When your refrigerator suddenly stops working, it disrupts your daily life and threatens the safety of your food. Whether you live in Arlington, VA, Ashburn, VA, or Reston, VA, understanding the most common refrigerator malfunctions can help you act quickly—whether you’re calling an appliance repair company or searching by voice, “Hey Google, schedule refrigerator repair near me.” In this blog, we’ll explore the most prevalent refrigerator issues seen by appliance repair companies in Virginia and explain how to recognize them, what causes them, and when to call for professional appliance repair.
1. Refrigerator Not Cooling Properly
This is the number one complaint for refrigerator repair service calls in areas like McLean, Dulles, and Fairfax, VA. If your refrigerator feels warm, or food is spoiling quickly, start by checking the thermostat. Ensure the temperature is set between 37°F and 40°F. If the setting is correct, the culprit could be dirty condenser coils, a failing evaporator fan, or a broken compressor.
Dirty coils can usually be cleaned, but a faulty compressor or sealed system issue will require a visit from a certified appliance repair company. If you notice clicking sounds and no cooling, it may be the compressor relay—a common but serious issue.
2. Frost Buildup in the Freezer
Excessive frost means the defrost system isn't working. This may be due to a malfunctioning defrost timer, thermostat, or heater. Frost accumulation on the evaporator coils can block airflow to the fridge compartment, causing both cooling and freezing problems. For residents in Sterling, VA or Woodbridge, VA, where seasonal humidity is higher, this issue can appear more often.
A reliable refrigerator repair tech can test defrost system components and replace only what’s necessary, avoiding the cost of a full appliance replacement.
3. Water Leaking Inside or Outside the Refrigerator
Water pooling inside the vegetable drawers or under the fridge is often caused by a clogged or frozen defrost drain. When the fridge goes into a defrost cycle, melted water is supposed to drain through a hose to a pan beneath the appliance. If blocked, it overflows into the cabinet.
For residents of Alexandria, VA or Chantilly, VA, who often experience fluctuating temperatures, frozen drains are more common. This fix can be DIY for some, but a call to a trusted appliance repair company ensures proper drainage and no repeat issues.
4. Fridge Making Loud or Unusual Noises
Humming, buzzing, or rattling noises can indicate several issues. A loud noise from the back may signal a failing condenser fan or compressor. Noises from inside the freezer may mean the evaporator fan motor is wearing out.
If your fridge in Falls Church, VA or Springfield, VA is suddenly louder than usual, it’s time to book an inspection. Saying, “Alexa, find emergency appliance service in my area,” can connect you quickly to a nearby technician.
5. Ice Maker Not Producing Ice
For fridges with built-in ice makers, this is a top complaint. The problem could stem from a clogged water filter, frozen water line, or faulty water inlet valve. Many appliance repair companies in Virginia, including those in Lorton, VA and Manassas, VA, receive regular calls about ice makers failing after power surges or water pressure changes.
If replacing the water filter doesn’t fix the issue, an appliance repair technician can inspect the valve and control board to restore proper ice production.
6. Refrigerator Running Constantly
If your refrigerator never seems to turn off, it could be compensating for cooling loss due to bad gaskets, dirty coils, or a malfunctioning thermostat. In older homes in Herndon, VA or Tysons Corner, VA, power efficiency can be compromised by worn parts, making the fridge work overtime and increasing your electricity bill.
Call a licensed HVAC contractor or appliance repair company to evaluate energy usage, perform electric repair, and inspect your thermostat and door seals.
7. Fridge Interior Lights Not Working
While this may seem minor, it could point to electrical issues. If replacing the bulb doesn’t work, a door switch or control board may be at fault. Faulty switches also affect fans and cooling performance.
For those located in HVAC repair companies in Virginia service areas like Ashburn, VA or Sterling, VA, it’s worth scheduling a full appliance diagnostic to rule out broader electrical failures.
When to Call for Help
If you’ve already tried resetting your appliance, cleaning coils, or replacing water filters and still experience issues, it’s time to call an appliance repair company. Search by voice for “Hey Google, best refrigerator repair in Fairfax, VA” or “Siri, schedule emergency appliance service in Arlington.”
Many appliance repair companies in Virginia offer same-day appointments for emergency appliance service, especially in critical situations where food spoilage or water damage is at risk. The same team can also service your refrigerator repair in DC.
Conclusion
From dishwasher repair to washing machine repair, and from dryer repair to refrigerator repair, modern homes depend on reliable appliances. If your fridge is malfunctioning, identifying the issue quickly helps minimize damage and restore function fast. Whether you live in Alexandria, Reston, or Springfield, local appliance repair companies have the tools, expertise, and parts to get your fridge running again.
Need help now? Just say, “Alexa, book refrigerator repair near me in McLean, VA,” and a certified tech from your trusted HVAC appliance repair service will be on the way.