The refrigerator is likely the only appliance in your home that works around the clock, seven days a week, without a break. If it were to break down, all the food in it is at risk of spoiling.

Regular maintenance is key, and the only way to avoid a full-on breakdown is to make sure you act fast and accordingly at the first sign of trouble. So, what does this trouble look like?

Before diving into details of fridge repair, you should firstly identify what type of unit you own.

• Conventional

These are traditional models that use compressors and are commonly found in homes. They run at one consistent speed, cycling on and off.

• Inverter

Inverter models are part of the newer line of eco-friendly home appliances relatively new to the market. Unlike conventional refrigerators, they use inverter compressors that run on various speeds and adapt to one’s usage, such as when the fridge doors are opened, to regulate energy consumption.

This, in turn, reduces your power bill significantly.

Troubleshooting

Here are six common refrigerator problems and what might be causing them.

1. It’s not cold

If the air inside your fridge is warm, it is possibly due to a faulty compressor. This vital component might be having trouble circulating cold air within the unit.

The issue could also be related to the evaporator: the coil could be frosted over, or the fan could be faulty. You’ll want to turn off the fridge and check for frost buildup or damage.

If your fridge is a newer model, it likely comes with an electronic control board to adjust the temperature. If this board malfunctions, it could lead to a warmer fridge.

This is a much more complex issue that should be handled by a professional.

2. It’s too noisy

Refrigerators often make quiet sounds that are often dismissible. If, however, you start to hear a much more obstructive noise, this indicates a problem.

Determining where the noise comes from allows for speedier diagnosis by your service professional. If it’s coming from the bottom of the unit, there could be an issue with the drain pan. If it comes from the back, it could be the compressor or defrost timer.

And if it’s from the inside, there could be something wrong with the evaporator fan.

3. It’s leaking

This is one of the most common fridge issues, caused by food debris that clogs up the drain hose and causes frost and ice to build up, which, in turn, leads to leaking.

Avoid puddles of water on the floor by cleaning the drain hose yourself, or by calling in an expert to service your refrigerator regularly.

4. The light doesn’t work

A malfunctioning refrigerator light is really a minor issue, possibly caused by a blown light bulb or a faulty door switch.

Obviously the light will also not work if the fridge is not turned on, so make sure it is plugged into a working socket and running.

5. The freezer’s too cold

Yes, your freezer can become too cold, and no, that’s not always a good thing. A freezer that is too cold could damage your food and/or cause freezer burn. It could also lead to a rapid buildup of frost and ice in your freezer, which will require defrosting.

The issue could simply be a matter of adjusting the settings. However, it could also be due to a defective damper, the part of the unit that controls the movement of air inside.

The air damper is located in the back of the fridge, so turn off the power and check the back to ensure there are no obstructions.

6. It doesn’t turn on

If your refrigerator isn’t turning on after being securely plugged into a working power socket, it could be due to other reasons. There could have been a power overload or a problem with the relay-start capacitor, a protection device used in the compressor circuitry that can sometimes overheat.

It could also be due to temperature control. Pull off the front panel of the refrigerator’s control box and check the multimeter for continuity in the cold settings. You might have to replace the whole control system.

That said, the most common cause of a fridge that doesn’t turn on is a faulty electronic control board. Almost all parts within your refrigerator are connected to this board, so any malfunction will cause the unit not to work.

As always, unless you are absolutely sure of what you’re doing, it is best to call in an expert to diagnose and resolve any problems. And if you’re facing refrigerator issues, check back in tomorrow to find out whether you should repair or replace it altogether!

This article originally appeared on Recommend.my – Malaysia’s #1 Home Improvement Services Platform, offering a safer and more convenient way to hire the best home improvement and home maintenance professionals. From flooring to interior design to air-conditioner servicing, get access to thousands of the best local contractors and professionals at your fingertips.