Is Your Refrigerator Breaking? Here’s How to Tell

Is your refrigerator running? Yeah, that joke isn’t funny anymore. And, here’s something else that isn’t funny – when your refrigerator breaks and you risk all your food getting spoiled. It’s important to catch the warning signs of a faulty refrigerator early. This way, you can proactively treat issues and save yourself both money and time.

Here are the most common signs that your refrigerator is on the verge of breaking.

• It’s Not Cold Enough

When your refrigerator stops doing its job properly – that’s a sure-proof warning sign that something is wrong. Are your foods spoiling faster than expected? Does your stick of butter feel soft and your milk lukewarm? If your refrigerator is having trouble staying cold, make sure to keep the door closed as much as possible.

• Excess Condensation

A bit of condensation is to be expected with a fridge. But, does water drip out when you open the fridge? The red flag starts to form when condensation starts to soak your fridge, and particularly your food. Excess condensation means that your refrigerator might not be cooling correctly. An examination of the refrigerator is important to understand the exact reason for the excess condensation.

• Loud Noises

Most refrigerators will make a humming noise as the fridge’s motor and compressor kick in to keep everything cold. That’s normal. But, if the humming gets noticeably loud or distracting – your fridge might be broken. Other red flag refrigerator sounds include clicking, buzzing, and hissing which are not normal.

• A Hot Motor

A warm motor is okay, but a hot motor suggests that your fridge is working way too hard. Place your hand on the back of your refrigerator and feel to see if there is excessive heat. Excessive heat suggests that internally, something is wrong with the appliance. A hot motor means that the refrigerator is always working overtime, which will shorten the refrigerator’s lifespan when unchecked.

• Higher Electricity Bills

Noticing higher electricity bills? While there could be any number of faulty appliances in question, the first to consider is your refrigerator. Your fridge is on at all times and will consume a large chunk of your electricity regardless of whether it’s broken or not. If you notice any of the red flags above, it might mean your refrigerator is working overtime and gulping up more electricity than usual.