If you open your
refrigerator and find sour milk or warm wine it should be apparent that your fridge is not cooling well enough. The problem is more than just one of annoyance and
odors; it’s a health issue. Listeria and other foodborne pathogens, along with mold, can grow in refrigerators that are not cool
enough. In many cases, there is no need to rush out and buy a new refrigerator. While you may need to eventually call in an appliance technician for some repairs, other fixes are simple to do and require no special tools or knowledge. Listed
below are 10 straightforward reasons why your refrigerator is not cooling and what to do about them. The average lifespan of a refrigerator is around 10 years and can
last for up to 20 years if maintained properly. Resetting the temperature control is often the first and easiest fix for a refrigerator that is not cool enough. If you have children in your home, they are sometimes the culprits behind temperature control changes, especially if they are on the fridge exterior. But anything can inadvertently reset
the temperature, including brushing against it with your hand or food items being pushed into the fridge or freezer. A problem with the temperature control may also be the reason you hear your fridge compressor running but the appliance is not cooling down its contents. How To Fix It:
What Is Optimal Fridge Temperature?The FDA recommends that refrigerators be at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower and that freezers be set at 0 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. Purchase a separate appliance thermometer to check temperatures rather than relying on internal gauges. Condenser Coils Are DirtyWhen the condenser coils on the back of the refrigerator are dirty or covered in spiderwebs, the unit cannot properly cool. One of the easiest maintenance items you can do for your refrigerator is to pull it out and clean off the condenser coils at least every six months. How To Fix It:
TipIf you have pets, you should consider pulling the refrigerator out and cleaning the coils more frequently than every six months. Door Gaskets Are Not CleanOver time, the flexible door seals (gaskets) can become dirty from food or fingerprints, preventing the door from sealing properly. How To Fix It:
Food Items Are Blocking the Air VentsMost refrigerators receive cool air from vents in the freezer section, regardless of the position of the freezer. This includes side-by-side refrigerators that are not cooling, too. Food items inside the refrigerator portion of the appliance might be blocking the cool air vent from letting the freezer air come through. How To Fix It:
Continue to 5 of 10 below. Refrigerator Is UnderstockedMass (food) within the refrigerator helps to maintain coolness. Understocked fridges can have temperature issues and need to work harder to maintain cool temperatures. Well-stocked (but not overstocked) fridges have sufficient mass to retain those cool temperatures. How To Fix It:
Door Gaskets Are Faulty and Need ReplacementIf you have cleaned the door gaskets but they still do not seal correctly, it’s time to replace the gaskets entirely. They could be too old and brittle. To confirm, close your refrigerator with a dollar bill in the door, then pull the bill to see if it comes out easily. If you have to give the bill a slight tug to release it, your gaskets are okay. If the bill slips out way too easily, your gaskets are in need of replacement. To save money, this can be a do-it-yourself project. How To Fix It:
Refrigerator Is Out of LevelRefrigerators should be close to level for them to work properly. If your refrigerator isn't level, the doors may not close or the door switch may not work correctly, which means the appliance won't cool down your food. How To Fix It:
Clearances Are Not MaintainedThe refrigerator should have enough clearance on the sides and especially in the back for air circulation to cool properly. How To Fix It:
Continue to 9 of 10 below. Location Is Affecting the Cooling CapacityIf the refrigerator is placed in a warm or cold environment, such as outdoors or in a garage, this can affect the unit’s cooling capacity. A garage that's too cold will confuse the fridge and it won't cool down its contents. If the garage is hot, the fridge will work overtime to cool down the interior. Even when the fridge is located in a temperate environment, hot appliances such as dishwashers, ranges, or ovens adjacent to the fridge can affect the fridge’s cooling. How To Fix It:
Electric Supply Is FaultySometimes the simplest thing is causing the problem: the plug. Maybe the fridge isn't plugged in or the plug is loose. If the light in the fridge doesn't come on and it's not cold inside, this could be the issue. If the fridge is cold inside but there's no light, then that's likely a burned-out bulb. How To Fix It:
When to Call Out the ProsMore complex reasons for your refrigerator not cooling involving mechanical operations may require a visit from an appliance technician. These can include:
FAQ
How do I fix a refrigerator that is not cooling?If your fridge seems to suddenly stop cooling, some common causes — listed from easiest to hardest to fix — can include:. Power source has been switched off.. Thermostat isn't set properly.. Blocked vents.. Dirty condenser coils.. Dirty or faulty gaskets.. Not enough space clearance.. Broken or stuck condenser fan.. When the refrigerator compressor does not run but the light is on check for?If you know the refrigerator has electrical power because the inside light turns on, but the compressor won't run, possible causes include a control board failure, a wiring problem or a failed compressor. A problem with the compressor start relay will also prevent the compressor from running.
Why is my freezer not working but the light is on?The fridge is not making noise but the light is on
A silent fridge freezer is never good news and, in this instance, it could be that the compressor is broken. Try turning the thermostat to a really low, cold setting and if this doesn't kick the compressor into gear, it could be broken and in need of repair.
How do I know if my refrigerator compressor is not working?Your refrigerator compressor is responsible for that humming sound. So, if the sound stops for good, or if the sound goes from faint to a constant or very loud humming noise that does not shut off, it may be a sign the compressor is broken or malfunctioning.
Why is my fridge on but not working?Typical causes are: 1) the door is left open frequently, 2) the condenser coils need cleaning, 3) the door doesn't seal against the refrigerator box, 4) the cold control is set too cold, or 5) something is blocking the flow of cold air inside the fridge.
What is the first thing to check when a refrigerator stops working?The first thing to check is the breaker (in your home's electrical service panel) of the circuit serving the fridge. Most homes have a dedicated 20-amp circuit for the fridge alone, while older homes may have it on a general kitchen circuit.
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