6 signs your refrigerator needs a technician — not a new fridge
Most fridge problems are fixable for a fraction of the cost of replacement. Learn what to look for.
Before you shop for a new one
A refrigerator is built to last 10–15 years. Many “dead” fridges just need a thermostat, a fan motor, a door gasket or a gas top-up.
The six signs
1. Food spoils faster than usual — the cooling cycle isn’t holding temperature.
2. Ice building up in a frost-free freezer — usually a defrost heater or sensor fault.
3. Water pooling inside or under the fridge — a blocked drain line, easy to fix.
4. The compressor runs non-stop or clicks on and off — worth checking before it overheats.
5. Doors don’t seal — a worn gasket wastes power and cooling.
6. Unusual noises — buzzing, rattling or grinding from the back or freezer fan.
When replacement makes sense
If the compressor has failed on a fridge older than 10 years, or repair cost crosses half the price of a comparable new model, we will tell you honestly — and won’t push a repair.
