The Ultimate Guide for Fixing Common Refrigerator Problems

Refrigerators are amazing tools for keeping food fresh, they are one of the most used appliances in any home and fundamental to modern comforts. When your refrigerator breaks down you could be looking at a serious problem for your day-to-day routine, and while you can always call experts, there are some solutions to the most common refrigerator problems you can try on your own first. 

The refrigerator is over freezing 

A refrigerator that cools too much is also an issue that can affect the quality of your food so its important to address it fast, here how you can do that: 

Take a look at your damper 

The damper, which is controlled by the thermostat, is a compartment that allowed or prevents the flow of cold air, so one stuck in open could be the cause of your cold problem. 

Get a new thermostat 

The thermostat is a central piece of your refrigerator, they control and set the temperature as you want it, before replacing it make sure is set at an appropriate temperature. If you need to replace and install a new one, check the model on the instructions manual, back, or inside the door of the fridge to get the correct one. 

Here’s how that replacement can be done:

  • Unplug the fridge first, for safety. 
  • Locate the cooling compartment and open it. 
  • Remove the cover, you might need a screwdriver for this, then also remove the plastic control assembly cover. 
  • Once you are there proceed to gently lift the other cover, You will see the thermostat, it should be a bronze metal device with copper wired attached and a plastic tube. 
  • Take a picture o the arrangement in order to help you put it together again after. 
  • Extract the old thermostat from the wired and the tube, replace and reassemble. 
  • Follow any special instructions pertaining to your model. 
  • Put the cover back in place. 
  • Done! 

The refrigerator is not cooling 

What good is a refrigerator that won’t refrigerate?

Thankfully there is more than one suggestion to fix this problem, so don’t lose hope.

Check your thermostat 

It may seem too obvious to be the solution, but in homes of 2 or more people, one of them could have changed the temperature setting and just forgotten, easy and fast fix. 

Go over the doors 

Check the door seal are forming a perfect seal that can maintain the temperature inside is key. IF you notice the seals are dirty, damaged, or faulty you can try:

  1. Clean the seal
  2. All some petroleum jelly for better sealing 
  3. Replace the door seals

Clean blockages and condenser coils

There could be items inside the fridge blocking the flow of cold air from passing, clean the fridge out and inspect to make sure. 

Cleaning the condenser coils can also help with cold airflow.

Leaky fridge 

A leaky fridge can be a very bothersome problem and it could even be dangerous, as water can cause people to slip on your kitchen floor. Here what you can do:

Proper sealing 

Check the refrigerator doors to see that the seals are working as they should, to keep liquid and food inside the appliance. 

Empty and clean the drain pan 

The drain pan that is located at the bottom of your fridge could overcapacity and causing a mess. Take a minute to remove and clean it. 

Freezer drain 

Your freezer’s drain could be frozen and causing leaks as it thaws. Defrost it completely and clean it out

Best Kitchen Appliances For Smaller Homes

New living preferences and a changing world, have resulted in a change with housing options, with homes and apartments getting smaller in order to accommodate for new demands whether being able to fit more people in a city at a smaller price or being environmentally conscious about space. Even with all the new specs having a small kitchen doesn’t mean you can’t have the cooking power you want, discover how to have the chef’s appliances you want without overcrowding your space with Maydone

Companies and appliance manufactures have always been working towards making appliances more convenient, even with their size, so there should be no shortage of options to fit your kitchen space. 

Plus, there are so many benefits to smaller appliances:

  • Less heavy, so its easier to get out and put away 
  • Easy to move around
  • Facilitates packing when moving
  • Less stuff to clean when you are done 

Now, let’s get to that list of appliances

Mini Fridges

This one is a super space saver! Having a conventional refrigerator can take up so much of your kitchen space and it might not make sense for your lifestyle. Choosing a mini-fridge instead saves space and can even make you more eco-friendly sense you will have to shop only for what you absolutely need. This is great for mini homes and one-person living. 

Keep this in mind when shopping for one:

Size: yes it’s small, but there are options here to make sure it fits your home and your appetite. 

