Why Refrigerator Is Not Cooling? [Solved]

Have you ever wondered why refrigerator is not cooling? Are you struggling with fixing the cooling/freezing functions of your fridge? Then this blog is for you. An essential appliance in every household, a refrigerator is a continuous-functioning artifact that we open and close most during the day. Many affordable refrigerators are available in India which has ensured every household has one. After purchasing one of these devices, you expect it to perform flawlessly in cooling and freezing.

Sometimes, even when you invest in some of the best refrigerator brands you run into some problems. Below we shall tackle the question of “why refrigerator is not cooling?” so you know why and what to do in such circumstances. We point out some possible reasons, and some advice on how you can fix your appliance!

How to Check if Fridge is Cooling or Not?

To check if your refrigerator is cooling, you will need to place a thermometer in the fridge and check the temperature over several hours. The ideal temperature for a refrigerator is between 35-40 degrees Fahrenheit. Suppose the temperature is consistently above this range. In that case, the fridge is not cooling correctly, and you should contact a repair person.

Another way to tell if the refrigerator is cooling correctly is to pay attention to how often you need to restock perishable items. If you need to supply more frequently than usual, it could be a sign that the fridge is not keeping food cold enough. Lastly, you can also listen to strange noises coming from the refrigerator. If you hear any humming or buzzing sounds, it could signify that the cooling mechanism is not working correctly. If you notice any of these signs, it’s crucial to take action so that your food does not spoil.

Reasons Why Fridge Not Cooling:

As any homeowner knows, the refrigerator is one of the most important appliances in the home. It helps to keep food fresh and prevents spoilage. However, if the refrigerator is not properly maintained, it can develop cooling problems. Read below to find possible reasons why your fridge is not cooling efficiently.

Bad Thermostat Regulation

One of the most common causes of cooling problems is an erroneous thermostat setting. When the appliance is first turned on, there is a temptation to set the thermostat to a low enough temperature so the refrigerator cools rapidly. However, this can actually cause cooling problems in hotter conditions.

Door Gaskets are Unclean

One possible reason your refrigerator is not cooling correctly is that the door gaskets are dirty. Over time, food or fingerprints can cause the flexible door seals (gaskets) to become contaminated, preventing the door from sealing properly. Using a sponge and warm, soapy water, you can clean the gaskets. Wipe off the parts of the fridge where the gaskets come into contact.

Avoid abrasive cleaners, brushes, scouring pads, flammable fluids, or window cleaning sprays. Suppose the door gaskets are clean and the fridge is still not cooling correctly. In that case, you may need to consult a professional for further assistance.

Unclean Condenser Coils

Another possible reason why refrigerator is not cooling is dirty condenser coils. The coils are located on the back of the fridge, and if they’re dusty or covered in spiderwebs, they won’t be able to do their job effectively. You can clean them yourself by removing the anti-tip brackets from the cabinet’s exterior bottom-front and carefully sliding the fridge out. Then, use a vacuum cleaner with a hand attachment to clean the coils. Be careful not to bend or damage them in any way. If this doesn’t solve the problem, you may need to call a maintenance specialist.

Understocked Refrigerator

Refrigerators rely on mass to keep the inside cool—and that mass usually comes in the form of food. So if your fridge is running low, it won’t be able to maintain a consistent temperature. This is especially true if you frequently open and close the door, as that lets out cold air.

Another possibility is that your fridge is overstocked, which can impede cooling. If your fridge is packed to the brim, there’s not enough room for cold air to circulate, making it harder for the appliance to do its job. The solution in both cases is simple: make sure your fridge is neither too empty nor too full. That way, you’ll have the ideal conditions for keeping your food fresh.

Blocked Air Vents

Look inside the refrigerator for any food that could be blocking the fantastic air vent. Large boxes or bags could have been placed in front of the ducts by accident, preventing cool air from entering the unit. Remove those things or place them on a separate shelf.

