Kitchen Furniture and Appliances

It may not look like a new refrigerator. There may be a few things that do not work properly within. Maybe it is freezing up. It may not be cooling properly. You have a choice to make. Do you attempt to fix it? Do you purchase a new one? Do you purchase a new unit and try to repair the old one? It might be nice in the family room or basement. Perhaps you will buy a new one and trash the old one.

Purchase a new one

This solution is easy. However, it may not be so simple, if you do not have the cash or credit. Since appliances do not grow on trees, you cannot walk outside and solve your problems. You might consider repairing your old fridge and keeping it for another year or so. At least you will have a way to keep food from spoiling. You might also consider fixing the old unit and selling it. You may get enough for a down payment on a new one.

You can check with several appliance retailers. You may be able to get six months or one year without interest. If you can afford the payments, this is similar to an interest free loan. Keep in mind, the small print. You may make a late payment or fail to pay the balance in the specified time. All of your interest will then be added to your account. This will go back to day one.

Repairing the old

Did you know that many fridge repairs are simple and inexpensive? This will depend on the unit and the repair. You may be able to fix the problem for less than you think. Here is a simple repair to look at.

Evaporator fan motor

The evaporator motor is just below the freezer section on older units. It is not difficult to access or change. This small fan blows out over your evaporator coils. Is the unit freezing up and not defrosting? If the fan does not work, the coils will ice up. They may be frozen into a block of ice.

Check to see if the fan motor is working. Turn the appliance on. With the cover off, look to see if the fan is turning. Does everything else seem to be fine? If everything but the fan seems to work, consider replacing the motor. Unplug the fridge first.

The coils may be completely frozen. You might use an electric hair dryer on the coils. If you have the time, you might let the unit sit until it thaws. Be certain that the drain pan does not overflow. You may need to dump it more than once.

Take your old motor out of the unit. You can take it to an appliance parts dealer. Make sure that you have the model number. The shop can check the motor for you. If it is bad, you can simply replace it. You may receive a universal motor. It will fit. You may need to slightly modify it.

Conclusion

Is the old refrigerator not working? You can either fix it or replace it. If you do not have the money for a new one, look around. You may find some no interest deals. You might also consider fixing the old unit. Check online and your local library for simple repair information. It may not cost as much as you think.