Doors: for more flexibility and freedom get one with a reversible door. 

Freezer: some mini-fridges have this option. 

Check out: Haier HC27SF22RB 2.7 Cubic Feet Refrigerator/Freezer, Black

Compact Cooktops 

Most kitchen appliances brands now carry a small or compact cooktop line. These appliances come in many formats: gas, electric, or induction, your choice. The best way to go here is to ask yourself what you truly need vs what you think you need. If you are a foodie and love to cook maybe go with the bigger version or the small cooktop, but for the less culinary inclined there are super tiny options that can free a lot of space. Take your time making this decision so you can meet your needs. 

Check out: Search for small cooktops online and discover your options. 

Compact Dishwasher 

Having a smaller space does not mean saying goodbye to the assistance of a dishwasher. This time and water saving appliance can find a place in your tiny home if you know which one to pick. 

Check out: Any dishwasher under 24 inches is considered compact so there are plenty of options to choose from. 

The top 3 refrigerators for big family’s

Having a large family can be one of the most rewarding ways of living but it does come with its challenges. Like having enough space to cover everyone’s needs or wants. This dilemma also applies to refrigerators, if your family needs more room for all the snacks, meals, and treats, then you need to check out this list of the best refrigerators for big families. It’s also a good idea for families with athletes, meal prep enthusiasts, and big appetites, plus the “more space in the fridge the better” people. 

Once you are set on your choice for a new fridge go check the 3 top things to look for when getting your new appliance and call the expert at Maydone for installation services. 

Here’s a clarification before getting to the list, to be considered large a refrigerator must have at least a width of 35 inches or 88.9 centimeters. So take that as your basis for measuring the space you’ll need in your kitchen to install one of these.  

At number 3 the Samsung RF28T5001SR

This Samsung appliance is super impressive. It is the refrigerators with the most capacity on the ranking coming in at 19.6 cu. Ft including gallon door boxes, an ice maker with storage for about   2.2 Kilos of ice, and plenty more space.

The freezer on the Samsung RF28T5001SR refrigerators is, unfortunately, the smallest on the list with only 8.6 cu. Ft. But it very comfortable and accessible thanks to its custom-made EZ-Open Handle.

How much will it cost you? Around $1,705.00*

Top perks: 

  • It is fingerprint resistant, minimizing blemishes on its surface for a better look. 
  • The massive ice maker.
  • Huge gallon bins for your drinks. 
  • Comfortable food handles unique and top quality.
  • It has Energy Star certification, saving you money and more eco-friendly.

Coming in second place the Whirlpool WRS588FIHZ

You’ll get the most bang for your money with this one. One of the coolest features of this appliance is the FreshFlow Air Filter which is super effective at keeping odors at bay in your fridge. Another great feature you will enjoy with this model is the Adaptive Defrost that allows you to defrost items as you wish. Plus the Accu-Chill system that measures and regulates the internal temperature, chilling your food quickly if it needs it. 

How much will it cost you? Around $1,614.10*

Top perks: 

  • The ice bin is placed in the doot giving you more indoor space. 
  • The Adaptive defrost capabilities. 
  • Acci-Chill internal temperature system that cools food with a cold flash. 
  • The water system is also external.
  • Better food preservation thanks to humidity control bins
  • Reduced odors thanks to the FreshFlow Air Filter

Presenting the king of large fridges at number 1 The Sub-Zero

Make room for the biggest refrigerator for large families. The Sub-Zero is the largest in this list both in overall capacity and freezer space. It comes with an impressive 11.7 cu. Ft freezer equipped with Dial Refrigeration that helps avoid freezer burns and frost. This mammoth refrigerator does not skimp on the class either with a UV resistant glass door, glass shelves, and high-quality finish. 

How much will it cost you? $15,200*

Top Perks:

  • It’s smart capable, so you can connect with an app and monitor from your phone 
  • The dual refrigeration system 
  • The UV resistant glass door, make sit great for storing wine 
  • Less noisy and kid-friendly soft-close doors 
  • Quality ice thanks to the automatic icemaker
  • Sabbath feature, a star K Kosher certification for use during Sabbat and other religious holidays. 
  • Two-year full warranty, 5-year limited warranty plus a 12 year sealed system warranty.

