This morning, as I was making breakfast, I noticed that the bread that I took out of the freezer was not actually frozen. I checked the other items in the freezer…..nothing was frozen. My heart dropped to my stomach. Upon checking further, we realized that the refrigerator side also was not working. This was not looking good.
We have had the refrigerator for about 9 years. In my mind, it is maybe only half through its’ life span. Apparently, my estimate may not be shared by those in the appliance industry. Our “rainy day fund” has no funds. We were going to be in big trouble if we had to make a big purchase-like a refrigerator.
Luckily, we dodged the bullet. The repair guy came and pointed out to my husband that 9 years of dust on the coil had plugged the thing, and it turned itself off to protect it from completely blowing up. Thank you, refrigerator designers! Our bill was only $120. Not a small item, but better than the alternative. Everything is relative.
We have made a pact to clean the dust off the refrigerator sometime before 2019.
Just My Life 
Yes, you can vacuum the coils in back yearly and it keeps it running spiffy. Refrigerators are one of the most reliable appliances you can buy.
Reminds me of the old joke:
person 1: “Is your refrigerator running?
person 2: “Yes”
Person 1: “Then you probably better run after it before it get away!”
By: Robert the Skeptic on May 13, 2010
at 7:05 pm
You have to clean dust off the thingymabobber? Who knew? That might explain why ours has been creaking and groaning like a sinking ship the past few years….. I am not mechanical at all. I will have the 13yr old kid look into it for me. Thanks for the heads up!
By: redriverpak on May 13, 2010
at 7:56 pm
Thank you thank you….I suggested to G that we do the same before all hell breaks lose here too.
By: Mage Bailey on May 13, 2010
at 8:17 pm
Oh. I should check that, shouldn’t I?
By: secret agent woman on May 14, 2010
at 7:47 pm