You’ve wandered into the kitchen for a late-night snack, but when you open the fridge, all you see is darkness. How are you supposed to fix your snack craving when you can’t see what’s inside? You’ll need to fix the broken light bulb first.
It may not seem important, but the bulb in your refrigerator comes in handy each time you open your fridge. Without it, you’ll be left in the dark! We’ve listed a few common causes behind this issue:
The Bulb has Burned Out
In most cases, you simply need to change the light bulb. If you look closely at the bulb, you might be able to see a broken filament in the centre.
We change the bulbs in our fridges far less frequently than the ones in our bedrooms or bathrooms. Since they only turn on when the door opens, they last for many years. But like all light bulbs, they have an expiration date.
But what happens if your issue persists even after changing the bulb? A few other components may be to blame.
Check the Door Switch
Like all light fixtures in your home, the bulb in your fridge is controlled by a switch. It’s designed to activate automatically whenever the door opens or closes.
The bulb itself might be functional, but if the switch is faulty, it won’t send a signal to turn the light on when you open the door. Over time, bits of dust or food may become lodged in the switch. Try to press it yourself and see if you can loosen any blockages.
Inspect the Socket
You’ve replaced the bulb and ensured that the light switch isn’t faulty. Could the socket that secures your bulb in place be the problem?
Just like with the switch, the socket may be blocked with stray pieces of debris. You can clean it using a piece of paper towel—if you want to use a wet cloth, be sure to unplug the refrigerator first.
Look at the Door Latch
To maintain a consistent temperature, your fridge needs a door that seals tightly and securely. If you notice cold air flowing from the seal of your door, it may be due to a faulty door latch. Not only will this cost you more in wasted energy, but it puts additional strain on the appliance and causes unstable temperatures (which may lead to spoiled produce). Anytime the door is open, the light is on, so your bulb may burn out faster than usual.
Electrical Issues
If you’ve ruled out every other issue, it may be that the wiring itself is the problem. The connection can be severed due to a frayed wire or faulty circuit board.
We don’t recommend that you try fixing this issue yourself. Working with electricity can be dangerous, especially if you don’t have the proper training. Instead, call an appliance repair company to schedule an appointment. A technician can use a multimeter to locate the issue.
Even an issue that seems simple can be tricky to get to the bottom of. We offer fridge repair in Winnipeg to help you solve everyday issues. Our technicians can diagnose and repair common or complicated appliance problems. Call Mike’s Quality Appliance Repair today to book your appointment.