The Best Replacement Refrigerator Parts For You

Most competent do-it-yourself enthusiasts can replace common refrigerator parts themselves, without needing to call in an expensive repair man. Remember that you must switch off the power before starting any repair job, and bear in mind the following tips.

 The Door

• The door seal/gasket – Door seals can perish and crack with time and use. To test the seal, shut a piece of paper in the fridge door. If you can pull it out without much resistant from the fridge, the seal needs to be replaced, as it is not operating effectively. If you order the part from the fridge’s manufacturer, replacing it will take minutes as it will be exactly the right size and shape. One-size-fits-all seals, on the other hand are cheaper and can probably be purchased at your local hardware store. However, they need to be manipulated considerably to fit. This makes the job tougher and more time consuming.  
• Door hinges – Unevenly hung door hinges can reduce the efficiency of your fridge, as the better the door shuts, the better the seal it creates against cool air escaping. Hinges are refrigerator parts a do-it-yourselfer is going to be most comfortable with, as they simply need to be screwed on.
• Door switch – Open the door and unscrew the door switch. It may need to be prized out of the jamb. The replacement part should slot back into place.

Thermostat Control

Replacing the thermostat control is a straightforward job, as all you need to do is remove the knob and unscrew the unit. The replacement can simply be screwed into its place.

Defrost Heater and Defrost Timer

These units ensure that the refrigerator does not get too cold and frost up. The locations of these refrigerator parts will vary from model to model, so make sure that you have comprehensive written instructions from your fridge’s manufacturer about where to locate them and how they are fitted. When you are replacing these parts, it will be necessary to gain access to the refrigerator’s wall panels. Make sure that you do not scratch them when you are doing this. Screwdrivers can cause scratches which become damp and can rust, which can lead to a host of its own maintenance problems.

Motor and Compressor Units: Call the Professionals

These units are sealed, which you can take to mean a “No Entry” sign from the manufacturer. Do not attempt to replace or repair these refrigerator parts yourself.