Are your fridge and freezer too hot? Check out our list of possible causes and how to fix it.
Are your leftovers lukewarm? Is your milk gone in just a few hours? Check the temperature of your refrigerator. It may not be cooling as it should. Why is it suddenly on fire?
Some of the problems they identified are easy to fix, while others will require a service visit.
These are the answers to your refrigerator not cooling. Start with simple tasks that you can do. If these easy fixes don’t solve the problem, then it’s time for the professionals.
For information about how to care for your refrigerator, make sure you consult the owner’s manual.
1. What is wrong with my fridge’s temperature control?
Did something get in your temperature control panel? This should be checked before you do anything else. This is one of the most common mistakes. It’s almost like asking “Is it plugged in?” It should be moved to a cool place, and that should do the trick.
2. What can I do if my refrigerator’s condenser coils have become clogged with dust?
You should clean your condenser coils immediately if you have been neglecting them. The coils will not be able to regulate the refrigerator’s interior temperature properly if they are covered in dust. This problem can be fixed by simply dusting. Find the condenser coils of your appliance — usually located in the back or bottom of the fridge — and clean it with a brush. They even have a special brush for this purpose. Our pros recommend that you clean your coils at least once a year to keep your fridge in good condition.
3. How can I tell if my refrigerator’s gaskets are worn?
Gaskets are the seals that surround your fridge’s doors. Over time they can become worn and damaged. Gaskets can become less secure over time, which can cause cool air to leak from the fridge. You should check to make sure your gaskets are not loose or cracked. You should have someone come and replace them if they are.
4. Is my fridge overloaded?
What’s the most recent time you cleared out all your leftovers? You can do a purge if you don’t recall and throw out anything that looks suspicious. Overloaded fridges don’t circulate cool, properly. There’s also the possibility that items could be blocking cold air vents.
5. Is it important where my refrigerator is?
The temperature of the refrigerator can be affected by its surroundings. The refrigerator might turn off if it senses that the room is too cold, such as a garage second fridge. It could also run continuously if the room is too warm.
6. What can I do if my refrigerator fan motor stops working?
Here are the more serious problems. Cool air circulation is controlled by the condenser fan motor. If neither your freezer nor fridge is cooling properly, this is a sign that it is likely to be the problem. This will need to be fixed by a technician.
7. How do I find out if my evaporator fan motor has failed?
A faulty fan or evaporator fan may be the cause of your fridge not cooling properly, but it seems like your freezer is working fine. Another sign that your fan is broken is a fridge that moans or groans.
8. Could it be that the start relay of my refrigerator is not working properly?
This could cause damage to your fridge’s compressor (aka the part that circulates refrigerant throughout the system). You can remove the relay and shake it to check that the connection is not fried. It’s time for a replacement if you hear a rattle.
You can tackle some of the problems yourself but if your fridge is still not keeping your food cold enough, it’s time to call an expert.