Refrigerators are indispensable household appliances, and their normal operation directly affects the freshness of food ingredients. However, various faults are inevitable after long-term use. Mastering the judgment and repair methods for common faults can help us solve problems quickly and reduce unnecessary troubles. Below are common refrigerator faults and corresponding maintenance tips.

I. Poor Cooling Performance or No Cooling

Abnormal cooling is one of the most common problems with refrigerators, mainly caused by the following reasons and solutions:

1. Power connection issues: First, check if the refrigerator is connected to the power supply, if the plug is loose, or if the socket is supplying power normally. Try replacing the socket or reinserting the plug to ensure a stable power connection. If the socket has no power, check the household circuit or contact an electrician for repairs.

2. Improper temperature settings: If the thermostat is set too high, it will lead to insufficient cooling. For mechanical thermostat refrigerators, turn the thermostat knob clockwise to lower the temperature; for electronic thermostat refrigerators, directly lower the set temperature through the panel. Generally, it is recommended to set the refrigerator compartment at 3-5°C and the freezer compartment at around -18°C.

3. Excessive dust on the condenser: The condenser is located at the back or bottom of the refrigerator. Dust accumulation will affect heat dissipation, reducing cooling efficiency. Regularly clean the dust on the condenser surface with a brush or vacuum cleaner to keep heat dissipation unobstructed.

4. Refrigerant leakage: If the compressor works normally but the cooling effect is poor, it may be due to refrigerant leakage. In this case, professional maintenance personnel should be invited to detect the leakage point, repair it, and then replenish the refrigerant.

5. Compressor failure: The compressor is the core of cooling. If it fails to start, it may be due to a damaged starter or a faulty compressor itself. First, turn off the power and restart after 30 minutes. If it still does not work, contact professional personnel for inspection or replacement of the compressor.

II. Excessive Noise

Mild noise during refrigerator operation is normal, but if the noise increases significantly, it may be caused by the following reasons:

1. Unstable placement: If the refrigerator is not placed horizontally, it will cause resonance noise when the compressor is running. Adjust the bottom adjustment feet to make the four corners of the refrigerator contact the ground stably, which can reduce vibration noise.

2. Collision of internal items: Containers, ingredients, etc., inside the refrigerator colliding with each other or the box wall will produce abnormal sounds. Organize internal items to avoid shaking, and place soft cloths between fragile items or hard objects to reduce noise.

3. Loose components: Loose compressor fixing screws or contact between condenser/evaporator pipelines and the box body will produce friction noise. After turning off the power, check and tighten loose screws, and adjust the pipeline position to avoid contact with the box body.

4. Fan failure: The circulation fan of air-cooled refrigerators may make noise if it is entangled with debris or has worn bearings. After turning off the power, clean the debris on the fan; if the bearing is worn, replace the fan assembly.

III. Water Leakage

Water leakage from the refrigerator not only affects use but may also damage the floor. Common reasons and solutions are as follows:

1. Clogged drain hole: Condensation water in the refrigerator compartment is discharged through the drain hole. If it is blocked by food residues, water will overflow. Gently clean the drain hole with a special dredger or thin wire, then rinse with warm water to ensure it is unobstructed.

2. Overflowing water pan: The water pan above the compressor collects condensation water. If not cleaned in time, it will leak outward when full. Regularly take out the water pan, pour out the accumulated water, and clean it to avoid bacterial growth.

3. Poor sealing of door gaskets: Aging or deformed door gaskets will allow external moisture to enter, increasing condensation water. Wipe the door gaskets with warm water to restore their elasticity; if severely damaged, replace them with new ones.

4. Improper food placement: Putting hot food directly into the refrigerator or placing ingredients close to the rear wall will cause more condensation water to drip. Cool hot food before putting it in, and keep ingredients 5-10 cm away from the rear wall.

IV. Severe Icing in the Refrigerator Compartment

Excessive icing in the refrigerator compartment takes up space and affects cooling. The main reasons and treatment methods are:

1. Temperature set too low: If the refrigerator compartment temperature is below 0°C, it is easy to ice. Adjust the temperature to 3-5°C. For mechanical thermostat refrigerators, turn the knob counterclockwise; for electronic thermostats, directly increase the temperature on the panel.

2. Leaky door gaskets: Poor sealing of door gaskets allows moisture to enter, causing icing. Inspect the door gaskets according to the method for water leakage faults to ensure good sealing.

3. Clogged drain hole: A clogged drain hole prevents condensation water from draining, causing icing at the bottom. Thoroughly unclog the drain hole; if necessary, flush it with warm water using a syringe.

4. Frequent door opening: Frequent opening and closing of the door allows a lot of moisture to enter, increasing the probability of icing. Reduce the number of door openings, shorten the door opening time, and close the door promptly after opening.

V. Maintenance Precautions

1. Safety first: Be sure to disconnect the power before maintenance to avoid electric shock. Do not operate professional components such as compressors and refrigerants by yourself; contact qualified maintenance personnel.

2. Regular maintenance: Clean the inside of the refrigerator weekly, check the tightness of door gaskets monthly, and clean the condenser every 3-6 months, which can effectively reduce faults.

3. Timely repair reporting: If the fault is still not resolved after trying the above methods, or if there are serious situations such as abnormal compressor noise or circuit smoking, stop using it immediately and contact the brand's after-sales service to prevent the fault from expanding.

By understanding these common faults and repair methods, we can better maintain refrigerators in daily life, ensure their stable operation, extend their service life, and provide reliable protection for food preservation.