You just bought a new carton of milk, but after a night in the fridge, it smells funny. Your vegetables are wilting and the soda you’re trying to chill just won’t get cold. Obviously, it’s time to call a refrigerator repair technician to assess the situation.

But what if you knew the warning signs that your refrigerator might be about to have a major malfunction? Preventive appliance maintenance is sometimes cheaper and better for the appliance than waiting to do major repairs and, in the case of your refrigerator, losing all the food inside due to spoilage. Learn the signs that you might need to fix your refrigerator to fix problems before they get worse.

The refrigerator runs constantly

Refrigerators turn on and off to keep the inside temperature constant. For example, when you open the door to buy groceries, you let some of the cold air out, and the refrigerator can run after a while to lower the temperature again. However, if your unit is running all the time, you may be on your way to a complete breakdown. The cooling system may not be working properly, the thermostat may not be working properly, or the door gasket may have broken and is causing the refrigerator to leak. A constantly running refrigerator means it’s time to call a refrigerator repair technician.

The refrigerator and freezer do not cool properly

It may seem like a minor problem, but if you’re having to put your fridge on the lowest setting just to get a moderately cool environment, or if you’re turning up the setting because the fridge is freezing your food, it’s time for a fridge repair. . Likewise, if your freezer is giving you freezer-burned meat or soft ice cream, even when you adjust the temperature, you need a professional to diagnose the problem. The harder you push a refrigerator that is unable to provide the proper temperature, the closer you are to a dead appliance.

The refrigerator makes strange noises

Modern refrigerators are designed to be efficient and quiet, an unobtrusive convenience in your kitchen. If your refrigerator suddenly starts making a noise that it’s never made before, don’t ignore it, even if the food stays cold. Unusual noises mean something is wrong with the internal workings of the refrigerator, and whatever is going on has the potential to get worse if left untreated. A refrigeration repair professional can identify the noise and the culprit to nip the problem in the bud.

Refrigerator repair is almost always cheaper than buying an entirely new appliance, and a major problem can often be avoided with a fairly simple repair or part replacement. Appliances work best when they’re cared for properly, and that means regular cleaning and maintenance, when needed. Being aware of how your refrigerator normally operates and keeping an eye out for any changes in its performance can help you avoid disaster in the future.