Door Gasket Requires Replacement

The gasket is the seal that runs along the edge of the door, and its job is to keep cold air in and warm air out. Over time, door gaskets can become cracked or brittle, allowing precious cool air to escape. If you suspect that your gaskets are not sealing accurately, try cleaning them with a bar of mild soap and warm water.

If the issue persists, you will need to replace the gaskets altogether. This is a relatively easy repair that most do-it-yourselfers can do. However, suppose you are unsure of your ability to complete the repair. In that case, it is always best to consult a qualified refrigerator technician.

Where It is Placed

The location of the refrigerator is another factor. If the fridge is positioned in a warm or cold environment, such as outside or in a garage, this can impact its cooling. Even if the fridge is in a cool room, nearby hot appliances like dishwashers, stoves, and ovens might also affect. Hence placement is an essential factor to remember when trying to figure out why refrigerator is not cooling.

Also read – Best Refrigerators: Guides, Reviews & Comparisons

Your Fridge is Not Level

If your refrigerator isn’t cooling, one of the first things you should check is whether or not the fridge is level. Because refrigerators rely on a sealed system, they need to be level for everything to work correctly. If the fridge is even slightly off-kilter, it can disrupt the seal and prevent the fridge from cooling properly. You can check if your fridge is level using a bubble or laser level. If the fridge is too far off from being level, you may need to adjust the leveling legs to get it into the correct position. Once you’ve reached the fridge level, check if it starts cooling correctly. If not, there may be another issue at play.

Gaps are Inappropriate

The correct gap/distance/clearance must be maintained around the appliance for a refrigerator to work correctly. This is because air circulation is essential for optimum cooling, and if there is insufficient space for this to happen then the fridge will not function correctly. Clearances can vary depending on the brand of refrigerator, so it is essential to check the instructions carefully before making any changes. Generally speaking, 3/8-inch on the sides and 1 inch at the back are required for the fridge to work right. If these clearances are not adhered to, likely, the fridge will not cool properly and food may be spoiled.

Faulty Electric Supply

Check to make sure the electrical socket is secure and tight in the outlet. If the socket is loose, it will not provide enough power to run the fridge properly. Another potential issue is the power cord itself. If the cord is damaged or frayed, it will need to be replaced.

By troubleshooting these potential issues, you should be able to fix a fridge that is not cooling properly. Below you will find some tips and tricks on how you can fix issues with your refrigerator.

How to Fix The Issue?

You may check a few things before hiring a repairer if your refrigerator isn’t chilling. Try the below tips:

Thermostat Control

Reduce the refrigerator’s temperature to cool the food. Adjust the thermostat to an intermediate setting, usually between 4 and 5 degrees in most refrigerators. Consult your refrigerator’s operating directions for more information.

Place the Refrigerator in a Cool Location

If the problem is a high ambient temperature in the room, move the refrigerator to a cool location. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources such as the heating system, oven, and dishwasher.

Less Door Opening

Simply opening the refrigerator door less frequently will assist in effective cooling. This tip is convenient in the summer: plan what food you’ll need or what you’ll drink to open the refrigerator door less frequently.

Ventilation

To remedy refrigerator ventilation issues, try removing it from the wall for a period. Then, position it with extra room between the wall and the appliance’s back. Also, do not overfill the shelves to allow for improved interior air circulation.

Cleaning the Condenser and Fan

Although accessing the refrigerator’s fan and condenser is difficult, try to clean them, at least when the appliance is causing enough problems to maximize its operation. Remove the fan grill to ensure it is not obstructed. Then read the manufacturer’s instructions to locate and clean the condenser appropriately.

Defrost the Refrigerator

It is convenient to defrost the refrigerator when making ice. Otherwise, the food will not be properly refrigerated or preserved.

Why Refrigerator Is Not Cooling? – FAQs

Why Refrigerator Is Not Cooling: Conclusion

In conclusion, there are several potential reasons why refrigerator is not cooling. It is a good idea to read every section above to understand possible reasons why refrigerator is not cooling. Remember, if you cannot solve the problem yourself, be sure to call a qualified repair person. With a little troubleshooting, you should be able to get your fridge working properly again in no time.

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