Amana Refrigerator Repair

Amana refrigerators include top-freezer, bottom-freezer, side-by-side and French-door models, all built on Whirlpool platforms. The top-freezer is the classic Amana, common in rentals and starter homes. These units use a compressor, an evaporator behind the freezer wall, an evaporator fan, and a defrost system made up of a heater, a terminating thermostat and a defrost timer or control. Most have simple dial controls.

Defrost failures are the most common problem on Amana refrigerators. When the heater burns out, the thermostat fails or the timer sticks, frost builds on the evaporator until air can no longer move. The fresh-food section warms while the freezer stays somewhat cold. Evaporator and condenser fans also wear out. Door gaskets harden over time, letting humid air in and making frost build faster during summer. On top-freezer Amana models, the defrost drain in the freezer floor can also freeze or clog, sending water under the crisper drawers or onto the floor.

Owners can check a few things safely. Look for heavy frost on the freezer's back panel; if it covers the panel, the defrost system is a likely suspect. Listen for the evaporator fan when the freezer door is open and its switch is pressed. Vacuum the condenser coils at the bottom or back. Test the door gaskets with a sheet of paper. Unplug the unit before removing panels, and never chip at frost with sharp tools.

Our diagnosis tests the defrost heater, terminating thermostat, defrost timer or control, and both fans. On models with simple controls, these tests are quick and the parts are inexpensive. If the evidence points to a sealed-system problem, we explain what that involves and how it compares with replacing the refrigerator.

Defrost, fan and gasket repairs are almost always worthwhile on an Amana. A sealed-system or compressor failure on an older top-freezer often costs more than the refrigerator is worth, and we will tell you plainly so you can decide.