5 Reasons Your Refrigerator Isn't Cooling
Learn how to troubleshoot a failing fridge that has lost its chill
In the kitchen, refrigerators are workhorses and there is nothing worse than finding out it can no longer keep food and other produce fresh. Just like all complex machines, there are several possible causes as to why a cooling system can't keep your milk cold or your ice cream frozen. To help solve your dilemma, here are quick fixes to keep in mind:
1. Before calling your neighborhood electrician, try checking your refrigerator’s temperature settings. If you find that it got accidentally shifted, try changing it to a cooler temp to see if that helps. You can also try turning it off before switching temps to see if there’s a drastic difference.
2. Believe it or not, another possible issue could be food load. If your fridge is too full, you may be blocking the air vent and stopping cold air from circulating. Make sure to regularly declutter your refrigerator for items that may have already gone bad or things that are stuffing it to the brim.
3. Double check to see if nothing is stuck in the condenser fan and that it spins freely (models with coils at the back won’t have a fan). If it isn’t, unplug the fridge and pull it out. Clean the fan blades and spin the fan by hand to see if it works. Plug the fridge back in and remember to see if the fan works perfectly when the compressor is running.
4. When was the last time you cleaned the coils of your refrigerator? If the fridge isn’t cooling, try vacuuming the coils under or behind it. Clogged coils can cause poor cooling and air circulation.
5. Another thing that could be faulty in a failing fridge is the start relay. If it is broken, it can cause problems with the refrigerator’s compressor (which circulates refrigerant through condenser and evaporator coils). Try having an expert examine the start relay for continuity and have it replaced immediately if necessary.
SOURCES: sharperservicesolutions.com and familyhandyman.com
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