Tips On How to Repair a Broken Refrigerator Seal

Your refrigerator's seal is one of its most important components, helping hold cold air within the appliance to keep food at the ideal temperatures. If this seal has been damaged or broken, repairing it is important - and usually tends to be pretty simple.

At Dick Kearsley Service Center, we're here to offer a wide range of appliance repair services to clients around Ogden, Roy, Kaysville, Syracuse and nearby areas, including refrigerator repair and several other services. Repairing a broken refrigerator seal can often be done on a DIY basis, but our team is also always here to help if you require our assistance. Here are the basic steps to follow - and feel free to contact our team at your convenience if you need tips or help.

Signs of a Damaged Seal

Before we dive into the steps of repairing a broken refrigerator seal, it’s important to recognize the signs of damage in the first place. The main purpose of a refrigerator seal is to prevent cold air from escaping and warm air from entering the unit. Therefore, if your seal is not functioning properly, you may notice several symptoms such as:

Increased energy bills: A damaged seal causes your refrigerator to work harder to maintain its temperature, resulting in increased energy consumption.

Spoiled food: When warm air enters your fridge due to a faulty seal, it can cause food spoilage.

Ice formation: If there are gaps or tears in the seal, cool air will escape and create frost buildup on the inside walls of your unit.

If you see these signs, do a basic visual inspection of your seal to see if there are any cracks, tears, or gaps. You may also try a well-known trick of trying to slide a dollar bill in between the seal and fridge door. If it moves easily, it means your seal is not tight enough.

If you've decided you need to repair the seal, our next several sections will go over the steps. Just remember to contact our team for help if you're unsure about any part of this.

Buying the Right Door Seal

Your first step is to purchase a compatible door seal for your refrigerator model. With most suppliers, you can simply enter the make and model of your unit online to get a list of available parts. Make sure you double-check the dimensions before making a purchase. If you're unsure about which seal is right for your fridge, don't hesitate to contact our team for help.

Removing the Old Seal

Once you have the new seal on hand, it's time to remove the old one:

Unplug your refrigerator from its power source.
Open the door completely.
Gently lift the old gasket out from its channel around the perimeter of the door.

Note: Keep in mind that different models may have slightly varying processes, so be sure to consult your refrigerator's manual if needed.

Installing the New Seal

Now that you've removed the old seal, it's time to install the new one:

Start by placing one end of the seal into its channel at a corner of the door.
Slowly work your way around, pressing firmly so that the seal fits snugly into place.
Once you reach back to where you started, cut off any excess length.
Close and open the door several times to make sure the seal is properly aligned and functioning as expected.

Note: In some cases, you may need to heat up the gasket with a hairdryer in order for it to fit properly. If this is necessary, be sure not to overheat the seal as it may cause it to melt or become misshapen.

If at any point during this process you need help, we're just a call away. Our team is always happy to provide tips and guidance for DIY projects like this one. Taking care of your appliances can save you time, money, and stress in the long run. Make sure to regularly inspect your refrigerator's seal to prevent any issues from arising, but know that our experts are here for any repairs or maintenance services you may need. Happy repairing!

At Dick Kearsley Service Center, we understand the importance of a well-sealed refrigerator and are dedicated to helping our clients maintain their appliances for optimal performance. In addition to repairing seals, we also offer routine maintenance services to keep your fridge in top shape.

Contact us today for all your appliance repair needs around Ogden, Roy, Kaysville, Syracuse or nearby areas, including AC repair and installation services as well. We're standing by to take your call!