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Common Problems With Side-by-Side and French Door Refrigerators — And How to Prevent Them

Modern refrigerators like Side-by-Side and French Door models are popular for their design and convenience. However, these refrigerators are also more complex than older top-freezer models, which means they can develop specific issues over time.

Understanding common problems and basic maintenance steps can help you avoid unexpected breakdowns and expensive repairs.

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Temperature Inconsistencies

One of the most common complaints with Side-by-Side and French Door refrigerators is uneven cooling.

Typical signs include:
• fridge section too warm, freezer too cold
• freezer working but fresh food spoiling
• temperature fluctuations throughout the day

This is often caused by:
• blocked air vents
• failing evaporator fan
• dirty condenser coils
• faulty temperature sensors

Prevention tip:
Avoid blocking internal vents with food and clean condenser coils at least twice a year.

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Ice Maker and Water Dispenser Issues

Ice makers and water dispensers are convenient but also frequent sources of trouble.

Common problems:
• ice maker not producing ice
• small or hollow ice cubes
• water leaking inside the fridge
• dispenser not dispensing water

Possible causes include:
• clogged water filters
• frozen or kinked water lines
• failing inlet valves
• electronic control issues

Prevention tip:
Replace the water filter every 6 months and inspect water lines for freezing or damage.

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Refrigerator Not Cooling Properly

French Door and Side-by-Side refrigerators rely on multiple fans and sensors to circulate cold air. When one component fails, cooling performance drops.

Warning signs:
• food spoiling quickly
• fridge running constantly
• loud or unusual noises

Often related to:
• evaporator fan motor failure
• condenser fan problems
• control board malfunctions

Early diagnosis helps prevent compressor damage, which is one of the most expensive repairs.

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Excessive Frost or Ice Buildup

Frost buildup inside the freezer or behind panels is not normal for modern refrigerators.

Common causes:
• defrost system failure
• faulty defrost heater or thermostat
• door gasket leaks

Prevention tip:
Check door seals regularly and avoid leaving doors open for long periods.

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Control Board and Electronic Issues

Modern refrigerators use electronic control boards to manage temperature, fans, and defrost cycles.

Signs of electronic problems:
• display not responding
• error codes on the screen
• refrigerator not turning on
• random shutdowns

These issues usually require professional diagnostics, as improper handling can damage sensitive components.

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Routine Maintenance Tips

Simple maintenance steps can significantly extend the life of your refrigerator:
• Clean condenser coils every 6 months
• Replace water filters on schedule
• Keep door gaskets clean and tight
• Avoid overloading shelves
• Listen for unusual noises

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When to Call a Professional

Contact a technician if:
• your refrigerator isn’t maintaining temperature
• you hear loud or unusual sounds
• there is water leaking inside or underneath
• the ice maker stops working repeatedly
• error codes appear on the display

Timely service can prevent minor issues from turning into major repairs.

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Final Thoughts

Side-by-Side and French Door refrigerators offer convenience and efficiency, but they require proper care. Regular maintenance and early attention to warning signs can help keep your refrigerator running reliably for years.

If you notice performance issues, professional appliance repair can restore proper operation and protect your investment.

What do our Customers say about us?

We can talk about our identity and daily operations all day long, but the most valuable feedback comes from authentic customer reviews. Reviews speak the truth. Here is a glimpse into what some of our customers have shared about our services and why they choose us as their go-to contractor:

Adam&Sam brothers repair

4.8

Based on 80 reviews

review us on

Great service! Response time was great and Adam came out on a Saturday. Had the necessary parts with him to avoid another trip. He used phone translation to ensure we were properly informed as well Thanks!

They came to fix our A/C. They accurately diagnosed and repaired our air-conditioning in less than an hour. He even cleaned the inside of the A/C and made sure no mess was left behind. Very polite and professional.

He was able to come same day and gave us an hour window instead of 4 or 6 like other shops. He was clean, kind, professional, and very fast. He had all the parts and we are very satisfied.

I am so thankful for their friendly and professional service! They were able to schedule me quickly and diagnose my fridge issues immediately! There was a delay is service only because the manufacture had their email wrong, and our compressor took awhile to ship. As soon as the compressor arrived, Adam & Sam Brothers contacted me and scheduled repair the next day. It is such a relief to find a company that is professional through & through! They did exactly what they said they were going to do and even showed up on time to do the repair! Their contact info is permanently in my phone, just in case another HVAC decides to break down! Thank you!

Sam fixed our Heat Pump at a very reasonable cost and he happily answered questions along the way. He was definitely skilled, a good troubleshooter and trustworthy. Good job!

We are so appreciative of this company's service. I called in the morning and was satisfied knowing that someone would help us with our dryer,which was full of wet clothing and no longer heating.The window of time for expecting a technician was accurate.A technician arrived at our home after 7 (p.m.) and worked till after 9 (p.m.)He rapidly and expertly assessed the problem. He had all the needed parts with him.He worked non-stop replacing parts,he also cleaned years of built up lint in the vent hose and I am now pleased to know how to maintain that myself.The technician was pleasant,professional,efficient,and thorough,as one would expect.We did receive an email invoice with the total charge only,however, it would be helpful if they would offer an itemized invoice. In hindsight,we were probably overcharged for the completed work.We agreed to the the offered quote as it was late in the evening,he traveled far and we were pleased to have him do a great job.I highly recommend Adam & Sam brothers repair.

Work examples

Frequently Asked Questions

Which appliances & HVAC do you repair?

We repair most major kitchen and laundry appliances, including refrigerators, freezers, ranges, ovens, stoves, dishwashers, washers, and dryers. Heat Pump, A/C, Furnace

Do you offer same-day or next-day service?

When our schedule and parts availability allow, we do our best to provide same- or next-day service for calls

What brands can you work on?

We service many leading brands, including Whirlpool, GE, Samsung, LG, Frigidaire, Maytag, KitchenAid, and others. If you are unsure about your brand, you can mention it when you call.

What kind of warranty do you offer?

We provide a warranty ranging from 30 days up to 6 months, depending on the type of repair and the parts involved. Before starting any job, we clearly explain what warranty applies to your specific service.

Are you licensed for appliance repair?

Yes. Our company is fully licensed for appliance repair. Our license type is Appliance Repair, license number: ADAMSBR752QE

Refrigerator & Freezer Repair

A failing refrigerator or freezer can lead to spoiled food and unexpected expenses. Our technicians troubleshoot temperature problems, leaks, noise issues, and electrical failures on most major brands.

Not cooling or freezing properly
Water leaking inside or under the unit
Ice buildup or frost issues
Loud or unusual noises
Ice maker not working

Service City’s

What Hot Tubs services do you provide under your Washington State license?

Under our Washington State license, we provide hot tub repair and diagnostics only, including control board and electronic component repair.

We do not offer hot tub installation, removal, or replacement services.

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