Are you having trouble with your refrigerator not cooling properly? In this blog post, we’ll cover various causes of a fridge not cooling, walk you through troubleshooting steps, and provide general maintenance tips. We also let you know when it’s time to call a technician.
Troubleshooting for a Fridge Not Cooling
Begin by checking the temperature settings on your fridge to ensure it wasn’t accidentally turned higher than it should be.
Next, make sure the door is completely closed and that there are no gaps or openings as the door could be damaged.
If your fridge is still not cooling, check to see if the condenser coils and fan on the back of the refrigerator are running properly. If they aren’t, they may need to be cleaned or replaced.
Finally, make sure the gasket around the door is in good condition and is sealing properly.
If none of these solutions work, it may be time to call a repair technician to diagnose the issue.
Tips for Maintaining Your Fridge
Having a functioning fridge is essential for keeping food fresh and your family healthy. If your fridge isn’t cooling properly, it’s important to act quickly. Here are some tips for maintaining your fridge to prevent any issues:
- Keep the condenser coils clean—condenser coils are responsible for removing heat from the fridge so it can cool properly. Regularly dust the coils off with a vacuum or brush to keep them working efficiently.
- Check the door seals—make sure the door seals are free from food, dust, dirt, and debris. This will help prevent cold air from escaping and keep your food fresh.
- Keep your fridge at the right temperature—setting your fridge at the right temperature (between 35 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit) can help maintain freshness and prevent food spoilage.
- Clean out your fridge regularly—cleaning out the fridge regularly can help prevent bacteria buildup and bad odors.
Following these tips can help keep your fridge running at its best. If you have any concerns about your fridge, contact a professional for help.
Now, let’s dive into a few culprits for your warmer-than-desirable fridge.
#1 Power Source
The fastest and easiest fixes are related to your power source. If you recently cleaned behind your refrigerator, you may have accidentally unplugged it. Or if something fell off the top of the fridge or a pet ran behind it loosening the connection. Also, check the circuit breaker to see if the fuse is blown or if the breaker has tripped.
If the breaker trips often, it’s time to call an electrician as something is likely in need of repair.
#2 It’s Too Full
If your fridge is too full, it can cause it to run inefficiently. Refrigerators require airflow to run at peak performance. If it’s packed to the max or food or containers are pressed up against the inside vents, it won’t cool properly. Ensure that the vent fan is running and that there is nothing blocking the vents inside your refrigerator. Sometimes rearranging a packed fridge solves the problem.
#3 Dirty Condenser Coils
If the condenser coils and fan appear to be running properly, and the gasket is also in good condition, it is possible that the issue is due to a blocked vent. To remedy this, ensure that the fan is running and that there is nothing blocking the vents on the back side of your refrigerator.
Items such as cardboard, pet hair, and dust could be blocking airflow. If the condenser coils are dirty, it may be necessary to clean them in order to improve their efficiency.
#4 Thermostat Settings
The issue may also be due to a thermostat setting that is not appropriate for the current temperature. For example, when your fridge is packed to the max for the holidays, you may need to turn the thermostat up higher than usual. To ensure a proper temperature between 35 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit, place an external thermometer in the fridge to ensure an accurate reading.
If the problem remains, call for a professional inspection.
#5 Damaged Gasket
If the temperature settings, door closures, condenser coils, and fan appear to be functioning properly, but the fridge is still not cooling—it could be because of a damaged gasket. This is the rubber seal that surrounds your fridge door.
A damaged gasket can cause air leaks, preventing the fridge from cooling properly. You can check to see if the gasket is in good condition by inspecting it and feeling around the edge of the fridge door for any gaps or openings. If it is in poor condition, it may need to be replaced. If none of the above steps solve the issue, it may be time to call a repair technician to diagnose and fix the problem.
#6 Faulty Circuit Board
The circuit board is responsible for controlling the compressor, which is what actually cools the fridge. If the circuit board is malfunctioning, it will need to be replaced by a technician in order to get the fridge functioning again. It is also important to check the outlet where the fridge is plugged in to make sure it is working properly.
Finally, if the fridge is still not cooling, it may be time to consider replacing the entire unit.
#7 Condenser Fan
If the condenser fan is not running, it can cause your fridge to not cool properly. You can try cleaning the fan to remove any dust and pet hair build-up that may be causing the issue. If the fan still doesn’t work, it will need to be replaced—which isn’t something you should attempt to do.
Fridge Still Too Hot?
If the troubleshooting tips above don’t work, give Superior Appliance Repair a call ASAP. In the meantime, place an external thermometer in your fridge to confirm the temperature. If it’s nearing 40 degrees, place a block of ice inside and keep the door closed If it’s at 40 or above, transfer your food to a camping cooler with ice inside.
We serve the entire Santa Barbara area, and we can fix almost all repair needs on the same day!
