Canadian winters don’t just mean snow and freezing temperatures; they also put your refrigerator to the test, especially if it’s in a garage or basement. Low temperatures can play havoc with appliances, and instead of storing food, you may face refrigerator repair. In this article, we will analyze how frost affects your refrigerator, what breakdowns occur in winter, and how to avoid calling for refrigerator services. If you already have problems, contacting the masters for appliance repair in London, Ontario, will be a smart decision. Let’s find out how to protect your appliances from the Canadian winter!
How does frost get to the refrigerator?
A refrigerator is designed to operate in warm conditions – usually between 16 and 32°C. In an unheated garage or basement in winter, the temperature drops below freezing, which affects its system. The compressor can be overloaded, the tubes can freeze, and the thermostat can get confused. Interesting fact: in Canada, 15% of refrigerator breakdowns in winter are due to improper placement in cold rooms.
Why are professionals important?
The Canadian winter is no joke, and a refrigerator in the cold is like a washing machine without care: sooner or later, repairs are needed. You can check the drainage or seals, but complex breakdowns like replacing the compressor or freon are not for amateurs. The technicians Appliance Repair London Ontario. have the tools and experience to find the problem and fix it quickly. They will also tell you how to place the refrigerator so that it does not suffer from frost.
How does cold affect refrigerator parts?
The Canadian winter is a real stress test for your refrigerator. Here’s what can happen:
Compressor overload. In the cold, the oil in the compressor thickens, making it harder to start. It’s like trying to start a car in the cold without warming up—the engine suffers. If you hear a loud humming noise or the refrigerator does not cool, this may be a signal for refrigerator services.
Freezing tubes. If there is moisture in the system, it can freeze in the tubes, blocking the circulation of freon. This leads to the fact that the freezer works, but the main chamber is warm. Such a breakdown requires a refrigerator repair because you can’t drain the freon yourself.
Problems with the thermostat. In cold weather, the thermostat may “think” that the room is already cold enough and not turn on the compressor. As a result, the food spoils, and you call Appliance Repair London, Ontario.
Wear and tear of seals. The cold makes the rubber door seals brittle, and they let air in. The compressor works more intensively, which is a direct way to break down.
Practical advice: If the refrigerator in the garage has stopped cooling or is humming nonstop, don’t drag it out—it could be serious. It is better to call refrigerator services than to wait until the compressor finally gives up.
Typical winter breakdowns and how to recognize them
Canadian winter brings its surprises, and here’s what I’ve seen most often:
- The refrigerator won’t turn on. If the temperature in the garage is below 5°C, the compressor may “refuse” to work. Check if the back wall is warm – if not, it’s a reason for refrigerator repair.
- The freezer is working, but the chamber is warm. Frozen tubes or a problem with the thermostat are typical winter stories. Inspect if there is ice in the freezer, but you need appliance repair London Ontario technicians for an accurate diagnosis.
- Noise and vibration. The oil density in the compressor in the cold can cause strange noises. If the hum is loud or the refrigerator is shaking, this may be a harbinger of a breakdown. From experience: once in British Columbia, a client ignored the noise, and the compressor had to be replaced, which was expensive and frustrating.
- Water under the refrigerator. Cold condensation can freeze in the drainage system and then melt, creating puddles. It’s not always a serious problem, but you’ll need refrigerator services if the drainage is clogged.
These problems are not uncommon when the refrigerator is in a cold place. But they can be avoided if you know how to prepare.
How to protect your refrigerator from the winter cold?
To ensure that your refrigerator survives the Canadian winter without refrigerator repair, here are some tips from practice:
1. Keep it warm. The best place is the kitchen or a heated basement. If this is impossible, insulate the garage to at least 10°C with a space heater. It’s cheaper than calling appliance repair in London, Ontario.
Check the thermostat. Before winter, make sure it is working correctly. Put a thermometer in the chamber: 0-5°C in the refrigerator and -18°C in the freezer. If the temperature jumps, this is a signal for refrigerator services.
2. Avoid hypothermia. Do not place the refrigerator near the outside walls or windows in the garage – cold air makes it difficult to work. From experience: once in Manitoba, a refrigerator near a window “ate” the compressor in one winter.
3. Clean the drainage. Once a season, clean the drainage hole (usually in the back of the compartment) to prevent condensation from freezing. A thin tube or a cotton swab will do the trick, but if the water leaks, you need refrigerator repair.
These simple steps can prevent your appliances from freezing. But if something goes wrong, don’t panic—there are professionals.
When to call the masters?
Some breakdowns require the hands of a specialist:
- The compressor does not start or hum nonstop – this is a serious problem, and you need a refrigerator repair.
- Freon leakage due to frozen pipes – you can’t do it yourself; you need refrigerator services.
- Constant noise or vibration may be caused by a compressor or fan, and diagnostics from Appliance Repair London, Ontario, can save the situation.
From experience, once a client in London, Ontario, tried to “defrost” the tubes himself with a hairdryer—the result was disastrous, and half of the system had to be replaced. The technicians will not only fix the problem but also advise on how to avoid a repeat. Their services guarantee that the refrigerator will survive more than one winter.
Conclusion
Cold Canadian winters can be challenging for your refrigerator, especially in a garage or basement. Compressor overload, frozen tubes, and noise are just some of the problems that frost brings. But proper placement, insulation and care can make all the difference. Keep your refrigerator warm, check its condition, and don’t ignore the first signs of trouble. And if a breakdown has already occurred, entrust it to the masters for appliance repair in London, Ontario. The winter will pass, and your refrigerator will stay with you – the main thing is to take care of it wisely!