*Prices may vary

The pros and cons of getting a refrigerator with an external water dispenser

A new refrigerator means a hefty investment for any homeowner. The more advanced and high-tech refrigerators have become the more expensive they’ve gotten. So, you must take into consideration all extra features when buying one to avoid overpaying or getting something you don’t really need. 

Extras like door ice and water dispenser can drive the price of the appliance up and they could actually not end up working for your particular situation. Consider all facts before jumping into a refrigerator choice just because it’s popular.

What to consider when choosing a refrigerator with an external water dispenser 

Cons

  • To have a refrigerator with an ice or water dispenser you will need to install more plumbing. Consider if this is possible in your kitchen space and even if you want to do this work at all. 
  • Did you know that the ice dispensing capabilities of a refrigerator affect the freezer strength? Well, now you know. Another aspect to consider especially if you have a preference for frozen food or keeping the freezer full and working at max capacity.
  • Having these water and ice dispersers will definitely reduce the space you have in your freezer. That loss of space might no be convenient in the long run for your home.
  • The water you get from your dispenser might not be the best quality. If you already need to filter your water regularly then you will need to get a refrigerator with added filtration features. If you don’t you could be compromising the quality of the water you drink. Could be better off with bottled water or another filtered option. 
  • Even if you have a clean source of water filtration may be needed to prevent sediment from blocking the water dispensation system. 

Pros

  • It’s an easy to use plus comfortable water and ice source 
  • Hvaing this dispensing system can help prevent spills of water 
  • The water and ice dispenser could potentially improve the energy efficiency of the refrigerator use since you won’t need to open the doors as much.
  • It can also reduce the amount of wasted water.

Now you have more information to make a decision on whether a refrigerator with a water/ice dispensation system is the right choice for your home. 

Maydone will offer you the best service and installation no matter what you pick! 

The Complete Guide to Defrosting your Freezer

Defrosting your freezer is a task you are most people are hoping to avoid as long as possible but doing so has real consequences on your appliance. So, let’s get this tedious chore out of the way with the help of the complete guide to defrosting your freezer by Maydone. 

If you aren’t convinced yet that you have to do this take a quick look at what can happen if you don’t defrost your freezer regularly: 

  1. Your appliance will lose cooling power.
  2. The freezer will have to work harder to cool, meaning more energy spending.  
  3. Some of your food can over freeze which is a hassle you don’t want to experience. 
  4. Depending on the model it can cause damage to the appliance. 
  5. Defrosting can extend the utility time of your freezer.

Ready? Let’s defrost that freezer

If you have a new, fancy model you most likely have an automatic defrost setting on your freezer. If you don’t know where it is, consult your appliance’s manual. Then just find it and activate it!

What you’ll need?

  1. Cleaning rag 
  2. Cleaning spray 
  3. Hose and fan (optional)

How do you manually defrost a freezer?

  • Turn off the freezer and unplug it. 
  • Empty all contents from the freezer. 
  • Remove the drawer and ice trays.
  • Find the freezer drain plugs and open them, you can use the garden hose to guide the water outside. Or put a bucket in the drain to collect the water.  
  • Leave the freezer open for a few hours until the ice has melted away. 
  • Clean the freezer. 
  • Plug it in
  • Wait until it cools 
  • Put all the drawers and food back inside 

You’re done!

Pro defrosting tip

You can use a fan and aim it at the freezer to speed up the process. It will push out the cold air and cause the ice to melt quicker. 

How often should you defrost a freezer?

Maydone recommends you take into account how much you use this appliance and the state of the frosting, if it accumulates a lot you should do it often. If not then once or twice a year will be enough for it to keep working properly.

When to Replace your Top Appliances

All good things come to an end, it’s no different with your home appliances. Once you can trust it or the trouble isn’t really worth it, you must go to the market for a new one. To help you gauge that time frame here are some guidelines. 

