How Cold Weather Causes Fridge Damage
Refrigerators are meant to be cold, so it can come as a surprise to homeowners and occupants when frigid temperatures result in the malfunctioning of your kitchen appliances. When temperatures stay below freezing, and the cold infiltrates your home, business, or even your garage, you may find yourself unexpectedly in need of refrigerator repair. At FIX IT Appliance Service, we provide fast, high-quality repair services. As a trusted appliance repair company serving Avon, Avon Lake, Westlake, North Ridgeville, and the surrounding areas, our teams can be deployed quickly in the case of an emergency repair.
If you suspect the weather is compromising your refrigerator's performance, contact FIX IT Appliance Services right away.
Compressor Failure
The compressor is the heart of your refrigerator, responsible for circulating refrigerant and regulating cooling cycles. In extreme cold, the oil and refrigerant inside the system can thicken, increasing resistance and causing the compressor to work harder than necessary. This can lead to overheating, or worse, permanent compressor failure. A stalled or failing compressor is one of the most expensive types of refrigerator repair, so catching the issue early is essential.
Cracked or Frozen Water Lines
Cold weather can cause the water supply lines feeding your refrigerator's ice maker or water dispenser to freeze. When this happens, pressure can build up behind the ice blockage, causing the lines to crack or burst. These types of failures can lead to leaks, water damage, and a complete shutdown of your fridge's dispensing features. An experienced appliance repair company like FIX IT Appliance Services can assess and replace damaged water lines before they cause more serious problems.
Thermostat Malfunctions
Thermostats are designed to monitor and respond to temperature changes within your appliance. However, when outside temperatures drop significantly, especially in unheated garages or basements, the thermostat can misread the internal temperature. It may register that the fridge is warmer than it actually is, causing the compressor to shut down too early or not turn on at all. This can result in food spoilage or inconsistent cooling. Our professional refrigerator repair technicians can recalibrate or replace a faulty thermostat to ensure accurate performance.
Ice Buildup and Excess Condensation
Icy temperatures can accelerate ice buildup in both the freezer and refrigerator compartments. Moisture in the air condenses inside the fridge and then freezes, which can block vents and limit airflow. This buildup forces the unit to work harder and can reduce cooling efficiency. It also puts stress on the defrost system. Left untreated, these issues can shorten the life of your refrigerator and require costly repairs.
Electrical Issues and Power Surges
During winter storms and cold snaps, power fluctuations are more common. Sudden power loss or voltage surges can damage your fridge's control board or internal electronics. If your unit stops working after a storm or brownout, contact an appliance repair company to inspect the system and perform necessary repairs safely. At FIX IT Appliance, we provide skilled workmanship and use high-quality replacement parts to restore functionality to damaged refrigerators.
Skilled Fridge Repair with FIX IT Appliance Service
If your refrigerator is located in an unheated space or begins showing signs of stress in cold weather, don't wait until it stops working entirely. Get expert refrigerator repair from a trusted team like FIX IT Appliance Service. Cold weather can be tough on appliances, but timely service can prevent costly breakdowns and extend the life of your fridge.