Fridge Repairs: 5 Parts That Commonly Need Replacing
Your fridge, like any other appliance in your home, will require repair and maintenance as its parts wear out due to ongoing use. Sometimes you can fix an issue yourself, and other times you’ll need to call on a local fridge repairs technician in your area — whether you're in Sydney, Melbourne, or regional Australia.
For Aussie households, keeping your fridge running smoothly is essential — especially during our hot summers. Before you request expert help, here are the five most frequently replaced refrigerator parts. Keep this list handy so you can identify the cause of fridge problems, understand when DIY fridge repairs are possible and know when you need professional assistance.
1. Compressor start relay
The compressor start relay is a small but crucial component that starts the refrigerator’s compressor unit. It’s a switch that temporarily supplies power to the compressor’s start winding, helping it initiate the cooling cycle. If the start relay malfunctions, the compressor may not start.
Common issues
When the relay fails, your fridge may stop cooling effectively or make repeated clicking sounds as the compressor keeps trying to restart. These signs indicate that the relay has either become loose or is experiencing burnout, preventing the cooling cycle from engaging properly.
Solution
When it comes to fridge repairs, replacing a faulty compressor start relay is usually a quick and cost-effective fix. It’s easy to access and swap out when you know what you’re looking for, and doing so will restore the compressor’s ability to kick in and cool the fridge efficiently. However, we recommend you call a qualified appliance repairer to replace this part.
2. Door gasket (seal)
The door gasket is a seal that keeps your fridge energy-efficient and cool by forming an airtight barrier between the warmer exterior and cooler interior. This seal helps maintain consistent internal temperatures, preventing cold air from escaping and warm air from entering. This keeps food fresh and reduces energy consumption.
Common issues
Fridge door seals can wear out over time, resulting in cracking, tearing or sections that no longer sit flush against the fridge frame. This causes cold air to leak out, resulting in frost buildup inside the fridge or freezer and inconsistent temperatures. If you see a notable increase in energy consumption, check the fridge door gasket.
Solution
Installing a new door gasket restores your fridge’s ability to maintain a tight seal, improving energy efficiency and helping the appliance maintain stable internal temperatures. A new seal also reduces power consumption and prevents food spoilage. Replacing the gasket is a relatively simple fix with long-term benefits. You can try to do this fridge repair yourself, but an expert will do a faster, more reliable job.
3. Thermostat
The function of the thermostat is to monitor and control the internal temperature of the fridge, ensuring it keeps your food at the right temperature. The thermostat signals the compressor to turn on or off based on the current temperature, helping maintain consistent cooling performance.
Common issues
A faulty fridge thermostat leads to fluctuating or incorrect internal temperatures. You may notice food goes off too quickly, freezes in the fridge section, or doesn’t feel as cold as usual. These issues compromise food quality and safety, and put additional strain on other fridge components such as the compressor.
Solution
The best solution is to replace the malfunctioning part. This ensures optimal cooling by maintaining the set temperature range accurately. With this fix, you will preserve food quality, reduce energy consumption and prevent unnecessary wear on the compressor and other cooling components.
4. Evaporator fan motor
The evaporator fan motor circulates cold air over the evaporator coils, ensuring even cooling throughout the fridge. Its role is to maintain a consistent temperature in the fridge and freezer by allowing cold air to flow properly.
Common issues
A common sign the evaporator fan motor is experiencing issues and you need fridge repairs is unusual noises, such as a buzzing or rattling sound. Uneven cooling is another common sign, where certain areas of the fridge may be too warm while others are too cold, leading to poor temperature regulation and potential food spoilage.
Solution
When your appliance technician replaces the faulty evaporator fan motor, it will restore proper airflow, ensuring consistent temperature distribution throughout the fridge. A new motor will eliminate hot spots, prevent food spoilage and improve overall efficiency.
5. Defrost timer or thermostat
The defrost timer regulates the fridge's defrost cycle, preventing frost buildup on the evaporator coils. This allows the fridge to maintain efficient cooling by periodically melting accumulated ice, allowing for proper airflow.
Common issues
A common symptom of a faulty defrost timer is excessive frost buildup in the freezer or fridge compartments. This results in inefficient cooling, obstructed airflow and increased energy consumption as the fridge struggles to maintain the correct temperature.
Solution
For fridge repairs, replace the faulty defrost timer. This will restore the proper defrosting cycle, preventing frost buildup and ensuring the fridge operates efficiently. The repair also helps maintain consistent temperatures and prolongs the lifespan of your fridge.
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