Have you been experiencing issues with your refrigerator? If troubleshooting the problem yourself has not brought satisfactory results, it is probably time to call a professional. Why waste your time and money on discarded food, when a technician can service everything from rusty or dirty condenser coils to water leaks? Here are four good reasons to call a repair technician and keep your cool in the kitchen:

1. Your Refrigerator Has Stopped Cooling Efficiently or it's Running Warm

This is one of the more common issues with new and old refrigerators alike. In many cases, the problem can be solved without too much difficulty (or expense) but one must know what to look for. This is where a refrigerator repair technician can help.

The technician will most likely examine the condenser coils to check for signs of corrosion, dirt or debris. If a dirty condenser coil is the culprit, the repair person will probably use a condenser coil brush to clean it. This may solve the issue. However, if the coils are rusted, this may require replacement. A replacement part may be available immediately or it may need to be ordered, depending on the model.

Sometimes a broken condenser or evaporator fan may cause a refrigerator to run warm or not cool properly. If this is the case, a replacement fan might need to be installed. This will typically involve ordering the part from the manufacturer, although your repair technician can install it for you at your request.

If none of the above issues are causing the problem, the repair person might examine the defrost thermostat contacts. If the contacts are frozen over, this may be preventing the refrigerator or freezer from doing its job. Removing the frozen ice from the contacts should solve the problem. However, it's not advisable to try to do this yourself, so contact a professional.

2. Water Is Leaking from the Refrigerator

When there is a leak from the refrigerator, you are no only wasting water, you may be risking water damage to your home. A professional repair technician will examine the water line and defrost drain. Sometimes a clog or blockage may cause a backup of water or a leakage.

The repair technician will gain access to the defrost drain by removing or lifting the freezer coils. Using warm water or a pipe cleaner may unclog the drain. If this doesn't do the trick, the technician will most likely turn off the shut-off valve beneath your sink. The technician will check the water line. With a bit of luck, the line may simple be frozen, which only requires some thawing out. However, if the water line is torn, kinked or damaged in some way, it may need to be replaced.

3. The Ice Maker Has Stopped Functioning

Your technician will turn off your main water supply line to check for a blocked water inlet valve. He or she will check the filter and remove dirt and debris that may be causing the blockage. In addition, the filter may need to be replaced.

The repairman may also check the water fill tube to be sure it is not frozen over. It may also be clogged with foreign objects that need to be removed. In more extreme cases, the valve or water fill system screen may need to be replaced.

4. The Refrigerator Is Constantly Running

This may be a simple fix, although it's best to have a professional check it out. In many cases, dirt, dust, pet dander or debris may be clogging the condenser coils. This could be forcing the refrigerator to cycle constantly. This not only places strain on the unit, but it could be raising your energy costs as well. Have a professional check the coils and clean them periodically to correct the issue.