Why fridge not cooling

The issue could be anything from a malfunctioning compressor to a defective temperature control board, which would require a professional diagnosis and intervention. Cookie banner We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our site, show personalized content and targeted ads, analyze site traffic, and understand where our audiences come from. By choosing I Accept , you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies.

By Nancy Fann-Im. Pinterest Email Pocket Flipboard. Fridge Still Not Cooling? Condenser coils are dusty There are coils located under or behind the fridge that cool and condense the refrigerant. Evaporator coils are covered in frost As mentioned above, the evaporator fan draws cool air from the evaporator coils and moves it throughout the entire unit, including the freezer.

Air inlet damper is broken The air inlet damper is located between the freezer and the fresh food compartment, controlling the amount of cold air that passes from the former to the latter.

Read This! Thanks for signing up! Naturally, it takes some time for the food and drinks inside to chill again, but refrigerators with control panels or a manual switch the user sets might need your help after they lose power. On their troubleshooting page about KitchenAid refrigerators not cooling, the company explains how power outage and cooling function buttons might reset on their models.

At this point, the cause of the problem might be a defective mechanical component. While replacing some components on a refrigerator is not too difficult, pinpointing the exact cause of the problem can be tricky and requires the use of electrical testing equipment.

The compressor, the compressor fan, or the defrost thermostat might need replacing, which should be undertaken by a licensed professional. If your fridge is still under warranty, note that attempting to replace components yourself may void its warranty.

Likewise, the service and parts can be so costly that you are better off replacing a refrigerator that is not cooling. With a little troubleshooting, you can check to determine why a fridge is not cooling and might solve the problem with a simple fix like thinning out items to avoid blocking airflow, checking the power to the appliance, or checking temperature settings and cooling functions. You also might be able to clean condenser coils or replace door gaskets on your own.

If all else fails, it might be time to replace the fridge. To avoid that, be sure to do all you can to maintain this important kitchen workhorse and extend the life of your refrigerator. When a refrigerator is not cooling, there are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot before calling a repair service or rushing out to buy a new fridge.

The tips above can help, but you might still have one of these common questions:. If the freezer works but the fridge is not cold, the problem likely is not power, but could signal one of a few problems. A damper control that lets cold air into the fridge might be broken, even though the freezer works.

The same goes for the evaporator fan motor or the evaporator coils, which can build up frost. A thermistor monitors the fridge temperature and might be defective. Or it might be a simpler problem, like too many stuffed items in the fridge or worn-out door gaskets from high use just on the refrigerator side of the unit. Typically, your refrigerator works best when it is full, but not overstuffed. Be aware of overcrowding that can reduce airflow inside.

And avoid placing leftovers in the fridge until they cool down on the counter a bit. However, during peak fridge use times, like holidays or company in the house, go ahead and lower the temperature about 1 degree to account for increased volume and door openings. Many modern refrigerators are highly technical and various timers or thermostats can malfunction. Do not use abrasive cleaners, brushes, scouring pads, flammable fluids, or window cleaning sprays.

Check inside the refrigerator box for food items that might be blocking the cool air vent. Large boxes or bags may have been inadvertently placed in front of the vents, preventing cool air from entering the unit.

Pull those items aside or locate them to a different shelf. Mass within the refrigerator helps to maintain coolness. Understocked fridges need to work harder to maintain cool temperatures. Well-stocked but not overstocked fridges have sufficient mass to retain those cool temperatures. To save money, this can be a do-it-yourself project. Refrigerators should be close to level for them to work properly. From side-to-side, the fridge should be perfectly level.

Use a bubble or laser level to check. The refrigerator should have enough clearance on the sides and especially on the back for air circulation and in order to cool properly. Tolerances depend on your brand of refrigerator, so check the instructions for details. After sliding the unit back in place, be sure to reset the anti-tip brackets located at the lower two front corners of the unit. More complex reasons for your refrigerator not cooling involving mechanical operations may require a visit from an appliance technician.

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