the fan with your hands if it is stuck then take it out.
• Now, put the condenser fan in its place and swing to see it’s moving freely. Put the plugin and check that the fan is moving with the compressor.

In case the fan is not moving then you will have to change the condenser fan. It is not very costly and you can do it yourself.

Read also: Best Smart Gadgets For Home improvement

Changing the condenser fan of the refrigerator

Changing the old condenser fan with a new one can just be done in 5 easy steps. Let’s have a look at these simple steps.

Removing the cover

The condenser fan is covered with a fiber/plastic cover which makes it invisible. However, it is just placed in the freezer where you make your ice cubes. You may have to remove the plastic screws which keep the cover intact and the evaporator fan invisible.

Removing the fan cover

Once you remove the plastic cover you would get to see the evaporator or condenser fan which is still covered with a plastic cover. This cover does also has plastic screws to keep it intact.

Removing the refrigerator fan

Since you have now removed the fan cover, you will see the fan condenser fan which is screwed with two metallic screws. Always remember to unplug the refrigerator before removing the metallic screws and only change the fan if it is making noise or not moving.

Replacing the refrigerator condenser fan

Remove the mountings of the old fan and attach it to the new one that you are installing. Also, connect the wires to the new fan as it was to the old one.

Now, use the metallic screws to fix the fan at the designated place and place the cover as it was. Voila! You have replaced your condenser fan within minutes yourself.

Wrapping it up

Replacing the condenser fan is simple but if you are not familiar with the electrical appliances then always look out for help. Go through some videos first or call your electrician for helping you out with this.

Read more: Six Tips on Maintaining Your Air Conditioner