At Kelowna Refrigeration & Appliance Services, we’ve been helping Okanagan homeowners keep their appliances running for over 30 years. In that time, we’ve seen a lot of fridges fail — and most of them gave plenty of warning before they did. Here are the five signs you shouldn’t ignore.
Your fridge should cycle on and off throughout the day. If you notice it running non-stop and your energy bills are creeping up, the condenser coils may be dirty or the thermostat could be failing. Left unchecked, this puts serious strain on the compressor — the most expensive part of the unit to replace.
Quick check: Listen for the motor. If it’s been running for more than 30 minutes straight, it’s worth investigating.
If your milk is going off days before the expiry date or your vegetables are wilting quickly, your fridge isn’t maintaining the right temperature. This is often caused by a failing door seal, a malfunctioning thermostat, or a refrigerant issue. A technician can diagnose the root cause quickly with the right tools.
Quick check: Place a thermometer in the middle shelf. Your fridge should read between 1°C and 4°C (34°F–40°F).
Condensation on the interior walls or unexpected frost in your fridge compartment (not the freezer) points to a problem with the defrost system or a worn door gasket. Excess moisture can also lead to mould growth over time — a health concern on top of an appliance issue.
Quick check: Run your finger along the door seal. If it’s cracked, stiff, or not sealing flush, it likely needs replacing.
Tip from our technicians
A simple dollar bill test can reveal a failing door seal: close the door on a bill. If it slides out easily, the gasket isn’t sealing properly and should be replaced.
A healthy fridge hums quietly. Clicking, buzzing, rattling, or loud knocking are red flags. A clicking sound when the compressor tries to start may indicate it’s struggling. Rattling could point to a loose fan or component. These are worth having looked at before they become bigger failures.
Quick check: If you hear a repeated clicking every few minutes with no successful start-up, turn the fridge off and call a technician.
A small amount of condensation is normal, but puddles under or inside your refrigerator usually mean a clogged defrost drain or a cracked water line (if your fridge has a water or ice dispenser). This can quickly cause water damage to your floors and cabinetry if ignored.
Quick check: Pull the fridge away from the wall and check the floor underneath. Any pooling water warrants a service call.
If you’re seeing one or more of these signs, it’s always better to act early. A minor repair caught in time is far less costly than a full compressor replacement — or a fridge full of spoiled groceries. Our technicians service all major brands including Sub-Zero, Viking, Thermador, Miele, and all standard residential models.
We serve Kelowna, West Kelowna, Penticton, Vernon, and throughout the Okanagan Valley. Most service calls are booked within 1–2 business days.