A refrigerator that doesn’t cool down correctly might be very inconvenient. It makes it tough to get frozen items or grab a cold drink, in addition to putting all of your perishable foods at risk. There are a few things you may look into if you find your refrigerator’s interior is warmer than it should be. Continue reading to find out the most frequent causes of a fridge not cooling down as well as how to identify and resolve the problem.
No Cooling in the Refrigerator
1. Dirty Condenser Coils
Condenser coil dirt is one of the most frequent causes of a refrigerator not cooling. These coils, which are a component of the refrigeration system, are often found at the refrigerator’s back or bottom. Their capacity to emit heat into the kitchen is hampered over time as they gather dust, pet hair, and other detritus.
Here are some indicators that clogged condenser coils could be the source of your cooling issues:
- The freezer is still quite cold, but the refrigerator area is getting a little warm.
- The refrigerator’s bottom or back feel warm to the touch.
- The compressor runs a lot, yet it doesn’t cool down well.
If the coils on your refrigerator are dusty, unplug the appliance and use a hoover attachment with a soft brush to gently clean the coils. To access the coils, you might have to remove a service panel. Normal heat transfer and ventilation are restored by clearing out accumulated trash.
2. A malfunctioning condenser fan motor
Condenser fans help release heat, circulate air, and guarantee adequate cooling in many refrigerators by collaborating with coils. The fridge’s capacity to keep its cool will be directly impacted if the condenser fan motor malfunctions.
Signs that suggest a potential issue with the condenser fan motor include:
- The refrigerator either doesn’t chill at all or barely cools down a little bit.
- The fridge doesn’t get any cooler even when the compressor is running.
- When the compressor is running, the condenser fan is not spinning.
Usually, the entire condenser fan assembly needs to be replaced if the motor is faulty. In order to get to the part, the refrigerator must be removed. It is advised to have the damage repaired professionally.
3. The Motor of the Evaporator Fan Is Broken
A key component in moving cool air from the freezer into the refrigerator section is the evaporator fan motor. Even though the freezer is operating well, items in the refrigerator portion won’t stay cold if it stops working.
Indications of a malfunctioning evaporator fan:
- While the fridge area is warm, the freezer is appropriately chilly.
- The temperature of the refrigerator varies a lot.
- Nothing refreshing was coming from the freezer.
Disassembling the freezer’s interior is a necessary step in the complicated process of replacing the evaporator fan motor. If the fan motor needs to be replaced or only repaired, a professional can assess this.
4. Start Relay Isn’t Working
The start relay is a tiny but crucial part that keeps the compressor motor operating correctly when it first starts up. The compressor’s ability to circulate refrigerant and provide cooling may be compromised if the start relay fails, or it may not even turn on at all.
Indices of a poor relay start:
- Fridge won’t run at all and the compressor won’t turn on.
- Compressor briefly turns on but stops working.
- While the compressor is not starting, the relay emits a clicking or buzzing sound.
The cooling problem should be fixed if it turns out that the start relay is defective and needs to be replaced with a new, compatible relay. This repair is reasonably priced.
5. There Is No Compressor
The essential part in charge of pumping refrigerant to extract heat from the inside and release it outdoors is the compressor. The refrigerator will not cool if the compressor is not operating.
Issues that would make it impossible for the compressor to start up:
- Issue with the power supply, like a blown fuse or an unplugged cord.
- Internal overload protector tripped.
- Compressor that overheated and seized.
- Compressor motor burnout.
- Faulty capacitor.
To get the refrigerator cooling again, it could be necessary to replace the compressor entirely if it turns out to be faulty. Though costly, this is worth it if you have a recent fridge.
6. Leak in Refrigerator
The material that absorbs heat in the coils and is squeezed by the compressor into a liquid state is called refrigerant. Cooling performance is significantly decreased if a rupture in the sealed system allows refrigerant to escape.
Indicators of a potential refrigerant leak:
- The freezer and fridge are both a little heated.
- Compressor operates continuously, but interior temperature won’t drop.
- Strange sounds emanate from the compressor.
- Ice crystals or frost inside the refrigerator.
Cooling problems can occasionally be fixed by locating a leak and replenishing the refrigerant. However, repairs for an older fridge might not be cost-effective if the leak is internal or serious.
7. The thermostat isn’t operating properly
The compressor and cooling system are managed by the refrigerator thermostat. The thermostat’s inability to transmit the signal to switch on and off the compressor at the proper temperatures can result in problems.
Signs that a malfunctioning thermostat could be the cause:
- Unpredictable or significantly above average fridge temperature.
- Compressor operates continuously or never stops.
- Unresponsive thermostat control panel.
Most of the time, a replacement thermostat kit should address the cooling issue if the thermostat is found to be defective. Verify that the replacement fits the model of your refrigerator exactly.
8. Obscured Defrost Pipe
Frequent defrost cycles in frost-free refrigerators remove any ice buildup on the evaporator coils. Water cannot properly drain from a clogged drain hole and accumulates at the bottom of the refrigerator, which reduces cooling.
Symptoms of a frozen drain blockage:
- Ice or water accumulation within the refrigerator.
- The refrigerator section’s cooling is inadequate.
- Frost accumulation on the freezer’s rear wall.
Using a turkey baster or other specialized equipment, unclog the defrost drain to eliminate the obstruction that is causing the cooling problem. While cleaning the drain, take care not to harm any parts of the refrigerator.
When to Use a Repair Service?
Do not be afraid to contact a reputable refrigerator repair service if you have identified the problem but lack the necessary abilities to resolve it on your own. Reputable businesses are able to:
- Safely identify the precise issue.
- Replace faulty components, such as relays and fan motors.
- Check for leaks in sealed systems, recharge the refrigerant, and fix any thermostat calibration problems.
- Determine whether replacement is required due to compressor failure.
- Clean coils and drains on a regular basis.
The right resolution of cooling problems is ensured by expert repair by a licensed appliance specialist. They have the components, equipment, and know-how to repair and restart your refrigerator.
Avoiding Future Issues with Cooling
Maintain your refrigerator properly to help prevent future cooling issues:
- Keep dust accumulation off condenser coils.
- Refrigerator overfilling prevents airflow.
- Freeze the freezer to avoid creating too much ice.
- Check the tightness of the door seal.
- Keep refrigerator doors closed while not in use.
- Keep away from placing near heat sources or in direct sunlight