You expect to open your fridge door and be blasted with a rush of cool air. But this most recent time, you barely felt anything. In fact, when you reached your hand further into the refrigerator, the space felt lukewarm. Now, you’re wondering, “Why is my refrigerator not cooling?”
Before you start panicking and assuming you’ll need to buy a brand-new fridge, know that many cooling problems can be solved with a simple repair. Let’s look at the top reasons a refrigerator stops cooling properly and what you can do to get yours back to peak performance.
Top Reasons Your Refrigerator Isn’t Cooling Properly
1. Dirty Condenser Coils
Typically located on the back or bottom of the refrigerator, the condenser coils release heat that has been removed from the inside of the fridge as part of the cooling process. So, naturally, if something happens with these condenser coils, your fridge will not cool properly.
Over time, the fridge’s coils can become covered in dust, dirt, and pet hair. When this happens, the coils will fail to dissipate heat effectively. In turn, the compressor will work harder and longer to try and cool the fridge, leading to decreased efficiency and, eventually, a failure to cool at all.
The Fix: Unplug your refrigerator and locate the condenser coils. You can use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment or a specialized condenser coil brush to gently clean away all the debris. It’s a good practice to clean the coils at least once or twice a year to maintain optimal performance.
2. Broken Condenser Fan Motor
The condenser fan is responsible for drawing air over the condenser coils to help dissipate heat and also to cool the compressor. If the fan motor breaks, the heat won’t be removed effectively, and the compressor itself could overheat. Both of these issues lead to decreased cooling throughout the fridge.
The Fix: First, unplug the refrigerator. Check to see if the fan blade is obstructed by any debris. If it is, clearing the obstruction might solve the problem. If it’s clear but doesn’t spin freely when you move it by hand, the motor may have seized. If it spins freely but doesn’t run when the fridge is plugged in, the motor is likely faulty and will need to be replaced. Due to its location and the electrical components involved, a condenser fan should be repaired by a qualified technician.
3. A Malfunctioning Evaporator Fan
The evaporator fan is responsible for circulating cold air from the freezer unit into the refrigerator compartment. If you notice that your freezer is still cold but the refrigerator section is warm, a faulty evaporator fan motor is a likely suspect. In addition to a lack of cooling performance, you might also hear a strange noise coming from the freezer area, or you might not hear the fan running at all when the compressor is on.
The Fix: You can often test the functionality of the evaporator fan by manually pressing the door switch. If the fan doesn’t kick on, the motor may have failed. Replacing an evaporator fan motor is a complex job, often requiring the removal of panels inside the freezer, so it is best to leave this refrigerator repair to a professional.
4. Faulty Thermostat or Temperature Control
The fridge’s thermostat tells the compressor when to turn on and off to maintain the set temperature. If the thermostat is defective (or set to the wrong temperature), it may not be able to signal the compressor to start the cooling cycle, even when the internal temperature rises.
The Fix: First, double-check that the thermostat is set to the correct temperature (typically 37-40°F for the fridge and 0°F for the freezer). If adjusting the setting does nothing, the thermostat might need to be replaced. A technician can test the component for continuity to confirm if it’s faulty.
5. Damaged or Dirty Door Gaskets (Seals)
The rubber gaskets around your refrigerator and freezer doors are essential for creating an airtight seal. This seal keeps the cold air in and the warm, moist ambient air out. If the gaskets are torn, brittle, or dirty, they allow cold air to leak out, forcing your fridge to run constantly while failing to maintain a cool temperature.
The Fix: Inspect the door seals for any visible signs of damage or gaps. You can also test the seal by closing the door on a dollar bill. If you can pull the bill out easily, the seal is likely not tight enough. Clean the gaskets with warm, soapy water to remove any grime that might be preventing a good seal. If the doors still don’t pass the dollar bill test, the gaskets will need to be replaced.
6. Blocked Vents
Inside your refrigerator, there are vents that allow the cold air from the evaporator fan to flow into the food compartment. If these vents are blocked by food containers or an overstuffed fridge, the air cannot circulate properly and can lead to warm spots or a general lack of cooling throughout the refrigerator.
The Fix: Simply rearrange the items inside your refrigerator to ensure that none of the vents are blocked. In the future, avoid overpacking your fridge to allow for proper airflow around your food.
When to Call a Technician for a Fridge That Won’t Cool
While some issues, like cleaning coils or unblocking vents, are easy for homeowners to handle, others require the expertise of a trained professional. Otherwise, you could end up with further damage on your hands or even hurt yourself or a loved one helping you. For these reasons, you should call a technician if:
- You Suspect a Problem With a Major Component: Issues with the compressor, evaporator, or refrigerant are part of a sealed system and require specialized equipment for repairs.
- The Problem Involves Electrical Components: If you suspect a faulty thermostat, fan motor, or control board, it’s safest to have a professional diagnose and replace the part.
- You’ve Tried Simple Fixes to No Avail: If you’ve cleaned the coils, checked the seals, and cleared the vents, but the refrigerator is still not cooling, it’s time to call in an expert to perform a more thorough diagnosis.
Fridge Not Getting Cold? Call FixEm Appliance Repair!
Our expert repair technicians are here to help you troubleshoot any problems you may be facing with your refrigerator, including why it’s not cooling properly. For over 10 years, we have been providing fast, reliable, and effective solutions for malfunctioning refrigerators and freezers from a wide range of home appliance brands, including Frigidaire, Samsung, LG, GE, Viking, Sub-Zero, and more. With our extensive experience and Diamond Certification, you can have peace of mind that your refrigerator is in the best hands.
If you’re a homeowner in Alameda County or Contra Costa County, CA, don’t let a refrigerator not cooling properly spoil your day. Contact FixEm Appliance Repair, and let our friendly professionals restore your fridge’s performance.
