Ask the Expert: Troubleshooting Your Stove, Ice Machine, and Wine Cooler. Fix Your Fridge, Freezer, and Dryer Issues Like a Pro
- Professional Appliance Repair
- Feb 4
- 4 min read
Is your appliance acting up? We’ve gathered the most frequent questions our technicians receive in the field. Use this guide to determine if you have a quick DIY fix on your hands or if it's time to call in a professional.
1. Why is my gas stove clicking but not lighting?
The Expert Answer: This is almost always caused by one of three things: moisture, food debris, or misalignment. * The DIY Fix: Ensure the burner cap is centered perfectly. If you recently cleaned the stove, there may be water in the igniter; let it air dry or use a hair dryer on a cool setting.
When to Call Us: If the stove continues to click when the burner is already lit or if you smell a strong gas odor, the spark module or the gas valve likely needs professional replacement.
2. Why are my ice machine cubes coming out small or hollow?
The Expert Answer: Small or "shell" ice usually points to a water flow issue. Your machine isn't getting enough water to fill the molds before the freezing cycle ends.
The DIY Fix: Check your water filter. A clogged filter (older than 6 months) restricts flow. Also, ensure the water line behind the fridge isn't kinked.
The Pro Solution: If the filter is new, the water inlet valve may be failing or the line may be partially frozen. We use specialized tools to clear these lines without damaging the internal sensors.
3. Why is my freezer building up thick frost?
The Expert Answer: Frost is caused by warm, humid air entering the cold cabin. * The DIY Fix: Check the rubber door gasket. If you see a gap or a tear, warm air is "leaking" in. Also, avoid putting steaming hot leftovers directly into the freezer.
When to Call Us: If the seal is fine but frost is still building up, your auto-defrost timer or heater has likely failed. This requires a multimeter test and a part replacement to prevent your compressor from burning out.
4. Why is my wine cooler not reaching the set temperature?
The Expert Answer: Wine coolers are sensitive. If it's a thermoelectric unit, it cannot cool more than 20 degrees below the room temperature. If it's a compressor unit (like a fridge), it likely has a ventilation issue.
The DIY Fix: Clean the dust off the back cooling fans and ensure the unit has at least 2–4 inches of "breathing room" from the wall.
The Pro Solution: If the fans are spinning but the temperature is climbing, the thermostat or the start relay may be dead. Brands like U-Line and Vinotemp have specific electronic boards that we can diagnose and repair on-site.
When your fridge stops cooling or your dryer won't heat, your daily routine stops. In this edition of our series, we tackle the "Big Three" appliances that cause the most stress for homeowners.
1. Why is my refrigerator cooling, but the freezer is thawing?
The Expert Answer: This "split" cooling issue usually indicates a defrost system failure or an evaporator fan problem. In most modern refrigerators, the cold air starts in the freezer and is blown into the fridge.
The DIY Fix: Check the back wall of the freezer. If you see heavy frost buildup, your air vents are blocked. Rearrange your frozen items to allow for 2 inches of "breathing room" around the vents.
When to Call Us: If the vents are clear but the freezer is still warm, your defrost heater, timer, or sensor has likely failed. We service brands like Samsung, LG, and Whirlpool to fix these complex electronic cycles.
2. Why does my dryer run, but the clothes stay damp?
The Expert Answer: If the drum is spinning but there is no heat, you likely have a blown thermal fuse or a burnt-out heating element. However, if it’s getting warm but clothes are still wet, it’s an airflow issue.
The DIY Fix: Clean your lint filter AND check the exterior vent outside your house. If the flap isn't opening when the dryer is on, your duct is clogged with lint. This is a major fire hazard!
When to Call Us: If the venting is clear and there is zero heat, the igniter (for gas) or heating element (for electric) needs replacement. We carry these parts on our trucks for Maytag, Kenmore, and GE models, so you can get your dryer fixed in one visit.
3. Why is my freezer making a loud buzzing or chirping noise?
The Expert Answer: Noises in the freezer are almost always mechanical. A "chirping" or "squealing" sound usually points to the evaporator fan motor, while a "buzzing" or "vibrating" sound often comes from the ice maker or the compressor.
The DIY Fix: Check if the noise stops when you open the freezer door. If it does, the fan is the culprit. Ensure no ice is hitting the fan blades.
When to Call Us: If you hear a loud "click-buzz" sound coming from the bottom of the unit, your compressor start relay is failing. This needs immediate attention to prevent the compressor—the most expensive part of your fridge—from burning out.
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