3 Easy Refrigerator Repair Tips

With the right approach, you'll have your refrigerator up and running smoothly in no time.

Before you consider a service call, there's a range of troubleshooting actions you can take to address common refrigerator problems. These initial steps not only empower you to maintain your appliance but can also prevent the inconvenience of unnecessary service appointments. Here's how you can tackle some of the most frequent issues:

1. Refrigerator Not Running

Discovering your refrigerator not running can send a wave of panic, especially when you think of the perishables at risk. It’s a situation that demands immediate attention to prevent food spoilage and further inconvenience. The steps we outline here are your first line of defense, designed to tackle the most common reasons your fridge has taken an unexpected time out.

• Make sure the power cord wasn’t unplugged or the control wasn’t turned off by mistake.

Confirm that the fridge is receiving power. If the light doesn't come on when you open the door, reset the house circuit breaker for the refrigerator. If your home has a fuse box, check for a blown fuse and replace it if necessary.

• If it doesn't come on after resetting the breaker, make sure the power outlet is working by plugging another item into it and checking for power.
• Look for an indication on the display that it’s running in Demo/Showroom mode and disable it if it’s active. When in this mode, the lights and display will be on but the refrigerator won’t actually be running. Refrigerators are sometimes delivered in Demo mode by mistake, or it can be accidentally turned on when cleaning the display or changing settings.

If these actions don’t get your refrigerator humming again, it's time to seek professional help. A Sears Home Services technician can provide the expertise needed to bring your fridge back to life.

2. Fridge Not Cooling

One of the most frequent distress calls for refrigerators center around the unit not cooling properly. It’s an issue that strikes at the heart of what a fridge is supposed to do: keep your food cold and safe. Before you reach for the phone to call for help, we’ve compiled some troubleshooting tips that might just solve this cooling conundrum, restoring order and freshness to your kitchen.

• Be sure that you’ve waited long enough for the temperature to change after you’ve adjusted the controls—it can take up to 48 hours.
• If the issue is happening in a crisper, meat, or deli drawer, adjust its airflow controls. Sliding the drawer’s controls to a colder setting will allow more air to flow to the drawer and keep the contents colder.
• If the condenser coil is accessible from the front of your machine (behind a removable grill near the floor):
  1. Turn off your refrigerator and unplug its power cord.
  2. Carefully remove the grill and vacuum any dust that is under the refrigerator or on the grill.
  3. Clean the grill with mild soap and water and put it back in place.
  4. Plug the refrigerator in, turn it back on, and reset the controls to the desired temperature.

If your fridge remains warm despite these efforts, a deeper issue may be at play. Scheduling a diagnosis with a Sears Home Services technician can ensure your fridge gets the expert attention it needs.

3. Refrigerator Is Too Cold

While it might seem like a good problem to have, a refrigerator that's too cold can be just as troublesome as one that's not cooling enough. Overly chilled temperatures can lead to frozen produce and skyrocketing energy costs, not to mention the unnecessary strain on your refrigerator's components. Let's explore some steps to warm things up a bit, ensuring your fridge maintains the ideal balance for both food preservation and efficiency.

• Check the refrigerator temperature control setting and adjust it if necessary. Wait for 48 hours after making the adjustment for the temperature setting change to take full effect.
• Check air vents to see if some are blocked by food containers. Move any containers from in front of air supply vents so the refrigerator compartment will cool properly.
• Turn off the ice maker if you don’t have a water supply connected to ensure the refrigerator doesn’t lower the temperature to attempt to produce ice.
• If you’ve used a large amount of ice recently, the refrigerator may have lowered the temperature to produce more. Wait 24 hours and see if the temperature returns to normal.

Should these adjustments fail to warm things up, it might be time for professional intervention. A Sears Home Services technician can accurately diagnose and resolve the issue, ensuring your fridge maintains the perfect chill.

We're Here When You Need Us

Even the most adept DIYers encounter refrigerator problems that are beyond a simple fix. When you've exhausted your troubleshooting options without success, it's time to call in the experts from Sears Home Services. Our technicians are equipped with the knowledge and tools to repair your fridge efficiently, ensuring your food stays fresh and your life remains uninterrupted. Don't let refrigerator troubles cool down your day—schedule your professional repair service now and enjoy peace of mind with a fully functional appliance.

Scheduling your refrigerator repair appointment with Sears Home Services is easy. Go to the online service scheduler and enter your information to set up your in-home repair service. Same-day and next-day refrigerator repair appointments are available in many areas.

Sears Home Services is the only nation-wide provider of appliance repair in America. We have over 2500 technicians across the country and we’re in your neighborhood. Our technicians are highly trained in refrigerator repair and experienced in servicing all major brands including Kenmore, Frigidaire, GE, Samsung, LG and Whirlpool. Sears Technicians average over 10 years of experience in the refrigerator repair field.

You’ll appreciate seeing a Sears Home Services Technician who can quickly and accurately diagnose and fix refrigerator problems when you set up repair through us. We provide the most reliable refrigeration repair service in the country.

Sears Home Services is here to help you quickly manage any type of refrigerator machine failure. Trust us to help you keep your entire home in top shape.