My freezer and fridge are not achieving their temperature settings; freezer is getting into the mid-30s and fridge around 50. Both the evap and condenser fans are running, as is the compressor, there is no excessive ice preventing circulation of air, and while there is some ice on the evap coils, it’s not frozen over. And there’s no funny compressor noises. What’s next? Thermistor? Run capacitor? The system runs for quite some time without getting overly cold, then shuts down (maybe into defrost?).
This sounds like a refrigerant leak. If there is an uneven frost pattern that can be a sign that there is not enough refrigerant left in the machine to keep Temps where they should be. Unfortunately the fix requires a replacement of the leaking component and is not recommended unless you are certified in refrigerant recovery and have some experience in the matter. Average repair costs tend to be pricy at about 800 bucks. This may mean time for a new one unfortunately.
Appliance Medics was pretty much right on. Thanks?
After your input, I had a local appliance tech over to look at it; he agreed that the frost pattern on the evaporator suggested refrigerant issues, and the compressor probably has an internal leak. Quoted $900 to repair, which for me equals new fridge.
