One of the major signs there is a problem with a refrigerator is when food spoils faster than normal. Certain foods offer more of a clue than others because they tend to be more perishable. Examples include meat, seafood, eggs, and dairy. There are several potential underlying causes when food spoils too quickly.
Controllable Causes
If you notice a problem, you should first eliminate the possibility of a problem within your control. Many people store foods incorrectly, causing them to go bad quicker than usual. Highly-perishable foods do not do well if kept in the refrigerator door or the front of the refrigerator. When you open the door, these areas will be the first places in the refrigerator that increase in temperature. Make sure you store more perishable items toward the back of the refrigerator. If these foods still go bad abnormally fast, there are other causes that will likely require refrigerator repairs.
Seal Leaks
Flaws in the door seal can be a common problem, especially for older refrigerators. Over time the door seal can develop cracks or begin to deteriorate so it is no longer air-tight. You should open the door and meticulously check for any flaws in the door seal, such as gaps or cracks. If you don't notice any obvious problems, you can try to determine if there subtle gaps between the seal and the refrigerator. Place a piece of paper between the refrigerator and door, trapping it. If there is no problem with the seal, you should not be able to pull the paper out without ripping it or opening the door. You will need to do this around the entire door seal to find problems. If there are any issues with the door seal, you will need to have the seal replaced to make sure your refrigerator stays cool.
Defrost System Problems
Another major culprit when food goes bad quickly is a problem with the defrost system. Under normal circumstances, a small heater periodically turns on to help melt any ice buildup off the evaporator coils. When this does not function correctly, ice builds up in the freezer and eventually obstructs airflow to the refrigerator. Refrigerators are generally cooled by circulating air between the freezer and refrigerator. When air can no longer circulate because of an obstruction, the refrigerator will become warm. Determining the exact problem in the defrost system is complex and can be dangerous if you are not a professional. You will need to have a professional evaluate the defrost system to determine whether the problem occurs in the timer, thermostat, heater, or elsewhere in the defrost system.
If there is an abrupt change in the longevity of food in your refrigerator, there are clues that can help you determine the underlying cause. Once you determine the cause is something you cannot safely handle yourself, urgently having the problem fixed can prevent you from losing additional money on spoiled food.
Contact a local company to learn more about refrigerator repairs.
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