Refridgerator questions

[BNH4221]

Hey all you refer techs out there,

I have a Fridgidaire side by side fridge, about 10 years old. Lately in the warmer weather it has not been keeping stuff cold. Had some family in for a week and they must have opened the door 300 times a day to "forage". Stuff inside was warm for a couple of days after the leeches left. Now it is nice and cold but I have never had this problem before.

Also, the magnetic seal stuff around the edge of the door gets noticeably warm to the touch. Is this normal? Should I think about replacing it? The door sometimes doesn't close well so I think it might need to be.

The back is sealed up; no fins like my old one had. Can it be vacumed out or cleaned?

I have no idea about this stuff but want to avoid buying a new fridge. Well, actually, wife wants a new one. And a new car, and a new washer, and a new bedroom set, and a new... ... .



Thanks in advance

Steve



98 QC 12V SB

119000 happy miles.

Bone stock: I save all my money for booze

 

[sdalton]

Look under the fridge to see if you have any coils that can be cleaned. Then take the backing off and clean the heck out of it. Shouldnt be hard. Do it while wifey is away.

 

[illflem]

If the seal is warm all the time the defrost timer may be shot. They don't cost much and are easy to replace but it's more than I care to explain here. Here you go, click for how to fix most any refer problem - http://www.acmehowto.com/howto/diagnostic/diagrefrigerator.htm

 

[OO]

Depending on how much your electricity costs you may be better off buying a new fridge. The difference in power used by the new energy efficient fridges means they will usually pay for themselves. I just replaced my 11 year old fridge with one from sears and knocked 15 to 20 bucks off the monthly bill. Should of done it years ago.

 

[BNH4221]

SDalton - Will check the coils while wife is away at the mall hiding some $$ at Macy's.

Illflem - What a cool site you linked me to! Thanks - will have a great time poking around there. Am getting in way over my head I think but worst case scenario I will have a new fridge for my front yard. Something to chain the dog to and really get the neighbors going!

OO - 15-20 bucks a month I can't even imagine what the wife would do with that? Shoes? a Purse? Makeup? The possibilities are endless!



Seriously, I will see what happens and try a few fixes. Thanks all for the help.



Steve

 

[illflem]

That site is great for info on fixing most any household appliance including Dishwasher, Dryer, Freezer, Ice maker, Oven, Range, Refrigerator, Stove, Trash compactor, Washer and many more

It's amazing how easy some fixes are.

 

[OO]

Those new front loading washers sure are sweet Knocked an easy 10 bucks of the gas bill for the water heater.

 

[lschultz]

illflem that link to that site is good. I might be able to learn something on it.