9 REASONS WHY YOUR REFRIGERATOR IS NOT COOLING
The household refrigerator has only one job: to keep everything cold, and when you find that your fridge is no longer cooling, you may find it a useless appliance. Several reasons cause refrigerators to not cool, like dirty condenser, poor ventilation, improper installation, faulty or dirty gasket seals, unorganized food storage, or sometimes appliance location and malfunctioning internal parts. The main thing is to understand and fix the problem; in the article below, we will discuss nine reasons why the refrigerator is not cooling and how to fix it.
9 Reasons for Refrigerators Not Cooling
Installation location
One leading cause of the refrigerator not cooling is your wrong location, which cannot maintain its proper cooling temperature. As we all know, refrigerators are designed for indoor use, so they should be kept where the temperatures are low and less likely to sharp rise or drop. Another reason why refrigerators are not cooling is that they are indoor appliances, and you keep them in your garage; that's why the fridge cannot cool appropriately due to the garage needing to have the capability to control the temperature rather than inside a home. So, check that your fridge is installed at the right location with enough clearance on the sides and backside to allow proper air circulation. Your refrigerator starts cooling when you provide ½ inch clearances on the side and 1 inch in the back. If your refrigerator doesn't have proper air circulation, then you need to move it so it will produce cooling.
Dirty Condenser Coils and Blocked Air Vents
Another main reason the refrigerators are not cooling properly is dirty condenser coils because condenser coils help your refrigerator to cool properly. When coils are covered with dust, pet dander, grease, or spider webs, you must clean them properly. The condenser coils' cleaning method differs according to your refrigerator model, so always consult your product manual before cleaning. One more reason behind the poor cooling system is air vents are blocked. Due to blocked air vents, your refrigerator cooling system stops cooling and stops the cool air from filtering inside the appliance. You should check the vents inside your refrigerator and freezer or clean them by removing the items blocking them.
Un-level Installation
When you install your refrigerator correctly, it will operate at its best with significant cooling. So it's a crucial step to ensure your refrigerator is installed correctly. The primary step is to place a level on the floor below the fridge to check if the appliance has been installed on a flat, even surface. You should install shims that will keep your refrigerator at level, and if you face any problem regarding leveling, refer to your product manual.
Dirty or Broken Gasket Seals
The door gasket seals are meant to lock cold air inside the refrigerator, and if they are dirty, damaged, or worn, they may not seal properly and leak all the cold air. So inspect your door gasket seals for dirt, crumbs, or other debris and clean with warm soapy water. If, after cleaning your gaskets and fridge, air continues to escape, then you should hire a licensed technician who will fix your issue.
Improperly Set Temperature Controls
One of the biggest reasons the refrigerator needs to be cooling correctly is improper temperature setup. The fridge should be kept between 32ºF - 40ºF for optimal performance. Your refrigerator stops cooling when the temperature is on the wrong control. Occasionally, the temperature settings reset if an item or your hand brushes against the controls. If this is the main reason, you should change the thermostat to your desired temperature setting. Moreover, the refrigerator and fridge have different temperature control systems, so set according to your appliance. And the change did not happen immediately; it took 24 hours to cool completely.
Food Organization
Food organization is an important thing that should be appropriately managed because sometimes your refrigerators are over-packed or cluttered, due to which your cooling system is affected. So always keep food in your refrigerator organized so your appliance gets the proper airflow. Reorganizing items in the fridge is necessary to keep air vents open and accessible.
Door Not Closing Properly
This is a common problem in all homes with refrigerators that can be responsible for many other problems, not just cooling issues. You should ensure that your refrigerator door is adequately sealed for food freshness and temperatures to stay where they need to be. However, a damaged gasket can stop this from happening. The refrigerator door stays open because the gasket is the rubber strip around the edge of the fridge door, sometimes called a seal. You should ensure that doors are airtight without leaks of cool air, but they allow warm air to come in from outside, which is the cause for producing no cooling. Luckily, it's an easy fix, and a replacement part will cool your fridge like new.
Broken Thermostat
When our refrigerators are not working and producing no cooling, we all check whether the thermostat is working or not. After checking, we see the temperature on the thermostat does not match the actual one; it's a sign of a broken thermostat. A thermostat is just like a thermometer and is a central place used to control the temperature, and you can replace it if you find any type of fault. You can test the temperature by simply placing the thermometer inside the refrigerator and checking its reading; then, you have to call a professional for assistance installing a new one.
Damaged Door Switch
Here is one more reason behind the refrigerator's cooling: when you open a fridge, a light turns on automatically, and the temperature drops to save energy. This handy mechanism makes it easy to see the food inside when you are taking a snack and ensures the motor does not burn out when the door is open and is trying to keep cool. Check the door seals for any cracks or gaps. If you notice any issues, replace the seals to ensure proper insulation and improved cooling efficiency.
Conclusion
When your refrigerator is not cooling correctly, you need to understand the problem and solve the issue promptly. Above in the blog article, we have provided nine common points behind refrigerator cooling; you can seek professional assistance who can fix the problem. Remember to check temperature settings, clean condenser coils, inspect door seals, and ensure proper airflow to maintain an efficiently cooling refrigerator and keep your food fresh for longer.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q.1 What Is The Reason Behind The Refrigerator Not Cooling Correctly?
There can be various reasons why your refrigerator isn't cooling effectively. Some common causes include a malfunctioning compressor, a faulty thermostat, improper temperature settings, clogged condenser coils, a malfunctioning evaporator fan, or a refrigerant leak.
Q.2 How Can I Know My Refrigerator Is Not Cooling Correctly?
Signs of a refrigerator not cooling correctly include warm temperatures inside the fridge, frost buildup in the freezer, unusual noises coming from the appliance, and food spoiling faster than usual. If you notice any of these signs, you must investigate the issue promptly.
Q.3 What Should Be Checked First When The Refrigerator Isn't Cooling?
It would be best if you started by checking the temperature settings on your refrigerator. Always ensure they are set to the recommended levels (usually between 35-38 degrees Fahrenheit for the refrigerator and 0 degrees Fahrenheit for the freezer). And vents inside the appliance are not blocked, and the door seals are intact and sealed correctly.