Refrigerator 

Your fridge is one of the most essential appliances in your home, you need it to be reliable, sturdy and up to par.

How do you know when to replace it?

  • If it’s older than 10-15 years; just based on energy consumption levels and basic appliance lifetimes, it’s probably time to get a new refrigerator
  • If you’ve had to fix it more than 5 times in the years, unless it’s accident-prone, you need to get a new one. 

Dishwasher 

These home appliances usually have good decades worth of use time. Remember to take care of and clean your dishwasher regularly. Plus only use experts when you need repairs

Washer & Dryer 

If you take care of these properly they can last up to 12 years, while it’s in your home you’ll probably need to replace some part and give it some professional services, but it’s worth it. 

When you call a trusted repair company, like Maydone, speak freely with your repair person and ask them if it’s better to replace altogether. 

Air Conditioner & Furnaces 

These two don’t go hot and cold, a comfortable 10, to even 12 years is a good approximate durable life for an AC unit or a furnace, again hire quality service and clean your units periodically. 

Top 3 Refrigerators of 2020

Refrigerators are an integral piece of a kitchen, they hold most of the food and keep it fresh to consume, so choosing the right one can be a bit of a hassle, especially with all the choices available today, that why it helps to know the top refrigerators of 2020. 

Yeah there’s a ranking for refrigerators, there’s even more than 5 different categories of them, to keep it simple there’s only going to be 3 in this list, and they are all at the top of their game: 

  1. Top Overall: taking into consideration price, capabilities, and looks.
  2. Best Counter Depth: this is an increasingly popular trend that might interest you. 
  3. Standout Modern: all the bells and whistle in fridge tech. 

Top Overall – GE 25.3 cu. ft. Side-by-Side 

A solid first choice for any home, it will probably look good in your kitchen, has a great functioning system, and sufficient capacity. 

If you want to get a top refrigerator with a good budget this is a great choice. 

Best Counter-Depth – Samsung Counter Depth French Door

Counter-depth appliances in your kitchen can get you the stylish, spacious, and modern look you want. 

This Samsung model is a refrigerator that does that for you, it can connect to your wifi and smartphone. 

Standout Modern – Samsung – 27.8 cu. ft. 4-Door French Door

It has everything, well almost, but you can certainly enjoy the: 

  • FlexZone Drawers that can turn form fridge to freezer 
  • Food Showcase 
  • Fingerprint Resistance Door 
  • Child’s Lock 
  • Plenty Of Space 
  • And More!

Once you’ve got your top refrigerator remember to call Maydone for a safe, professional installation! 

How to Fix 3 Common Refrigerator Problems

The fridge is one of the most essentials appliances in a home, so you’ll benefit greatly from knowing how to fix 3 common refrigerator problems. 

Even after you get the right fridge you’ll need to learn how to fix minor issues on your own. 

No matter what kind of fridge you have there common problems with the same solution you can always use. 

For these fixes you’ll need some basic tools and very little extra materials: 

Fridge not cooling enough 

This is one of the most common refrigerator problems and a very significant one, here are something you can do to fix it:

  • Clean out your fridge, less stuff more cool air 
  • Increase the cooling level
  • Check air compressor and clear the dust for better airflow

Doors Not Closing 

This common refrigerator problem can cause the inside not to cool and food to go bad, so tend to it quickly to avoid those issues. 

For this problem you can:

  • Check if any time is in the way when closing the door
  • Clean door rubber or replace them 

Leaking Fridge 

This refrigerator problem can be annoying and even dangerous. 

To prevent further leaking try:

  • Cleaning out the drain pan and tube
  • Leveling the fridge 
  • Checking the water filter, and water hose 

All done 

There you go, easy fixes for 3 common refrigerator problems.

And for anything you cant do you have Maydone by your side!

The best way to organize your fridge

Order in your refrigerator can save you money and time, better preserving your food, in the right place so you know exactly where everything is, take a look at the best ways to organize your fridge. 

