Troubleshooting and Fixes for When Your Fridge Is Not Cooling Properly
There’s nothing more frustrating than opening your fridge and finding your food is warm. It then turns into a race against time to save your groceries from going bad. I’ve been there, and I know how crucial it is to get your fridge cooling again ASAP!
Knowing why your fridge isn’t cooling can be a game changer. Whether it’s a small issue you can fix yourself or a problem that requires pro, knowing the cause is the first step. If you find yourself in this situation, check out our refrigerator repair services page where you can learn more about the services Appliance Doc offers. Let’s take a deeper look into the most common issues and how to fix them or know if it’s a bigger issue that will require a technician.
Common Reasons Why Your Fridge Is Not Cooling
Blocked Air Vents
Blocked air vents disrupt the airflow from reaching the whole freezer or fridge. Make sure food items and plastic bags do not obstruct these vents. Always be mindful and check the back and sides of the fridge’s interior to ensure that there are no blocked vents preventing circulation.
Faulty Thermostat
A faulty thermostat can prevent the fridge from reaching the required temperature. Test the thermostat by adjusting the temperature settings and observe. If there is no change in temperature, it may be an indication that you need to change the thermostat. Professional help may be needed if you are uncomfortable with dealing with tools and are worried you may make a mistake.
Dirty Condenser Coils
Dusty and dirty condenser coils decrease cooling efficiency by stopping the flow of warm air from the coils to the outside air. Check the coils at the back or underneath the fridge. Use a brush or vacuum cleaner to remove all the dust and dirt. Clean coils ensure better energy efficiency and cooling performance improving your fridge/ freezer performance and reducing your energy bill. That is why we say “A clean coil a day keeps the energy bills at bay!”
When to Call a Technician
Call a technician if your troubleshooting efforts don’t fix the cooling issue for your fridge. Situations requiring proficient help include temperature fluctuation, loud noises or clicking from the compressor, or leaks coming from your fridge. Appliance Doc repairs complex problems and provides sustainable solutions while giving our clients useful tips to keep your appliance running smoothly.
What to Expect During a Repair
First, at Appliance Doc we try to diagnose the issue before we arrive on site so we come prepared with all the necessary parts we may need for the job. When we arrive, you can expect a thorough diagnosis to ensure the initial assessment is accurate. The tech assesses components like the compressor, evaporator fan, and control board. If necessary, technicians replace faulty parts or perform specialized repairs. If the issue is not what we originally diagnosed, the technician will adjust their repair method accordingly. If still possible the technician will either fix the issue on-site or, if necessary, return with the required part to complete the repair.
Appliance Doc has been in business for many years and therefore has many unique repair solutions that differentiate us from other repair companies. We believe in always adapting and being creative when possible.
Preventative Measures to Avoid Cooling Problems
Maintaining your fridge properly can prevent cooling issues, extend its lifespan, and reduce the number of times a technician is needed. As a homeowner and working on all kinds of fridge repairs, I always emphasize properly maintaining your fridge to keep it running smoothly.
Regular Maintenance Tips
Clean Coils: Use a coil cleaning brush or vacuum to remove dust and dirt from the coils.
Inspect Door Seals: Check door gaskets for cracks or tears. Replace if it’s not sealing or magnetizing properly to prevent air leakage.
Defrost the Freezer: If you notice frost build-up, it will lead to blocked airflow. Sometimes defrosting the freezer by shutting it off for 24 hours helps to remove the frost buildup.
Check the Thermostat: I always recommend setting the thermostat to the manufacturer’s recommended temperature, usually between 35°F and 38°F. As long as there is sufficient airflow throughout the unit the recommended setting will be fine.
Importance of Correct Fridge Placement
Proper fridge placement within the kitchen can impact its cooling performance. Place your fridge in a cool space away from heat sources like ovens and direct sunlight and leave a little gap from the wall to the fridge allowing air to flow properly.
Ventilation: Leave at least one inch of space around the fridge for good airflow. Poor ventilation stops air flow from reaching the compressor and coils, which cools the unit.
Level Positioning: Use a level to check that your fridge sits evenly. Uneven positioning causes doors to not seal properly, and drain flow issues, leading to cooling inefficiency, leaks and ice build-up.
Climate Considerations: If possible avoid placing the fridge in garages or areas where temperatures change drastically, as this can affect its ability to maintain steady cooling by distorting the flow of coolant throughout the fridge system.
Conclusion
While effective fridges can quickly lead to spoiled food, addressing cooling concerns in a timely manner can prevent food from going bad and save hundreds of dollars. By understanding common causes and performing regular maintenance you can prevent many problems before they start. Remember taking these steps will save you time and money in the long run and keep your food fresh. If all else fails don’t hesitate to seek our expert help when needed.
