Your Trusted Appliance Repair Service for the Bay Area & Sacramento
Your Trusted Appliance Repair Service for the Bay Area & Sacramento
Why your refrigerator is not cooling: Common causes and solutions.
A refrigerator that’s not cooling properly can be frustrating, especially when your food and groceries are at risk of spoiling. There are several potential reasons why your refrigerator might not be cooling as it should, ranging from simple issues to more complex technical problems.
Here, we’ll explore the most common causes and what you can do to resolve them.
Here, we’ll explore the most common causes and what you can do to resolve them.
Thermostat settings are incorrect.
One of the simplest reasons your refrigerator might not be cooling is incorrect temperature settings. Sometimes, the dial may be accidentally bumped or set too high, resulting in an inefficient cooling process.
Solution:
Check the thermostat dial or digital display to ensure it’s set to the right temperature. The recommended temperature for refrigerators is between 37°F (3°C) and 40°F (4°C). For freezers, it should be set at 0°F (-18°C).
Condenser coils are dirty.
Condenser coils release heat from the fridge, and when they are dirty or covered in dust, the fridge has to work harder to cool. This can lead to reduced cooling efficiency or even failure to cool altogether.
Solution:
Unplug the fridge and locate the condenser coils, which are typically at the back or bottom. Use a vacuum cleaner or a soft brush to carefully clean away any dirt or debris. This simple maintenance step can greatly improve your refrigerator’s performance.
Evaporator fan malfunction.
The evaporator fan is critical in circulating cold air from the freezer into the fridge. If it stops working or becomes faulty, your refrigerator may not get the cold air it needs, even though the freezer may still function properly.
Solution:
Listen for unusual noises from the fan, or check if it’s not running at all. If the fan is damaged or blocked, you’ll need to replace it. This repair is typically straightforward, but consulting a technician may be necessary if you’re unsure.
Manually defrost the refrigerator by turning it off for several hours and letting the ice melt. If frost continues to build up, you may have a broken defrost timer, thermostat, or heater, which would need professional attention to fix.
Frost build-up on evaporator coils.
If the evaporator coils are covered in frost, air can’t flow properly inside the fridge. This is often due to a malfunctioning defrost system, which prevents the refrigerator from automatically defrosting as needed.
Solution:
Inspect the interior of your refrigerator and ensure nothing is blocking the vents. Rearrange food items to allow proper air circulation, especially near the vents. Avoid overstuffing the fridge, which can also restrict airflow.
Clogged or blocked vents
Refrigerators rely on unobstructed airflow to maintain cool temperatures. If food items are blocking the air vents inside the fridge or freezer, it can cause uneven cooling or even complete loss of cooling in some areas.
Solution:
Inspect the door seals for any signs of damage. You can test the seal by closing the door on a piece of paper—if the paper pulls out easily, the gasket isn’t sealing properly. If the gasket is worn, it’s time to replace it to restore the fridge’s efficiency.
Faulty door gaskets.
The door gasket is the rubber seal that lines the edges of your refrigerator and freezer doors. Over time, these gaskets can wear out, crack, or become loose, allowing warm air to enter and cold air to escape, reducing the fridge's cooling capacity.
Solution:
If you suspect a compressor issue, listen for a humming sound. If the compressor isn’t running, it could be due to a faulty start relay or a bad compressor. Compressor repairs are complex and should be handled by a licensed technician.
Compressor problems.
The compressor is the heart of your refrigerator’s cooling system, pumping refrigerant through the coils to remove heat. If the compressor fails or is malfunctioning, the refrigerator won’t cool at all.
Solution:
Refrigerant problems need to be handled by a professional since they involve the sealed cooling system. A technician will check for leaks, repair them, and recharge the refrigerant to the proper level.
Low refrigerant levels.
If the refrigerant (the cooling agent inside the fridge) is too low, it can hinder the fridge’s ability to cool. This could be caused by a refrigerant leak, which requires immediate attention.
Solution:
If you hear clicking sounds and the refrigerator isn’t cooling, the start relay might be the culprit. Replacing the relay can often resolve the issue, but a technician can confirm if this is the source of the problem.
Malfunctioning start relay.
The start relay helps the compressor run. If this small component is faulty, the compressor may not start, leading to cooling failure in the fridge.
Solution:
Check the condenser fan to make sure it’s free of dust, dirt, or objects that may be obstructing it. If the fan is broken or not spinning, it will likely need to be replaced to restore cooling.
Blocked condenser fan.
The condenser fan helps cool the compressor and condenser coils by blowing air over them. If it’s blocked by debris or has stopped working, the refrigerator may overheat, resulting in poor cooling.
Solution:
Ensure the refrigerator is properly plugged into a working outlet. You can test the outlet by plugging in another device to see if it works. If there’s no power, check the circuit breaker or call an electrician.
Power supply issues.
Sometimes the issue is as simple as a power problem. If the fridge isn’t plugged in securely or the outlet isn’t functioning, it could prevent the fridge from cooling.
Solution:
Is your refrigerator broken?
While some refrigerator cooling issues can be easily fixed at home, more complex problems like refrigerant leaks, compressor failures, or electrical malfunctions require professional expertise.
If you’ve tried troubleshooting and the fridge still isn’t cooling, it’s best to contact a certified appliance repair technician.
Why choose us?
We offer a wide range of refrigerator repair services.
Professional craftsmen
Our craftsmen have extensive experience and the necessary skills to carry out repairs of any complexity.
Original parts
We use only original parts to ensure high quality repairs.
Work guarantee
We provide a guarantee for all types of work and parts used.
Urgent repairs
We respond quickly to requests and carry out repairs in the shortest possible time.
Visit of the master
You can call a technician to your home to diagnose and repair your refrigerator.
Affordable prices
We offer affordable prices for refrigerator repairs without sacrificing quality.
How we work?
Fill out the application form.
A manager will contact you to arrange a meeting with you.
Visit of a technician and diagnostics
Our technicians have extensive experience working with various models of household appliances.
Agreeing with the customer on the cost of repairs.
Agreeing with the customer on the cost of repairs.
Professional repair.
After the repair, you will receive a guarantee for the work performed and parts installed.
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