1. WHY DOES MY REFRIGERATOR LEAK WATER?
You may think a leak is a sign of a serious problem, but that's not necessarily true. In fact, a refrigerator leak could be resolved by some light maintenance or even just a thorough cleaning.
The key thing is to understand where the leak is coming from. After that, you will have a much better idea of the issue and whether or not a service call is needed. See our main article on the issue to learn more.
2. WHY IS MY REFRIGERATOR NOT GETTING COLD?
If your fridge isn't cooling, a number of factors could be to blame. It could require a simple fix that's easily overlooked, such as:
- Moving food boxes that are blocking internal vents, preventing cold air from flowing
- Checking the thermostat settings in case they have been accidentally turned up
- Inspecting the gasket to make sure the door is sealing properly
A warm fridge could also be caused by a worn or faulty component, including the evaporator fan or fan motor, damper control assembly, or compressor. These issues could be addressed by cleaning alone—such as vacuuming clogged condenser coils—or you may need to call in a local technician for an expert diagnosis.
3. WHY IS MY FRIDGE MAKING STRANGE NOISES?
Most fridges run quietly, especially newer models. That means a noisy refrigerator could have a problem. The exact nature of the problem will depend on the kind of noise being made, but here are the two most common sounds to listen for:
- Buzzing is usually related to two parts in particular: the condenser fan motor and the evaporator fan motor. Both work to circulate air, which means louder-than-usual buzzing could be a sign of compromised efficiency. If your fridge is both noisy and warmer than it should be, you may need to either vacuum, repair, or replace one of these two motors.
- Clicking generally means there is a problem with one of three refrigerator components: the condenser fan, the compressor (an overheated compressor shuts off, making a clicking sound), or the control board (if the clicking sound is coming from the rear of your refrigerator, you should have the entire board replaced by a professional).
4. WHY DO MY PRODUCE ITEMS SPOIL QUICKLY?
Humidity levels in your refrigerator can usually be easily adjusted using the correct temperature settings and storage drawers. But if you continue to experience humidity issues—and certain food items spoil quickly wherever they are in the fridge—there may be another underlying cause.
A faulty thermostat could cause the temperature to rise and fall, which may fluctuate humidity levels and eventually lead to bacteria and mold. Alternatively, a broken door seal could be allowing warmer air into the fridge, causing condensation to form on food. If the obvious quick fixes aren't working, call GE Appliances Factory Service to have one of our local professionals come by to take a look.
