Why do fridges stop cooling

Spread the love. Leave a Reply Cancel Reply You must be logged in to post a comment. Live Chat Click to say hi. How to Fix It. Schedule Online. Text Call Text Us. The first thing to do is to consider the simplest explanations: Did the fridge accidentally get unplugged, or was the power shut off? Did the thermostat inadvertently get turned all the way down?

Is there a big bag of frozen vegetables blocking the freezer vents? Here are five other common reasons why your fridge may not be cooling, and how to address them. There are coils located under or behind the fridge that cool and condense the refrigerant.

Sometimes so much dust or dirt collects on these coils that the heat can no longer be released efficiently, and it winds up in your fridge instead. Clean off the debris with a handheld vacuum or special refrigerator coil brush and see if that resolves the problem. Check to see if dust or debris is present on the fan blades which would keep them from spinning properly , and if so, gently wipe the blades clean with a towel.

Replacing the gaskets is an easy enough project for eager DIYers. Most refrigerator legs can be adjusted with either a hex wrench or adjustable pliers. Your fridge comes with condenser coils that are filled with refrigerant. Over time, the coils—which are not in a sealed unit—can become caked with dust, hair, or pet fur, which reduces their ability to keep the air in the fridge cold.

If you find a lot of dust buildup on the coils, plan to clean them once or twice a year to keep your fridge cooling properly. If an item blocks the airflow, it can result in inconsistent temperatures in the refrigerated compartment. Depending on the brand and model of your fridge, the vents could be located along the inside back wall or along a side wall.

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. Select basic ads. Create a personalised ads profile. Select personalised ads. Apply market research to generate audience insights. Measure content performance. Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. Temperature Control Is Improperly Set Resetting the temperature control is often the first and easiest fix for a refrigerator that is not cool enough.

What Is Optimal Fridge Temperature? Condenser Coils Are Dirty When the condenser coils on the back of the refrigerator are dirty or covered in spiderwebs, the unit cannot properly cool. Door Gaskets Are Not Clean Over time, the flexible door seals gaskets can become dirty from food or fingerprints, preventing the door from sealing properly.

Food Items Are Blocking the Air Vents Check inside the refrigerator box for food items that might be blocking the cool air vent. Continue to 5 of 10 below. Refrigerator Is Understocked Mass within the refrigerator helps to maintain coolness. Refrigerator Is Out of Level Refrigerators should be close to level for them to work properly. Clearances Are Not Maintained The refrigerator should have enough clearance on the sides and especially on the back for air circulation and in order to cool properly.

Continue to 9 of 10 below.