The refrigerator is the heart of every kitchen. We trust it with our most precious possessions: the food that nourishes our family. But what if your trusty helper unnoticeably turns into a ‘silent killer’ of food? Minor malfunctions you may not have noticed can lead to food spoilage, unnecessary expenses and even health hazards.
In this article, I, a handyman from Reliable Appliance Repair in Calgary, will share real stories from my work so you can recognize problems with your refrigerator before they become catastrophic.
How can a refrigerator ‘kill’ food?
A refrigerator is designed to keep food at the right temperature. However, even small abnormalities in its operation can cause problems that seem insignificant at first glance. Here are some common situations:
- Incorrect temperature.
The temperature in the refrigerator should be around +4°C and in the freezer around -18°C. If it deviates, it can cause food to spoil quickly or freeze if it is on the wrong shelves.
- Cold air leakage.
Worn door seals can cause cold air leakage, leading to overheating inside the chamber and uneven cooling.
- Compressor problems.
If the compressor is malfunctioning or overheating, it can cause the entire system to become unstable.
- A clog in the drain system.
If the drain hose becomes clogged, water can begin to accumulate in the refrigerator, which not only spoils food, but also creates an unpleasant odor.
Real examples from my work: Story 1: ‘Lost freshness’ due to wrong temperature
A family once approached me complaining that their fruits and vegetables were spoiling quickly, even though the refrigerator looked serviceable.
Diagnosis:
I checked the internal temperature and found that the thermostat was faulty. The refrigerator was operating at too low a capacity, which did not maintain the desired temperature.
Solution:
The thermostat was replaced and the temperature was set correctly. Customers noticed the difference immediately: the food retained its freshness longer.
Story 2: ‘Villain Freezer’.
Another customer was experiencing a problem where their freezer was starting to freeze all of its contents, including food that was supposed to be kept at plus temperatures.
Diagnosis:
I found that the freezer temperature sensor was damaged, causing the compressor to constantly run at maximum capacity.
Solution:
After replacing the sensor and testing the system, the freezer returned to normal operation. The customer was particularly pleased as he could now store his food without fear of freezing.
Story 3: ‘The Weeping Fridge’.
Another case happened to a cafe owner who noticed that water was constantly accumulating in his fridge. This was not only causing inconvenience but also jeopardizing the quality of the food.
Diagnosis:
The drain hose was clogged with food residue and debris, preventing water from draining into the pan.
Solution:
I cleaned the drainage system, checked the ventilation and adjusted the proper shelf distribution inside the refrigerator to improve air circulation. The customer was grateful for the quick repair that saved his food from spoiling.
How can you recognize that something is wrong with your refrigerator?
There are several signs that can indicate problems:
- Unpleasant odor inside the chamber.
- The temperature is too high or too low.
- Food spoils faster than usual.
- You hear strange noises during operation.
- Ice or condensation appears on the walls of the refrigerator.
If you notice even one of these signs, you should not delay in contacting a specialist.
Why is refrigerator repair beneficial?
Many people choose to replace their refrigerator if it starts to malfunction. However, repair is not only a cost-effective solution, but also an environmentally responsible one.
- Saving money. Repair in most cases is cheaper than buying a new device.
- Long service life. After a quality repair, your refrigerator can last for many more years.
- Environmental Conservation. Reducing the amount of waste helps to reduce the burden on nature.
Conclusion
Your refrigerator is more than just an appliance. It helps you stay healthy and save money by keeping your food fresh. But like any other appliance, it requires attention and care.
If you notice that your refrigerator isn’t working properly, don’t wait for the situation to get worse. Contact Reliable Appliance Repair in Calgary, and we can help get your appliance back to perfect condition. Save your groceries, your health, and your budget with professional repairs!
