Refrigerators are essential in the home, providing cold storage for food items. Unfortunately, they can also go wrong and stop working. Refrigerators are made from a variety of materials, but the most common are metal and plastic. Metal refrigerators are usually made from stainless steel, which is a strong and durable material. Plastic refrigerators are usually made from a type of plastic called polypropylene, which is also strong and durable. Some refrigerators are also made from glass, which can be quite expensive but looks very elegant.
Here are some of the most common reasons why refrigerators stop working.
- A broken or malfunctioning thermostat can cause your refrigerator to stop working. This is usually due to a worn out component or a lack of electrical current.
- The compressor may fail, causing the unit to overheat and stop working.
Check the power: Make sure the refrigerator is plugged in and that there is power to the outlet
Here’s what the do and check if yours does stop working for some reason:
Check the temperature
If your refrigerator is not working, you will want to check the temperature to make sure it is not too low or too high. The ideal temperature for a refrigerator is between 34-38 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature is too low, food can freeze and if the temperature is too high, food can spoil. You can use a thermometer to check the temperature or look for a sticker on the door that indicates the ideal range.
Get rid of perishables
One of the first things you also need to do is to get rid of any perishables as soon as possible. Throw away any food that has been exposed to warm temperatures for more than two hours. This includes meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products and leftovers. If you have any questions, call your local health department.
Clean up
If the fridge suddenly stops doing its thing, then you need start a small clean up. Wipe down the inside of the refrigerator and dry it completely. If there is any food or liquid on the shelves or walls, it will create an odor and can cause bacteria to grow. Once the refrigerator is clean, check to see if there is anything blocking the airflow. Look for obstructions in the vents or coils and remove them. If there is still no change, call a professional to have your refrigerator serviced.
Call a technician
After you complete all of the above, then you need to call a technician out. Troubleshooting by a good electrician or technician will be the only way to find out what the problem is. Sometimes the problem is simple, like a loose wire or a bad fuse. But other times, the problem is more complex and requires more time and expertise to fix. So if your refrigerator stops working, don’t try to fix it yourself – call a technician!
In conclusion, if your refrigerator stops working, be sure to check the temperature, throw out any perishables, clean up and then call a technician. By following these simple steps, you can minimize the amount of damage that may occur and get your refrigerator back up and running as soon as possible.