If your refrigerator is making unusual noises, not cooling evenly, leaking water, or causing food to spoil faster than usual, it likely needs professional repair. Ignoring early warning signs can lead to higher energy bills, food waste, and complete appliance failure—especially in warm climates like Memphis and surrounding Tennessee areas.
Why Refrigerator Problems Should Never Be Ignored
Your refrigerator is the most important appliance in your home. It runs 24/7, protects your food, and quietly works in the background—until something goes wrong.
In Memphis, Arlington, Germantown, and nearby areas, we often see refrigerator issues worsen faster due to heat, humidity, and power fluctuations. What starts as a small issue can quickly turn into a full breakdown if left unchecked.
At Chris Appliance Company, we’ve spent over 18 years repairing refrigerators of all brands, and most major failures we see started with early warning signs homeowners ignored.
This guide will help you recognize those signs early—before a simple repair turns into an expensive replacement.
1. Your Refrigerator Isn’t Cooling Properly
This is the most obvious and most dangerous sign.
What you may notice:
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Milk spoiling faster than usual
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Drinks not getting cold
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Freezer items partially thawing
What it usually means:
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Failing compressor
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Dirty or damaged condenser coils
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Faulty thermostat
In many cases, a professional refrigerator repair service in Memphis can restore proper cooling without replacing the unit.
2. Food Is Spoiling Faster Than Normal
If you’re throwing away groceries more often, your refrigerator may be cycling incorrectly.
Common causes:
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Inconsistent internal temperature
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Malfunctioning sensors
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Poor air circulation
This issue is especially common in older refrigerators and can often be fixed with targeted component replacement instead of a full appliance upgrade.
3. Unusual or Loud Noises Coming from the Refrigerator
Refrigerators are not silent—but they should not be loud.
Warning sounds include:
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Buzzing
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Clicking
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Grinding
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Knocking
These sounds often point to:
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Failing evaporator fan
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Compressor strain
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Loose internal components
If your refrigerator suddenly becomes noisy, it’s a strong signal to call a local appliance repair technician before further damage occurs.
4. Water Leaking on the Floor
Water pooling around your refrigerator is never normal.
Common reasons:
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Clogged defrost drain
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Cracked water line
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Faulty ice maker connections
Left untreated, leaks can damage flooring and lead to mold—especially in humid Tennessee homes. Professional repair can usually resolve this quickly.
5. Frost Buildup in the Freezer
A freezer full of ice buildup is more than just inconvenient.
Possible causes:
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Defrost heater failure
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Broken defrost thermostat
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Damaged door gasket
Excess frost reduces efficiency and forces your refrigerator to work harder, increasing energy costs and shortening appliance lifespan.
6. Refrigerator Runs Constantly
If your refrigerator never seems to shut off, it’s likely struggling to maintain temperature.
This can happen due to:
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Dirty condenser coils
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Weak compressor
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Poor door seal
Continuous operation leads to:
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Higher electric bills
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Faster wear on internal components
A same-day refrigerator repair service can often correct this before permanent damage occurs.
7. Condensation Inside or Outside the Refrigerator
Moisture where it doesn’t belong is a red flag.
Look for:
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Water droplets inside the fridge
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Moisture on exterior surfaces
This usually means:
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Door gasket isn’t sealing properly
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Internal temperature imbalance
In many cases, replacing a worn seal is a simple, affordable repair.
8. Ice Maker Not Working Properly
Ice maker problems are common—and often ignored.
Signs include:
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No ice production
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Misshapen or hollow ice cubes
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Water leaking from ice maker
These issues may stem from:
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Clogged water filters
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Faulty inlet valves
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Ice maker motor failure
A professional refrigerator repair technician can diagnose this quickly and prevent further water damage.
9. Refrigerator Is Hot to the Touch
Your refrigerator should feel warm in certain areas—but never hot.
Excessive heat may indicate:
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Overworked compressor
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Blocked airflow
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Dirty condenser coils
This condition increases fire risk and should be addressed immediately by a licensed appliance repair professional.
10. Your Energy Bills Have Suddenly Increased
A failing refrigerator often shows up on your utility bill before it stops working.
Why this happens:
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The unit works harder to maintain temperature
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Components lose efficiency over time
If your bill jumps unexpectedly, your refrigerator may be the hidden culprit.
Insight from a Local Appliance Technician
“Many refrigerator breakdowns we see in Memphis could have been prevented with early repair. Most homeowners wait until cooling stops completely, but by then the damage is often worse—and more expensive to fix.”
— Senior Technician, Chris Appliance Company (18+ years experience)
Repair or Replace: How to Decide
You should repair your refrigerator if:
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It’s under 10–12 years old
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The issue is isolated (fan, thermostat, seal)
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Repair cost is significantly less than replacement
You should consider replacement if:
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The compressor has failed on a very old unit
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Repairs exceed half the cost of a new refrigerator
A professional inspection gives you clarity before making a costly decision.
How much does refrigerator repair cost in Memphis?
Repair costs depend on the problem, brand, and parts needed. Minor issues like seals or sensors are usually affordable, while compressor repairs cost more. A professional diagnosis ensures you only pay for what’s necessary.
Can I get same-day refrigerator repair near me?
Yes. Many local appliance repair companies, including Chris Appliance Company, offer same-day service in Memphis, Arlington, and surrounding areas depending on availability.
Is it safe to keep using a malfunctioning refrigerator?
No. Continued use can cause food spoilage, higher energy bills, and permanent appliance damage. In some cases, it may even pose electrical risks.
Why is my refrigerator running but not cooling?
This often indicates a compressor issue, faulty thermostat, or blocked airflow. A technician can quickly identify the exact cause.
How long does a refrigerator repair usually take?
Most refrigerator repairs are completed in one visit, often within 1–2 hours, depending on the issue and part availability.
Should I repair an older refrigerator?
If the unit is over 15 years old and has major component failure, replacement may be more cost-effective. A professional assessment helps you decide.
When to Call a Professional Refrigerator Repair Service
If you notice any of the signs above, the safest move is to contact a trusted local appliance repair company. Delaying repairs often leads to higher costs and complete appliance failure.
Why homeowners choose Chris Appliance Company:
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18+ years of hands-on experience
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Same-day in-home service
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Local technicians who understand Memphis homes
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Honest diagnostics and reliable repairs
If your refrigerator is showing warning signs, don’t wait until it stops working completely.
👉 Call Chris Appliance Company today or schedule your refrigerator repair service online and get your appliance running efficiently again.
