Common Refrigerator Problems

Common refrigerator problems occur with such frequency that its helpful if a homeowner can self-diagnose at least a few of the more common refrigerator problems on his/her own without calling in an experienced appliance repair technician every time refrigerator trouble appears. If a minor troubleshooting effort can be applied with ease and success, a homeowner can minimize his/her repair expenses as well as cost due to spoilage of food or other perishables. Some of the most common refrigerator problems and a diagnostic solution include the following:

Diagnostic Checklist for Refrigerator Problems

1.  Check refrigerator for proper electrical power:  A simple lack of electrical power is a common refrigerator problem and can easily be determined or eliminated as a cause by slowly pulling your refrigerator out of its space and checking to see if the power cord plug is properly seated in the electrical outlet. Unplug the refrigerator power cord plug from the outlet and then fully re-insert it to confirm a proper and snug seating. Take precaution to ensure that while checking for this common refrigerator problem that you are not standing in or touching any water that that be the result of dripping condensate, leaking water from an overflow pan or melting frost or ice. Remember that water and electricity don’t mix!
2. Check refrigerator power cord for problems:  If the above problem was eliminated as a cause of your refrigerator’s failure, inspect your refrigerator’s electrical power cord for any abnormalities. Problems to look for may include fraying, any discoloration on the cord’s insulation, sharp or radical kinks or bends, cuts, nicks or burn spots. If any of these conditions are discovered, contact an experienced and qualified appliance repair technician to change it out to a safe and reliable electrical power cord. This is imperative as a compromised power cord could cause a whole host of problems, ranging from causing wear and tear on your compressor to causing a house fire.
3. Check you refrigerator line’s circuit breaker or GFI:  If the above issues have been eliminated, continue your common refrigerator problems investigation by checking the main circuit breaker for the area of the house which contains the refrigerator. Ensure that there aren’t any flipped breakers on the control panel itself. If there is, reset by flipping the individual switch back to the ON position. If this switch flips back off again after any time period, it most likely indicates an electrical control panel issue and only a certified and reliable electrician should allowed to investigate

   

   and repair the problem. All of the same procedures apply to the GFI (ground fault interrupt) your refrigerator is connected to. Similar to a circuit breaker switch, it is situated most likely in an electrical outlet box on the interior of the home. Tripped GFI’s are a very common refrigerator problem and can usually be resolved simply by resetting the button.

Houston and Katy Refrigerator Problem Professionals

By utilizing this very simple checklist for common refrigerator problems in the Houston or Katy, TX metro area, a homeowner can quickly eliminate a significant portion of appliance problems requiring professional appliance repair assistance. However, if none of these items resolve your refrigerator’s problems, contact one of our certified appliance repair professionals today by visiting us at www.Houston-Katy-Appliance-Repair.com. We can also be reached at most hours by calling us at (832) 321-3758. We have a Best in the Business Warranty that we are extremely proud of and our clients enjoy because it enhances their peace of mind when selecting their appliance repair provider. We are here to help.

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Refrigerator Defrost Problems

Are you having refrigerator defrost problems in the Houston or Katy, TX metro areas? If so, one of our experienced refrigerator repair technicians at Houston Katy Appliance Repair can assist you by simply giving us a call. However, more to the point, in order for a refrigerator to function properly, it must periodically and successfully complete its defrost cycle.  If you would like additional information on why you may be experiencing refrigerator defrost problems, several reasons exist for this common malfunction which are listed below.

