On The Fritz: Telltale Signs It's Time to Replace a Refrigerator
Over 42.5 million refrigerators were sold worldwide in 2017!
Needless to say, a refrigerator is one of those essential appliances that homes, offices, and restaurants need. When your refrigerator goes bad, things can get very uncomfortable.
If you feel that your refrigerator is failing, then you will need to confirm it. After all, a refrigerator is expensive to repair depending on what the problem is, and it's even more expensive to replace.
If you are having difficulty making a decision about repair or replacement. Here are some tips that will tell you if you need to replace a refrigerator.
1. Condensation
If your refrigerator is sweating when the weather is hot, then there is a problem. It usually means that it's not cooling. The first thing you should do when you spot this problem is to analyze the rubber sealing that surrounds the door.
The rubber on the door should not have any water droplets. It should also be free of signs of mold and mildew.
If you are seeing condensation inside and outside the refrigerator, it means that warm air is getting inside, and cold air is escaping. This is a serious problem and if it continues, food will begin to spoil.
2. The Cold Is Out of Control
Have you begun to notice that your refrigerator has ice on the outside? If this is the case, then the cold and frost are out of control.
Another thing you should be concerned about is if the inside of your freezer looks like a scene from the North Pole. If you have to chisel the ice from the freezer, then it's time for a change.
It signals that the refrigerator is not defrosting as it should.
3. Food Spoilage
There is no sign more obvious that you may need to replace your refrigerator than food spoilage. If your food starts giving off funny odors and starts spoiling sooner than normal, then you have a problem.
If you notice that things are taking longer to cool, the refrigerator is definitely not working. If you also notice that ice is taking longer to freeze than, it normally means something has gone wrong.
Cooling problems cause the refrigerator to use more energy than it should, which means that you are going to be paying more for your electricity bill.
This causes a double impact on your finances because not only will you be replacing food that is spoiled, but you will have to pay a mounting electricity bill.
4. Hot Coils Means Its Time to Replace a Refrigerator
If you have noticed any of the three signs previously discussed, then it's time to check the temperature of your refrigerator manually. Place your hand on the back of the unit. If it feels excessively hot, then something is definitely wrong.
Feel the coils on the refrigerator, they shouldn't be too hot because they are insulated. If you do notice that the coils are extra hot, then you can call in a technician to look at them. You can then decide if it's worth it to replace the coils.
However, if your refrigerator is very old and if it's showing other significant signs of internal and external deterioration, forget about replacing the coils, it's time to invest in a new refrigerator.
5. Age Matters
A refrigerator that is more than ten years old has exceeded its life expectancy. Unfortunately, this essential kitchen equipment does have a shelf life and there is little you can do to fight age deterioration.
It's not that refrigerators can't last for more than ten years, they can in some cases. However, if you have to keep repairing it constantly, then you are simply draining your finances.
6. Energy Efficient Models
The introduction of energy star refrigerators has cut the cost of electricity bills. Buying a refrigerator that has the energy star proudly displayed is the best thing you can do for your pocket.
Refrigerators that have been certified with an energy star are also better for the environment as well. Aside from looking out for the energy star, if you want to save on electricity, you should look at the design of the unit.
Consider buying a manual defrost refrigerator since they use less energy than automatic defrost models. However, these days they may be hard to find since most refrigerators are designed to defrost automatically.
You should also be aware that refrigerators with side by side doors tend to be a bit more fragile than other types of refrigerators. Be prepared for it to start showing signs of deterioration faster, especially if it's heavily used.
7. It's Noisy
A refrigerator is not the quietest appliance you can have in your kitchen. However, if you continually hear humming and strange buzzing, then it's time to consider getting a new one.
Sometimes unplugging and replugging the unit will quiet the noise. However, if the noise continues, it's time to call in a technician.
If repairs are done and the buzzing ceases for a while and then comes back, it's time for you to make plans to replace the refrigerator.
Final Thoughts
A refrigerator is supposed to last for years, and it often does. However, there comes a time when you must replace a refrigerator.
Since refrigerators cost so much, it's only natural that you will want to know the signs that you need to invest in a new one. Fortunately, broken refrigerators give off signals that are hard to miss.
The most typical of which is your food going bad long before it should. If you have experienced this along with any of the other signs mentioned throughout this article, then it's time to start shopping for a new model.
If possible, try to get one with an energy star certification so that you can save on electricity bills. Be aware, too, that the design of the refrigerator plays an important role in how soon you will have to replace it.
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