Knoxville, Tenn. – Faulty Fridge Finally Replaced for Frustrated Resident

For Diane Tippins, a resident of Knoxville, the last few months have been filled with considerable frustration. Her 11-month-old French Door refrigerator started malfunctioning in March 2024, leading to multiple service calls and a series of ineffective repairs. Despite efforts from manufacturer-approved servicemen, including numerous part replacements, the fridge continued to exhibit persistent issues.

Months of Struggle

“It’s dripping the whole length of the door,” Tippins lamented, showcasing the problematic appliance. There was moisture dripping from various areas of the fridge, from the butter tray to the vegetable drawer. “Bread is wet. The shelves are wet. It just continues all the way down. The vegetables are full of moisture,” she explained.

Having purchased the refrigerator in early September 2023, Tippins was initially covered by a one-year warranty from GE, the refrigerator’s manufacturer. Additionally, she had bought a three-year extended warranty from a local home improvement store. This seemed to offer more security but didn’t alleviate her ongoing issues.

A Series of Unsuccessful Repairs

The sequence of repairs began in March, followed by numerous phone calls and texts with both GE and a local appliance service provider. The defrost heater was replaced twice, but the drips continued. “They replace a part, now they have to replace something else. Because it is still doing the same thing,” Tippins explained, her frustration evident.

The most troubling aspect was the inconsistency of the refrigerator’s performance. “One day it might be cold, the next day it is warm. And, I’ve got to throw out milk and yogurt, everything is warm,” Tippins shared. Despite GE extending her warranty by nine months as a temporary solution, the recurring problems made it clear that this wasn’t a long-term fix.

The Resolution

Persistent appeals and a detailed letter explaining Tippins’s predicament eventually resulted in action. After her situation was highlighted, GE decided to provide her with a new refrigerator. The new unit is a side-by-side model with ice and water dispensers in the door. “It’s a different model. It is a side-by-side, which is fine. So far, so good. Yes, couldn’t be happier,” Tippins said.

The new refrigerator comes with a fresh one-year warranty, covering both parts and labor, in addition to her existing extended warranty. Tippins is now optimistic about her appliance situation for the foreseeable future.

Applying her experiences, appliance technicians advise that common refrigerator issues like improper cooling, malfunctioning ice makers, and water leakage should not be ignored. Early attention to such problems often prevents more significant troubles down the line.