Common Refrigerator Defrost Failure Reasons

Mechanical failure of any of the following refrigerator components can cause refrigerator defrost problems.  They include:

1. Defrost Unit’s Main Control Board:  Your refrigerator’s main control board continuously monitors conditions inside your refrigerator and determines exactly when and how often all subcomponents switch on and off. Under normal operating conditions, your refrigerator’s main control board senses ice build up on the evaporator coil and sends an electrical signal to initialize the refrigerator’s defrost cycle, which in turn shuts off the cooling system and temporarily activates the refrigerator’s defrost heater. This in turns melts away any frost which has collected on the refrigerator’s evaporator coils. When this main control board unit malfunctions or ceases to function properly, frost and eventually ice will continue to collect on the coils and the walls of your refrigerator unit until otherwise removed;
2. Defrost Heater Assembly:  Your refrigerator’s defrost heater assembly melts away any frost which has accumulated on the refrigerator or freezer’s evaporator coils or interior walls. When the defrost heater assembly malfunctions, it causes a lack of air flow over the evaporator coils. Proper air flow crossing the thermal differential at the surface of your evaporator coils  is precisely how refrigerator defrost problems keep from happening in the first place.
3. Refrigerator Defrost Timer:  Your refrigerator’s defrost timer is also of critical importance in avoiding refrigerator defrost problems. The defrost timer is essentially a small integrated clock on a board or in a small box with a motor that initializes your refrigerator’s heater assembly at precisely the correct time. Failure of the refrigerator’s defrost timer is common and is usually a very inexpensive repair. However, if it remains inoperable for any extended period of time, it can cause much more serious problems with your refrigerator’s compressor or delicate coil system.

If you are experiencing refrigerator defrost problems in the Katy or Houston, TX metro area and would like for an experienced and fully trained appliance repair technician to diagnose your refrigerator’s problem, please don’t hesitate to give one of our appliance repair professionals a call today at (832) 321-3758 or visit us at www.Houston-Katy-Appliance-Repair.com.  We have many years of professional experience, offer best in the industry warranties and provide fast refrigerator and appliance repair service!

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Refrigerator Cooling Problems

In Houston or Katy, refrigerator cooling problems are an extremely common issue with many possible causes. Refrigerator cooling problems account for a significant percentage of refrigerator repair and other appliance repair service call requests in the Houston and Katy metro area. While it is extremely frustrating when one experiences their own refrigerator cooling problems, often times the fix can be as simple as the originating cause. Below are several reasons for your refrigerator not cooling:

• Dirty or blocked refrigerator condenser coils:

  If your refrigerator is not cooling properly, the first culprits to suspect are dirty or blocked condenser coils. In order for the condenser coils to discharge heat and function properly, they must remain clean and be relatively free of grime or dirt. Much in the same fashion, blocked condenser coils also aren’t allowed to properly discharge heat off their surfaces. This will also result in impairment of the refrigerator’s cooling ability. Clean your refrigerator’s coils frequently and keep a nice 3-4 inch air space around the coils at a minimum;

• Thermistor sensor problems:

  If your refrigerator cooling problems continue to exist and it’s still not cooling and you have eliminated the cause being dirty or blocked refrigerator condenser coils, your refrigerator’s thermistor sensor may be defective or getting ready to go out. The refrigerator’s thermistor constantly monitors your refrigerator’s temperature and it is directly linked to the refrigerator’s main control board. It is essentially your refrigerator’s main sensory input, much like the human eyes or fingers are to the brain. While it’s relatively inexpensive to replace, only a properly trained appliance repair specialist in the Houston or Katy area should attempt to diagnose or replace this refrigerator part;

• Refrigerator temperature control board failure:

  If your Houston Katy refrigerator cooling problems continue and the above two issues have been cleared of cause, your refrigerator cooling problems may be due to its temperature control board becoming defective or inoperable. The refrigerator’s temperature control board provides and regulates electrical voltage which is fed to the fan motor and to the refrigerator’s compressor. High, low, irregular or even non-existent voltage can be a cause for your refrigerator not cooling. Once again, this repair service should only be attempted by a trained and qualified Houston Katy refrigerator or appliance repair technician.

The above ailments are some of the more common reasons for refrigerator cooling problems. Most are relatively inexpensive to fix, yet if any one are allowed to remain inoperable for any extended period of time, more damage can result to your refrigerators main compressor. This would result in more significant costs to repair or replace. If your Houston Katy area refrigerator is not cooling or if you simply need other appliance repair services, contact one of our Houston Katy appliance repair technicians today at (832) 321-3758 or visit us at www.Houston-Katy-Appliance-Repair.com. We’re here to help!

