If you have an old refrigerator that has been acting funny lately, you may wonder whether or not it is going to last much longer. If so, look for the following three signs that your old refrigerator is getting ready to break down.

Food Inside The Refrigerator Sweats

Normally, your refrigerator's compressor kicks on when the interior temperature gets to the level set by your thermostat. If this does not happen, the air temperature becomes warmer than that of the food inside, making condensation form on the food and the walls of the refrigerator.

If you open your refrigerator and see your food sweating, this could be a sign that your compressor is not working properly. Not only could this lead to soggy food, but it may become unsafe to eat because you do not know how warm the food got or how long it stayed warm.

When the condensation becomes too great, you may also see a pool of water underneath the appliance. If this happens, your refrigerator could stop working at any time, and you should consider replacing it as soon as possible.

Chunks Of Ice Form On The Freezer Walls

Along with the food sweating in the refrigerator side of the appliance, you may also notice large chunks of ice forming on the walls of your freezer. When the compressor is working properly, it cycles through and defrosts the excess ice. However, this may not happen when the unit has started to malfunction.

You may also notice your food has started to become extra hard when frozen, taking longer to defrost in the microwave. You may also see an increase in the amount of food with freezer burn.

Loud Noises When The Compressor Is Running

One tell-tale sign that your refrigerator's compressor has started to malfunction is loud noises coming from it while it is running. If you can hear your refrigerator running from the other side of the house, or it has started to making grinding or clanking sounds, it could break down at any moment. You may want to find a replacement immediately when you hear these noises.

If you notice one or more of the above signs, your refrigerator is probably getting ready to die and should be replaced. If you cannot afford a new one, you may want to visit a used appliances store to find a replacement before your refrigerator gives out completely and spoils all of your food. Companies like Preferred Appliance can help.