As a rule, refrigerators are the most dependable of all large appliances. Even so, they do fail to do their jobs adequately on occasion, and when they do, the results can be disastrous because expensive food can spoil in a hurry.

Though most problems call for a refrigerator repairperson, there are a few simple repairs you can handle yourself by checking the power, controls, condenser coils, and other parts outside of your refrigerator's sealed, hermetic system.

Remember that the best way to lengthen the life of a refrigerator is to clean the condenser coils once a year—or more frequently if they get dirty. It is recommended to clean condenser coils on certain types of refrigerators, such as side-by-side and built-in models, at least twice a year. (If you have a refrigerator with the black coils mounted on the back, these coils don't require semiannual cleaning.) For more about how to do this yourself, see the FREE HomeTips article: DIY How to Clean Refrigerator Coils.

More about refrigerator and freezer problems and repairs:

• How to Clean Refrigerator Coils
• How to Thaw an Icemaker
• Icemaker Doesn't Make Ice
• Refrigerator Cools Poorly or Runs Constantly
• Refrigerator Defrosts Improperly
• Refrigerator Doesn't Run
• Refrigerator Freezes Foods or Icemaker Doesn't Shut Off
• Refrigerator Light Stays On When Door Is Closed
• Refrigerator Rattles or Leaks
• Refrigerator Runs But Doesn't Cool