A refrigerator is the basic need of our life. Why? Because it keeps our food refreshed and prevents it from decaying. However, a refrigerator is one of the biggest responsibilities in our houses. How? Because it functions 24 hours a day. This means it runs full day and night, which means it needs care and maintenance. Well, like any other home appliance, uninvited damage is expected. Even if a small fault in your refrigerator comes up, it can disturb your daily routine. Or it can ruin your whole day.
Want to know the good news? Well, keeping the needed refrigerator spare parts at home can be helpful for you. They can be replaced in your refrigerator and make it function flawlessly. Whether you are a DIY lover or just a common person, keeping these spare parts in your home can save you a lot of time and money.
In this blog, we will discuss 5 Must-Have Spare Parts to Keep Your Refrigerator Running Smoothly so that your refrigerator works smoothly the whole year.
The thermostat manages the temperature in your refrigerator and freezer. It gives an indication to the compressor to turn on or off according to the internal temperature. If it fails, your refrigerator may stop cooling or stop freezing anything.
A bad thermostat is one of the most common reasons a refrigerator ceases cooling properly. If the food in your refrigerator is spoiling or freezing, the thermostat can be the reason. Then, it simply means that you need to replace your thermostat.
• Improper cooling or extreme freezing
• Inconsistent internal temperature
• Compressor running constantly or completely not
Tip:
Make sure to buy a thermostat which is compatible with your refrigerator model. Universal options are there. Nonetheless, model-specific parts ensure the optimal fit and performance.
The job of a door gasket is to make the door of the refrigerator leak-proof from gas and cooling. But it is only applicable when the door is shut. It helps the food to be preserved nicely in the fridge.
Over time, the rubber gasket can become breakable, cracked, or warped. In this situation, internal cold air starts leaking. It leads your refrigerator to work harder and consume more energy. There are huge chances that your fridge will face condensation or frost buildup inside the compartment.
• Noticeable cracks and tears in the rubber
• Difficulty shutting the door entirely
• Condensation or mold forming near the door edges
• Higher electricity bills
Tip:
To test whether the seal is alright or not, you will need to do one thing. Shut the fridge door on a piece of paper. Then, if the paper comes out easily, it means it’s time for immediate replacement.
The evaporator fan motors circulate air over the evaporator coils. Then, it distributes cool air throughout the refrigerator and freezer compartments. Without it, the cooling ability of your fridge falls.
If your refrigerator is not cooling but there is proper cooling in the freezer, a bad evaporator is a likely culprit. Replacing this part can restore even airflow and consistent temperatures throughout your fridge.
• The refrigerator compartment is warm, nonetheless the freezer is cold
• Strange sounds coming from the freezer
• No airflow from the rear vents inside the refrigerator
Tip:
Don’t forget to unplug the fridge before replacing the fan motor. Otherwise, there are chances you may catch an electric shock. Also, confirm that the ice isn’t blocking the fan blades before replacing the fan motor.
If your fridge has come with a built-in water dispenser or ice maker, there are chances there is a water filter in it, too. This filter purifies water from different substances. Those substances can be chlorine, sediment, and heavy metals from the faucet water.
With time, this water filter becomes clogged and less effective. Now, you must be wondering what it does. Well, it affects the taste of water, ice clarity, and flow rate. In worst cases, a clogged filter can harm your fridge’s water system or can cause leaks.
• Bad-tasting water or ice
• Minimized water pressure from the dispenser
• Cloudy or smelly ice cubes
• Filter replacement indication light (only applicable on latest models)
Tip:
Most producers recommend replacing the water filter every six months. However, even if you don’t use the dispenser on a daily basis, it still needs to be replaced. Always select certified filters that meet NSF/ANSI standards for safety and performance.
Its Functions:
This small element helps in starting the compressor, which is the core of your fridge’s cooling system. It provides the compressor with a boost of power when it turns on. Also, it protects it from overheating.
If your refrigerator is not cooling at all and the compressor isn’t making any sound, then the start relay can be the reason. If you immediately replace it, you will save money, otherwise your refrigerator will suddenly stop working.
• Fridge not cooling
• Clicking sound from the back of the refrigerator
• Compressor not functioning at all or overheating
Tip:
Unplug the refrigerator and locate the relay near the compressor (usually encased in plastic). Always keep in mind to check your model number before ordering a replacement, as start relays can depend on voltage and design.
After mentioning the five must-have spare parts above, here are some of the other refrigerator parts that you should have in advance. You should have them for the time of need if your fridge has become old.
• Light bulbs: For interior lighting, mostly particular to refrigerator use.
• Ice maker kit or tray: If your refrigerator already contains an automatic ice maker, the tray or motor can sometimes fail.
• Defrost timer or defrost heater: Important for preventing frost buildup in frost-free models.
• Condenser fan motor: Helps cool the compressor and condenser coils.
Maintaining refrigerator parts is not an easy task. However, here is how to upkeep it and stay safe:
Use labeled containers or zip-lock bags for each part. Also, include the model number and part number for easy identification later.
If you choose a third-party replacement, make sure they are certified and well-reviewed.
There are numerous videos and tutorials on YouTube and other similar websites. So, whenever any problem occurs in your fridge, you can repair it. How? By taking the help of those videos.
Before removing any refrigerator part, always do two things. First, switch off the main power of the fridge. Then, plug out the fridge connection from the socket. Both these precautions will save you from getting any possible electric shock.
It’s a truth and a fact that a refrigerator is a basic need of modern life. Without it, life would become such a hassle. Therefore, if you want to prevent your fridge from any mishaps, you should keep changing its problematic parts. When? When the time comes.
By changing these spare parts, you will extend the lifespan of your refrigerator. So, take care of your refrigerator. Therefore, you can enjoy each day of your life with ease and joy. Getting ready for the bad time to come isn’t just a sign of a smart move; it is a necessity. So, the next time your refrigerator starts causing problems, you will be already prepared for it.
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