Your refrigerator is one of the hardest-working appliances in your home, running 24/7 to keep your food fresh and safe to eat. But when it starts acting up, it’s not just an inconvenience—it can lead to spoiled groceries, costly repairs, and even health risks if left unchecked.
If you live in Brooklyn, NY, and suspect your fridge isn’t working like it should, the key to saving both your appliance and your food is acting quickly. Not all refrigerator issues can be fixed with a simple DIY solution, and waiting too long can make the problem worse.
As Brooklyn’s trusted appliance repair specialists, Dial Appliance Service has been helping homeowners for decades with reliable refrigerator repairs, factory warranty service, and maintenance for all major brands. In this guide, we’ll share the five biggest warning signs that it’s time to call a professional—before a small issue turns into a major breakdown.
1. Your Refrigerator Isn’t Cooling Properly
One of the most obvious signs that your fridge needs immediate professional attention is when it’s not keeping your food cold enough.
Why It’s a Problem
The ideal refrigerator temperature should be between 37°F and 40°F, and your freezer should stay at 0°F. If temperatures are higher, your food can spoil quickly, leading to waste and potential foodborne illnesses.
Possible Causes
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Faulty Thermostat: If the thermostat isn’t working, the fridge won’t regulate temperature properly.
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Dirty Condenser Coils: Dust and debris on the coils make it harder for the refrigerator to release heat.
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Broken Evaporator Fan: Without this fan, cold air won’t circulate properly inside the fridge.
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Low Refrigerant Levels: A refrigerant leak can prevent your fridge from cooling efficiently.
Why You Need a Pro
While cleaning condenser coils is a task some homeowners can do themselves, diagnosing thermostat issues, fan problems, or refrigerant leaks requires specialized tools and training. A licensed technician from Dial Appliance Service can pinpoint the exact cause and make repairs quickly to restore your fridge’s cooling power.
2. Your Fridge Is Making Unusual Noises
Modern refrigerators are designed to run quietly. A faint hum is normal, but loud, persistent, or unusual noises are a red flag.
Types of Problematic Sounds
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Buzzing: Could indicate compressor problems or a malfunctioning fan.
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Clicking: Might mean the start relay is failing to power the compressor.
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Grinding or Squealing: Often caused by a worn-out motor or damaged fan blade.
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Hissing or Gurgling: Could be refrigerant moving through the coils—but loud versions may point to a leak.
Why It’s a Problem
Strange sounds often mean a mechanical component is wearing out or failing. If left untreated, what starts as a small repair can turn into a full compressor replacement—a much more expensive fix.
Why You Need a Pro
An expert repair technician can quickly identify whether the sound is harmless or a sign of an urgent repair need. Dial Appliance Service technicians carry replacement parts for all major fridge brands, allowing for faster repairs and minimal downtime.
3. You See Water Leaks or Ice Buildup
Water pooling under or inside your refrigerator is never normal. Similarly, excessive frost or ice in your freezer can indicate underlying issues.
Possible Causes of Water Leaks
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Clogged Defrost Drain: Water from the defrost cycle can back up and leak.
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Damaged Water Line: Common in fridges with built-in water dispensers or ice makers.
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Faulty Door Seals: Warm air entering the fridge can cause excess condensation.
Possible Causes of Ice Buildup
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Defective Defrost System: If the defrost heater, timer, or thermostat fails, frost can accumulate.
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Broken Door Gasket: Warm air infiltration can cause constant freezing cycles.
Why You Need a Pro
Water leaks can damage floors, cabinets, and even lead to mold growth. Ice buildup reduces cooling efficiency and can block airflow. A Brooklyn refrigerator repair expert will not only fix the immediate problem but also ensure it doesn’t happen again.
4. The Motor Runs Constantly
While refrigerators cycle on and off to maintain temperature, a motor that runs non-stop signals trouble.
Why It’s a Problem
Constant running increases your energy bills and puts unnecessary wear on the compressor, which can shorten your fridge’s lifespan.
Common Causes
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Dirty Condenser Coils
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Worn Door Gasket
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Improper Temperature Setting
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Faulty Defrost System
Why You Need a Pro
Some issues, like dirty coils, can be fixed with a thorough cleaning. But if the problem lies in the compressor, thermostat, or control board, professional service is the safest option. Dial Appliance Service can accurately diagnose why your fridge is overworking and restore proper operation.
5. Food Is Spoiling Before the Expiration Date
If you notice milk souring within days, vegetables wilting too quickly, or frozen food developing freezer burn, your refrigerator may not be preserving food at safe temperatures.
Possible Causes
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Temperature Fluctuations: Caused by faulty thermostats or control boards.
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Poor Air Circulation: A broken fan or blocked vents can disrupt cooling.
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Door Seal Leaks: Letting warm air in and cold air out.
Why You Need a Pro
Spoiled food costs money, and frequent replacement of groceries adds up fast. Professional refrigerator repair ensures your appliance maintains consistent cooling, keeping food fresh longer and reducing waste.
Why Choose Dial Appliance Service for Brooklyn Refrigerator Repair?
When your fridge is on the fritz, you need a repair company that’s fast, reliable, and experienced. That’s exactly what Dial Appliance Service delivers.
What Sets Us Apart
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Decades of Experience: Serving Brooklyn households with expert appliance repair.
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Factory Warranty Service: Authorized to perform repairs under manufacturer warranties.
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All Major Brands: Whirlpool, GE, Samsung, LG, Frigidaire, Maytag, KitchenAid, and more.
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Same-Day Service Available: Get your fridge back in working order fast.
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Fully Stocked Service Vans: Many repairs completed in a single visit.
Preventing Future Refrigerator Problems
While some issues require professional repairs, regular maintenance can help keep your fridge running efficiently for years.
Maintenance Tips from Our Experts
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Clean the Condenser Coils Twice a Year – Use a coil brush or vacuum to remove dust and debris.
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Check Door Seals Monthly – Make sure they’re tight and free of cracks.
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Keep the Fridge Full (But Not Overloaded) – Helps maintain a stable temperature.
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Set the Right Temperature – 37°F to 40°F for the fridge, 0°F for the freezer.
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Schedule Annual Maintenance – Have a professional inspect and service your fridge.
When in Doubt, Call the Pros
If you notice any of the five signs above—weak cooling, strange noises, water leaks or frost buildup, constant motor running, or rapid food spoilage—it’s time to contact Dial Appliance Service. Ignoring these warnings can lead to bigger, costlier problems down the road.
Our experienced Brooklyn refrigerator repair technicians can quickly diagnose the problem, provide a fair estimate, and get your fridge back to peak performance—often the very same day. Schedule Your Refrigerator Repair Service Now at (718) 368-1512 or Contact Us Now!