Why Refrigerator Cooling Matters
Your refrigerator has one of the most important jobs in your home, second only to your plumbing system. It keeps your food fresh and prevents spoiling. When it stops working, it can put the safety of your food at risk from germs and bacteria.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends keeping cold foods at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and refrigerating cooked leftovers within 2 hours. When temperatures rise inside your refrigerator due to ineffective cooling, your food can quickly become toxic. Imagine coming home from work one day to find your refrigerator has been off all day. Not only do you have to throw away spoiled food, but now you may need to get a new refrigerator.
Common Signs Your Fridge Isn’t Cooling Properly
- Food stored in the refrigerator spoils too quickly
- Inconsistent temperatures across different areas of the fridge
- Excess frost on coils or condensation on food
- Refrigerator seems to run constantly, no on/off cycling
- Strange buzzing or humming sounds that get louder
Realizing when something isn’t right is the first step toward preserving your food, and preventing costly replacements.
What Might Be Causing the Problem?
Clogged Condenser Coils
One problem that might be causing this issue is dirty coils. Dust, hair, and pet dander collect on the coils and prevent the heat from being released. When this happens, your refrigerator has to work harder to cool the same amount of space. A good preventative would be to check and clean your coils every 6 months or so.
Faulty Thermostat
Another reason why it might not be cooling properly is if the thermostat is set to the wrong temperature. The thermostat is what regulates the temperature inside your refrigerator. Replacing a faulty thermostat often solves the issue. But if not, chek other causes on this list.
Blocked Air Vents
Refrigerators, like freezers, rely on air circulation to keep items cold. If food packages, gallon-size milk jugs, or jars of assorted condiments blocks any of the vents, you’ll get uneven cooling in certain areas.
Broken Evaporator Fan
While blocked air vents restrict air circulation on the outside, a non-working evaporator fan will have similar results on the inside. In either case, you will have uneven or inconsistent temperatures.
Failing Compressor
The compressor is the core of your refrigerator’s cooling system. What this does is it pressurizes the refrigerant, sending it through to the evaporator coils. If this is what is causing your problem it will require being serviced by a skilled professional who repairs and services appliances. This is not something you can fix yourself.
Faulty Door Seals (Gaskets)
Seals around your refrigerator door keep the cold air in and the warm air out. If those seals develop cracks and splits, they allow the chilled air to seep out through the cracks. These are easy to replace yourself and once you’ve done that, you shouldn’t have any other problems, if this was the cause.
Troubleshooting Steps Before Calling a Technician
While we may think we have checked everything, it’s always good to give it another look. Check these items before calling in a professional:
- Make sure the fridge is plugged in and it is getting power.
- Check that the thermostat is set to 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. Depending on your model, you may have a dial showing number or letters (A,B,C, etc.). It may also say “cold, colder, and coldest.”
- Clean the condensor coils to make sure they’re not dirty.
- Test the door seals by opening and closing the door several times. Do you hear any sounds or feel resistance when opening?
- Make sure items inside your fridge are evenly spaced to allow air circulation.
If none of these simple fixes solves the problem, your refrigerator requires professional attention.
Why Call Mr. Appliance of East Texas?
Whether you need refrigerator repair in your home or your office, you need dependable, reliable service. The skilled professional at Mr. Appliance can handle residential and commercial jobs and deliver peace of mind to all our customers
What Sets Us Apart?
- Flexible scheduling and fast, reliable service
- Professional assessments and transparent, upfront pricing
- Confidence backed by a one year guarantee on parts and labor under the Neighborly Done Right Promise
- Annual checkups with our Appliance Wellness Program catch small problems before they get bigger
With this high level of service and 28+ years in the business, we don’t want you to stress over small details. We’ll tace care of everything for you. From diagnosing your refrigerator issues, to restoring it to full operation, Mr. Appliance of East Texas can help your refrigerator make a full recovery.
Preventing Future Cooling Problems
To prevent problems in the future, practice preventative maintenance to keep your bills low and your fridge working. Little things done periodically can extend the life of your appliances, such as:
- Clean the condenser coils twice per year.
- Keep your fridge stocked to use less energy, but not overly full to avoid blocking vents.
- Check and replace door gaskets, as needed.
- Refrain from frequent door opening/closing to maintain consistent temperature.
- Schedule routine maintenance periodically to check for loose parts.
- Wipe up spills and clean the interior of the fridge to keep down odors.
- Consider applying for the Appliance Wellness Program at Mr. Appliance of East Texas.
If you follow these simple recommendations, you’ll avoid costly repairs and have an appliance that will serve you well for years to come.
If you’re stuck with a refrigerator that isn’t cooling right, and you’ve tried some of these troubleshooting tips but nothing has worked, don’t risk your food spoiling. Call Mr. Appliance of East Texas today and schedule repair service you can trust.
