Refrigerator Not Cooling? Here’s How to Ensure Your Fridge Keeps Its Cool

With the rising costs of groceries, when your refrigerator is not cooling properly, the freshness of your food is threatened, which can lead to unnecessary waste. Opening up your refrigerator to unload your groceries and being greeted by a wall of warm air is a major cause of concern; however, it is not an uncommon issue. One of the most common reasons for a refrigerator repair is a refrigerator not cooling.

In this guide, our Arlington appliance repair team will equip you with the necessary tips to troubleshoot if you catch your refrigerator not cooling correctly. When your refrigerator is not cooling, you may be able to diagnose and repair the cooling issue with the right tips. However, if your refrigerator is still not cooling properly after these, Mr. Appliance of Arlington is just one call away for a repair! Let's take a look at some of the ways to troubleshoot the problem of a refrigerator not cooling.

Why Is My Refrigerator Not Cooling?

There is a wide range of possible reasons why a refrigerator is not cooling as it used to. From dirty condenser coils or poor ventilation to faulty thermostat settings or improper installation. Refrigerators are made up of several parts that each have a specific function. When just one of the parts is faulty, it can affect the overall cooling performance of your refrigerator.

Understanding the reasons your refrigerator isn't cooling properly is the first step to fix the issue. Some of these possible causes can be discovered and resolved through a little bit of your own elbow grease, while others may require the expertise of an appliance repair professional. Use this helpful guide to troubleshoot the causes of a refrigerator not cooling and find a long-lasting solution to ensure this issue doesn't happen again!

Dirty Condenser Coils

Condenser coils are located either underneath the refrigerator, on the back or at the top of the refrigerator. They are responsible for ensuring that your refrigerator remains cool, but, when they're covered in dust, debris, grease, and spiderwebs, they can't exactly do their job.

Condenser coils should ideally be cleaned one to two times a year. You can use a brush or a vacuum to clear out debris, but follow the instructions for your specific refrigerator model before you start cleaning.

Refrigerator Installation Location

You may not have realized it then, but the location you choose to install your refrigerator affects its ability to cool properly. Refrigerators should be installed in locations where temperatures won't rise significantly or drop dramatically. Furthermore, you'll want to ensure that there is enough airflow around the sides and the back of the appliance for proper air circulation. As a general rule of thumb, a refrigerator requires about half an inch of clearance on the side and one inch in the back. If your refrigerator does not have proper clearance, it could be the reason for your refrigerator not cooling.

Worn-Out Door Seals

The rubber gaskets on your refrigerator doors play a crucial role as guardians of cold air. Broken door deals, cracked seals, or compromised seals will allow cold air to escape, causing your refrigerator's compressor to go into overdrive and a plausible reason for a refrigerator not cooling. It's important that you inspect the gasket seals for signs of wear and tear. If you find that the door seals are covered in buildup, you'll want to consider cleaning your gaskets with some dish soap.

If the gaskets are cracked and worn, you will want to replace the seals as quickly as possible. Once you have new gaskets, you may find that the cooling performance inside your refrigerator will improve.

Faulty Refrigerator Compressor

The compressor of the refrigerator is the heart of your appliance. If you have an issue with the compressor, it can result in inconsistent cooling as well as other side effects such as loud noises. Troubleshooting a refrigerator compressor takes the expertise and skill of a qualified appliance repair professional. So, if you think that your problems with your refrigerator not cooling are a result of a malfunctioning compressor, get in touch with Mr. Appliance to get the compressor running again.

Evaporator Fans and Condenser Fans

If you can hear the refrigerator compressor running, but the refrigerator still isn't cooling properly, it could be from frost buildup on the evaporator fan. The evaporator fan could also be stuck or broken, which you will know is the case if you hear a squeal or chirp. If you open the freezer compartment door and the noise is loud, you've found the reason why your refrigerator is not cooling enough.

The condenser fans are essential for effectively removing heat from the condenser coils. Without their proper functioning, the overall efficiency of the refrigerator compartment can be significantly compromised. Regularly inspect and remove buildup from these two fans to ensure that your refrigerator stays cool.

Is Your Refrigerator Not Cooling Properly? Count On Mr. Appliance of Arlington For Repair

If unplugging the refrigerator didn't work, reconfiguring the temperature settings didn't work, and cleaning the condenser coils didn't work, leave your refrigerator not cooling dilemma to the experts at Mr. Appliance of Arlington. Our team can perform a long-lasting refrigerator repair that will restore the cooling efficiency of your appliance in no time. Contact our exceptional customer service team today to arrange an appointment for refrigerator repair.