Clean it out

The best way to start organizing your fridge is to clean it out because you probably have things in there that shouldn’t be there (happens all the time). 

When you clean your refrigerator out you make more room for the cold air to flow and stay, keeping other food cold, also the fridge won’t have to work as hard to keep things at temperature and you save on electricity. 

Categorize 

Dividing the content of your fridge is going to be key in organizing it, separate everything into specific types and give them their own space, here’s a way that might work for you from top to bottom:

  • Leftover / Ready to eat (like yogurt)
  • Vegetables and fruits 
  • Meat and Fish 
  • Sauces, juice 

You can look at your fridge manual to see an indication of where to put certain food, but this layout can work for most fridges, and use the compartment to separate it. 

Shop smart

This isn’t only one of the best ways to organize your fridge, shopping smart also help you keep it that way, knowing that what you are buying will be used. 

Shop consciously, getting food that will be eaten so you don’t have a surplus littering your fridge and can save money on groceries. 

Extra tips:

  • Put everything back in the same place 
  • Separate according to fridge users when sharing space 
  • Clean routinely 
  • For anything that goes wrong, you have Maydone!

How Long is The Lifespan of Your Appliance?

What’s the lifespan of each appliance in your household? This article tells you how long you can expect your washer, fridge or dryer should last.

Are you in the process of buying some new appliances for your home? Before spending a lot of money on an appliance, it can be interesting to know how long you can expect it to last. Or maybe you need to replace one of your appliances and you are wondering if it’s worth buying a used appliance such as a washing machine that is almost five years old?

That’s why we have decided to write this article on the lifespan of different appliances. You will find out how many years a dryer should last and after what time you might have to replace the range hood in your kitchen.

Anyhow, if one of your appliances stops working, we encourage you to have it checked up before giving up on it. Our experienced technicians might find a way to repair your stove or the beloved microwave that has never failed you before. You can contact us online or by calling +1 (888) 513-0052 or +1 (289) 801-7857 during our office hours (Mon – Sun from 8 am – 10 pm).

Furthermore, there is one reason why you shouldn’t be too disappointed if you need to replace your appliance. New appliances cost a lot in the beginning, but they have a much lower energy consumption compare to old appliances.

What Factors Influence the Lifespan of Appliances?

Many different factors influence the lifespan of your appliance, such as the brand and the quality or how often you use it. Furthermore, it is important to clean your appliance and maintain it regularly.

Lifespan of Dishwashers

The dishwasher in your kitchen can last up to 12 years. Newer dishwashers have the benefit of using less water and energy. They are also more efficient in the way they are designed.

Lifespan of Washing Machines

On average, a washing machine should be replaced after 11 and 15 years these days. Having that said, older washing machines that were manufactured a few centuries ago might still be working. But as mentioned before, they use a lot more energy than newer models.

Lifespan of Dryers

The average dryer lasts between 10 and 13 years. There are many things that you can do to extend its lifespan, for example by cleaning the lint trap regularly.

Lifespan of Fridges

Your fridge should last about 13 years before it needs to be replaced. Have a look at these tips on how you can expand the lifespan of a fridge as we have collected them in an earlier blog post.

Lifespan of HVAC Appliances

You can expect your heating, ventilation or air conditioning system in your household to last for a lifespan of 15 to 25 years. On average, air conditioning units will last a bit shorter, between 10 and 15 years. Nevertheless, all of these appliances require regular maintenance to keep working efficiently and to expand their lifespan.

Lifespan of Stoves / Ovens

The stove and oven in your kitchen should last around 10 to 15 years. After that time, you might experience problems with the bake element or the control board.

Lifespan of a Microwave

Nowadays, microwaves last for around seven years, depend on the usage. If used a lot without being cleaned and maintained properly, a microwave might need to be replaced after around five years already.

Our Tip: Save Up Before your Appliance Break

It is always good to be prepared if you know that your appliance comes towards the end of their lifespan. Therefore, you should make sure to have some money on the side so you can afford a new appliance immediately after the old one gave up!