If your refrigerator won’t cool, it can be both frustrating and expensive. There are numerous reasons why this might happen, including dirty or damaged condenser coils, dirty or damaged door gaskets, incorrect temperature settings, overcrowding, or a malfunctioning internal component such as the evaporator fan, condenser fan, compressor, or start relay.
Five Things to Try if Your Refrigerator Won’t Cool
Before you call on a repair technician, there are a few things you can try first.
1. Check Temperature Settings
Your refrigerator functions best at a temperature range of 32ºF–40ºF. If it’s not cooling, check the temperature controls. It’s possible that the settings have been accidentally changed due to an item bumping or brushing against them.
To fix this, adjust the thermostat to the desired temperature setting and ensure that you check both the fridge and freezer controls. Be patient and wait for up to 24 hours for your refrigerator to cool down completely.
2. Reorganize Fridge Contents
Proper organization is key to keeping your refrigerator cool and functional. Overpacked and cluttered fridges may struggle to regulate cool temperatures due to obstructed airflow caused by unorganized food.
If you’re experiencing issues with a warm fridge, take a moment to reorganize its contents, ensuring that air vents remain open and accessible for proper airflow.
3. Clean Condenser Coils
Your fridge’s condenser coils are a key component of its cooling system, but they can’t function properly if they’re dirty. Dust, pet dander, and other debris can all obstruct the proper functioning of these coils, leading to issues with your fridge’s cooling ability.
If you’re finding that your fridge isn’t keeping things cool, it may be time for a quick clean of the condenser coils. Just keep in mind that cleaning instructions may vary by the model of your refrigerator, so consult your product manual before you begin.
4. Inspect and Clean Door Gaskets
Don’t let dirty or damaged door gaskets affect the cooling performance of your fridge. These gaskets are responsible for sealing in cold air, but if they’re dirty or worn, they may not be able to seal properly, causing cool air to leak out.
Regularly inspect your door gaskets for any debris and clean them with warm soapy water as needed to prevent this issue.
5. Inspect Possible Faulty Parts
The evaporator fan, condenser fan, compressor, or start relay may be the cause of the issue. Listen for any unusual noises or other symptoms such as the fridge overheating or cycling on and off frequently to help determine which part may be faulty.
It’s best to schedule an appointment with a professional appliance repair technician to accurately diagnose and repair the issue.
Tips to Prevent Food From Spoiling
While you try to troubleshoot the problem yourself or wait for professional repair, there are a few things you can do to prevent your food from spoiling:
- Minimize how often you open the fridge door.
- Relocate perishables to a cooler area.
- Avoid placing hot or warm items inside the fridge.
If you’ve tried troubleshooting the issue yourself and are still having issues, give the refrigerator repair experts a call today.