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Houston Refrigerator Water Line Preparation and Installation

In Houston, one of our modern conveniences is having a refrigerator with an automatic cold water dispenser on the outside of the refrigerator or freezer’s door for fast and easy refreshment. Another convenience made possible by modern refrigerators is the automatic ice making and dispensing ability. Simply place your cup or mug underneath the refrigerator’s dispenser, and presto… a cup full of frozen ice is made instantly available without even having to open the refrigerator’s door. No modern home today would seem complete without the presence of these conveniences in our daily lives, all made possible by our modern refrigerator and freezer unit.

However, once in a while these refrigerators can experience mechanical malfunctions or even failures. Of course, if this ever occurs one telephone call to our service advisor at Houston Katy Appliance Repair will get your refrigerator back up to optimum health in no time. In some instances though, it’s quite common for families in the Houston metro area to simply desire to replace an older unit, or they’ve determined that the cost of repairing an older refrigerator just doesn’t make as much sense (and isn’t nearly as much fun) as simply replacing an older refrigerator and upgrading to a unit that is stylish and chock full of the latest features.

Refrigerator Water Line Installation Steps in Houston:

If you are one of these families in the Houston or Katy metro area who has decided to purchase a new refrigerator and you wish to install it yourself as well, the refrigerator’s water line preparation and installation is the hardest and most critical of steps in the installation and setup process. In order to properly and safely connect your new refrigerator to your home’s existing water line, follow these simple but important steps:

1. Shut off the main water supply source at the line coming into your house. This will protect your floors from possible damage should your fittings not be properly seated and tightened. This will also ensure that while your refrigerator’s back end and electrical line is exposed, it’s not subject to a sudden blast of water causing any electrical shock, short or burn;
2. Locate the cold water line nearest to your refrigerator unit. Clean the surface of the copper cold water line before installing a piercing-style valve in order to help eliminate contaminants from entering the water line once it’s pierced;
3. Have already purchased an inexpensive “self-piercing saddle valve” or a “self-tapping water valve” from your local hardware store. These valves are very

   

   inexpensive yet offer the maximum in convenience as you’ll be able to attach your new refrigerator’s water intake line to your existing cold water line without having to do any cutting, drilling, welding, brazing or soldering in order to complete the job;

4. Attach your new Houston refrigerator’s water intake line first to the non-piercing end of the saddle valve you purchased. Make sure the insertion is snug and fully secure;
5. Next place the piercing end of your saddle valve around the portion of your cold waters’ copper line where you cleaned it of contaminants and slowly start to turn the handle of the piercing valve until the valve is flat and firmly secure against the copper pipe. Re-inspect to ensure a proper fit. The saddle valve should contain instructions indicating how this is perfected if you are unsure;
6. Slowly turn back on the main water supply to the house. Within a few seconds, you should hear the line fill up with water as it pushes out air that had entered the line in it’s absence;
7. After letting your new refrigerator’s water lines and systems hydrate for approximately ninety seconds, try filling a cup with water utilizing the water dispenser on the outside of the door. If everything appears fine and water has properly dispensed, pour out the water into a sink and move the refrigerator back into it’s designated space;
8. Fill up a pitcher or two of water once again from the refrigerator’s door and discard to get rid of any impurities that way have entered the water line during installation;
9. Allow approximately two hours for the first batch of ice to appear. Toss out the first two or three batches of ice to once again eliminate any impurities that may have entered your refrigerator initially;
10. Smile and congratulate yourself on a job well done!

If you are in need of Houston refrigerator water line installation or any Houston or Katy appliance repair, call us today at (832) 321-3758 or visit us at www.Houston-Katy-Appliance-Repair.com today. We are here to help!

And remember, “Don’t dispair… call Houston Katy Appliance Repair!”