Refrigerator Acting Up? Here's How to Fix It Yourself

With the holidays and the new year here, you want your refrigerator to function properly. If you've been having issues with your unit (leaking water all the time or making a noise), you may be wondering if you have to get a new one. If your ice maker isn't working or it's building up frost, you may be considering calling a repairman. Regardless of what your particular issue is, you don't need to freak out yet. Your refrigerator might just be in need of a good, thorough cleaning or a temperature setting change, which could fix your issues. A recent CNET survey found that 93% of Americans are worried about inflation, making the prospect of buying a new refrigerator even more daunting. And you're not alone in having issues with your refrigerator. You can find a ton of Reddit threads discussing modern refrigerators and the issues people face with their units. Many users are disappointed with newer models, with some noting their older fridges lasted decades while newer ones seem to fail within just a few years. The good news is that many common fridge issues can be resolved with simple at-home fixes that don't require fancy tools or a repair technician. Below, we've listed the reasons behind some of the most common fridge problems and how to fix them -- even if you don't know how a refrigerator works . These simple solutions can save you a lot of money. You don't have to buy a bunch of new tools; most of these solutions don't require any at all. Here's what you need to try solving the problems yourself. This article is updated periodically. It's always running An efficient refrigerator shouldn't run all the time. A fridge that does is not only noisy, it can also take a big bite out of your wallet. Refrigerators are already one of the most power-intensive home appliances. Allowing your fridge to run nonstop can send your energy bill through the roof. Cause 1 : One of the most common causes of a refrigerator running too often (or worse, constantly) is a buildup of debris and dust around the condenser coils. It's especially common if you live in a dusty environment or have several pets. Fix: Unplug the refrigerator from AC power. For most refrigerators, the condenser coils are located on the very bottom, and they're typically accessed in the front or back. (Some newer models, however, have internal coils.) To access the coils, look for the grille and remove it by popping out the snaps that hold it in place, or unscrewing it if it's screwed in. Use a vacuum cleaner to remove the majority of the buildup. If there's a lot of leftover debris, use a brush or a wipe cloth to gently remove the remaining debris. Replace the grille and restore power to the refrigerator. Cause 2 : Setting the refrigerator temperature too low will cause your refrigerator to work overtime and can also freeze and spoil some of your...

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