An In-Depth FAQ for Refrigerator Owners in Newport Beach

• Why is my refrigerator not cooling but the freezer is cold?

  This is one of the most common refrigerator problems and it almost always points to an issue with airflow between the two compartments. In a typical refrigerator, all the cold air is generated in the freezer section. A small fan, called the evaporator fan, is responsible for blowing that cold air from the freezer into the fresh food compartment through a small vent or damper. If this fan motor fails, the cold air remains trapped in the freezer, and the refrigerator section will slowly warm up to room temperature.

  Another very frequent cause is a failure in the automatic defrost system. The cooling coils in the freezer naturally build up frost during operation. A defrost system, made up of a heater and a thermostat, is designed to melt this frost every day. If this system fails, the coils can become completely encased in a block of ice, physically obstructing the vent that allows cold air to pass into the refrigerator. A technician can test both the fan motor and the entire defrost system to determine the exact cause of the problem.

• What causes a refrigerator to leak water on the floor?

  A puddle of water coming from your refrigerator is most often caused by a clog in the defrost drain line. During the automatic defrost cycle, the frost that melts off the coils turns into water, which is collected in a small trough and drains through a tube to an evaporation pan near the compressor underneath the unit. This drain tube can become clogged with ice or small food particles. When it does, the water has nowhere to go, so it overflows the trough and typically leaks down to the bottom of the fresh food compartment, eventually pooling on the floor.

  If your refrigerator has a water dispenser or ice maker, the leak could also be coming from the water supply line. This is a thin plastic tube that runs from your home’s water supply to the back of the refrigerator. The line itself can crack with age, or the fittings at either end can become loose, causing a slow drip that eventually becomes a puddle. A professional can clear a clogged defrost drain or repair the water supply line to resolve the leak.

• Is it worth repairing a 10-year-old refrigerator?

  This is a very important question. The decision to repair an older refrigerator often depends on three factors: the brand, the nature of the repair, and the efficiency of a new model. A high-end refrigerator from a brand known for longevity, such as Miele or Sub-Zero, is almost always a good candidate for repair, as they are built for a 20+ year lifespan. Even quality mainstream brands can provide many more years of service after a common repair.

  The type of repair is the most critical factor. A repair to a common component like an ice maker, a fan motor, or a defrost thermostat is typically a very sensible investment. However, if the refrigerator has a major sealed system failure, such as a bad compressor or a refrigerant leak, the expense can be significant. In this case, you will want to weigh that expense against the benefits of a new refrigerator, which can be much more energy-efficient than a model from a decade ago, leading to savings on your electricity bill. Our technicians can provide a clear and honest diagnosis, allowing you to make an informed decision.

• Why is my refrigerator’s ice maker not making ice?

  An ice maker that stops working can have several different causes. The process begins with water, so the first thing a technician will check is the water inlet valve. This electronically controlled valve on the back of the refrigerator can fail, preventing water from ever reaching the ice maker. The water line itself can also become frozen if the freezer temperature is set too low, creating a blockage.

  The problem can also be with the ice maker assembly itself. Inside the unit is a control module or motor that cycles the ice maker, filling it with water, freezing the cubes, and then harvesting them into the bin. This motor or control module can fail, causing the process to halt. Many modern refrigerators also have an electronic sensor or “feeler arm” that tells the ice maker when the bin is full. If this sensor fails, the ice maker may think the bin is full even when it is empty and will not produce more ice. A technician can test each of these components to find the exact point of failure.

• How can I stop my refrigerator from making a loud buzzing noise?

  While a low hum is the normal sound of a compressor running, a loud, noticeable buzzing or vibrating noise is a sign that a component is failing. The most common source of this noise is one of the two fan motors. The evaporator fan motor (inside the freezer) or the condenser fan motor (underneath the refrigerator by the compressor) can become worn out, causing the motor to buzz loudly as it runs. Sometimes, the fan blade itself can become loose or obstructed, leading to a vibrating or rattling sound.

  In some cases, the buzzing noise can be related to the compressor itself, or it could be a simple issue like the refrigerator not being level, causing vibrations to be amplified. Another possibility is the water inlet valve buzzing as it tries to open or close. A professional technician can quickly and safely identify the source of the noise. They can distinguish between a simple vibration issue and a failing motor, allowing them to replace the correct component and restore your refrigerator to its normal, quiet operation.