In 2011 I bought a Frigidaire floor-model side-by-side refrigerator at Lowe's.
Just a few days ago it started beeping and we noticed the freezer was cold, but not freezing. The thermostats tell me the refrigerator is OK at 36 degrees, but the freezer won't go below 26 degrees.
We called in a repairman, and it took him all of 3 minutes to diagnose a compressor that needs to be replaced, which means essentially the refrigerator is totaled. Compressors, if you can find someone to replace them, cost about 700 for parts and labor. My "bargain" floor model cost about that.
I am SO bummed! Prior to this purchase, we had two refrigerators for our entire married lives--36 years--and both had been bought second hand. One was $50 and the other was $75, and WE NEVER had to call a repairman. We got rid of the last one because the rubber seal was so old it was hard and cracked.
So the question is: Does anyone have any reason to believe that there could be another answer? I've read about defrost timers and resetting the system, and I've cleaned coils, but is there anything else?
We are ready to claim defeat and buy another refrigerator, but this is a huge bummer because January and February are historically low business times of year for me, and I refuse to put the appliance on a credit card.
Any last glimmers of hope for this refrigerator would be great.