How often should I vacuum the condenser coils on the back or underneath?

Twice a year. Vacuum the condenser coils on the back or underneath. In Arizona, no other job buys you more life. Dust plus 110-degree air is what kills compressors here.

How often should I check the door seal by closing it on a dollar bill?

Every few months. Check the door seal by closing it on a dollar bill. If it slides out with no drag, the seal is letting warm air in and the compressor is running to make up for it.

How often should I clear the defrost drain if you see water pooling under the crisper drawers?

Yearly. Clear the defrost drain if you see water pooling under the crisper drawers. It's usually a plug of ice or gunk, not a failed part.

Refrigerator Repair Tips | My Appliance Repair Pro

What usually fails on a refrigerator here

Most no-cool calls aren't a dead compressor. Nine times out of ten it's the start relay (the little switch that kicks the compressor on), the condenser fan motor, or coils packed solid with dust. Arizona is hard on refrigerators. At 110 to 115 degrees the compressor barely gets a rest, and a unit in the garage is working in heat it was never built for.

Check this first — about two minutes

Do this before you pay anyone to come out. Sometimes it's all it takes, and we'd rather tell you that than charge you a visit to say it.

1Pull it out from the wall and look at the coils on the back or underneath.
2If they're caked with dust, vacuum them and give it 24 hours.
3That alone fixes a fair number of the calls we get.

Still not fixed?

The longer version, written for a refrigerator that has already failed the quick check above.

Keeping a refrigerator out of trouble

Most of the calls we get could have been prevented. These are the few jobs that make a real difference.

Twice a year
Vacuum the condenser coils on the back or underneath. In Arizona, no other job buys you more life. Dust plus 110-degree air is what kills compressors here.
Every few months
Check the door seal by closing it on a dollar bill. If it slides out with no drag, the seal is letting warm air in and the compressor is running to make up for it.
Yearly
Clear the defrost drain if you see water pooling under the crisper drawers. It's usually a plug of ice or gunk, not a failed part.

Free reminders Get a reminder when refrigerator maintenance is due By text, email or both. Two or three a year, each with the one job that matters that month. Sign me up

When to stop and call someone

Stop here Don't push past this Stop and call if you smell burning, hear the compressor clicking on and off every few minutes, or find the back panel hot to the touch. Schedule Service

Guides on refrigerators and freezers

From what we see on service calls across Pinal and Maricopa County.

Other appliances

Past the point of a home fix?

Call and we'll give you a flat rate before anyone starts, and tell you straight if it's not worth fixing.

Call (480) 791-8858 Schedule Service

(520) 788-4004 for Pinal County · (480) 791-8858 for Maricopa County