Most refrigerators use one mechanical device to cool the freezer down to around 0 degrees, regulated by the freezer setting. Some of that cold air flows into the refrigerator compartment, regulated by the refrigerator setting. The refrigerator compartment is typically set to around 38 degrees.
When the unit is not cooling properly, you will first notice it in the refrigerator section. A 20 degree rise in temperature will result in a refrigerator compartment temperature of 58 degrees. At that temp, milk will sour and meats will rot.
You may notice that your freezer section is still frozen. A 20 degree rise will result in compartment temps of 20 degrees. Frozen food will remain frozen at 20 degrees, so it appears that the freezer is still working. Take my word for it--neither is working if the fridge is not.
What is the cause of this? For the most part, lack of maintenence on the part of the owner. Customers usually have a blanket of pet hair covering the heat exchanger coils beneather the fridge. When I instructed my customers on how to clean the condenser coils, they inevitably return in a few days to thank me for saving them a service call ($65 minimum) or, worse yet, having to buy a new fridge ($$$).
Proper maintenence is one of the benefits of a Master Protection Agreement. With some product problems, a technician may be able to help you resolve the issue right over the phone, which could save time by not having to schedule an appointment. A protection agreement can provide you with peace of mind by knowing that if a problem occurs with your product, you know whom to call to take care of it right away.
Master Protection Agreements
The "gold standard" for coverage. Primary benefits include*:
- Quality service provided by Sears Parts & Repair Services professional repair specialists
- Convenient service available in-home or at a Sears Parts & Repair Service Centers (service location depends on agreement coverage)
- Non-technical and instructional assistance available
- Replacement guarantee
- if you experience 4 or more functional repairs during 12 months of continuous coverage or
- if we are unable to fix it due to unavailability of functional parts or technical knowledge
- No extra charges for covered repairs. All parts and labor included, even for wear and tear repairs and, for the first 3 years, cosmetic parts (if part still functions, but has become cosmetically worn, such as control panel buttons)
- 10% discount off regularly priced non-covered parts or service
- Food Loss up to $250 every 12 months.
- Rental Reimbursement if repair takes too long
- Annual Preventive Maintenance Check included, at the customer's request
- Renewable, transferable and varying contract terms offer maximum flexibility
* Some limitations and exclusions apply. Not valid on products used for commercial purposes. See store or contact us at 1-800-4-MY-HOME® (1-800-469-4663) for Terms & Conditions details. Protection agreements not available in all states for items not purchased at Sears.
