Why Refrigerators Fail to Cool - Is That Your Story?

Why Refrigerators Fail to Cool – Is That Your Story?

The reasons for refrigerators not cooling are quite a lot. Depending on the fridge style, type, model, and brand, the components of the appliance may vary but they are always numerous. And it takes the good cooperation of all components to make this giant in the kitchen cool as it should. If yours doesn’t, you are likely wondering whether to find a refrigerator technician or say goodbye to the old appliance and simply go out and bye a new one.

Unless this is a very old appliance and unless you don’t mind paying a small fortune to buy a new fridge this afternoon, check out the main reasons for the problem. Since we are talking about your fridge – the one home appliance you cannot do without, not even for hours, see now if this is a problem you can take care of yourself or you must hurry to find a fridge technician.

Is the fridge plugged in? (and other small problems that cause big fridge headaches)

As it is often the case, the solution to a problem doesn’t necessarily involve any complex fridge repairs. On many occasions, the solution is starring us in the face, trying to remind us that we left the appliance unplugged. So, plug it in. Other easy-to-fix problems include resetting the thermostat. The higher the number, the cooler the fridge. Check if yours has been turned down.

Now, if the fridge is not cooling, it’s highly likely that it’s overloaded. If there’s stuff everywhere, chances are high that the boxes of food block the vents of the appliance – hence, airflow, keeping it from cooling. Reorganize your fridge.

Also, make sure the door is closing firmly. The fridge may need some adjustments if you have to push the door all the way to close it – consequently, leaving it open by accident, some of the times. One serious culprit is the door gasket. If it’s worn, the fridge won’t close well – at least, they will be some gaps that will let cool air escape. In this case, you need an appliance technician to replace the gasket.

Have you checked the condenser coils lately?

Found at the back (or bottom) of the fridge, the condenser coils are often forgotten. As a consequence, they get really dirty and this affects the appliance’s cooling. Why? Because the condenser coils transfer the refrigerant to the evaporator coils, enabling the cooling process. If they are clogged with debris, they cannot do that – at least, not well.

Are you sure the evaporator fan is working?

The evaporator fan is found on the freezer wall. That cool air you feel the moment you open the door of the appliance is thanks to the evaporator fan. Its job is to circulate cool air from the evaporator coils throughout the compartment. If it’s broken, filled with frost, or dirty, it won’t cool the fridge compartment.

How about the condenser fan motor?

Located under or behind the fridge, the condenser fan motor makes sure the condenser coils and the compressor get some cool air to keep the appliance from getting overheated and maintain the correct temperatures. If the motor is broken or the blades of the fan meet obstructions, the fridge won’t cool.

Are the control boards okay?

Most modern fridges have two control boards – one basic one and one for temp control. If either of them fails, the appliance will not cool – at least, not well. If you suspect such a problem, simply contact an appliance repair company.