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Q: I’m worried that my refrigerator is not cooling. I just pulled out a can of soda that’s barely cold, and I noticed my milk is also warmer than it should be. Why is my refrigerator not cooling properly? Do I have to call a repairman, or is there something I can do to fix it?
A : While some refrigerator cooling problems ask professional assistance , do n’t call the maintenance man just yet . You might be able to fix it yourself . It ’s certainly deserving a shot , too , since the average professional military service call can take to the woods $ 150 or more .
lead off by notingstrange icebox noiseslike scrape , which might point a problem with the condenser fan . Check to see if the freezer is working but not the electric refrigerator , as it may only be the refrigerator compartment on the fritz . Depending on the campaign of your electric refrigerator not cooling orfreezer not freezing , the following peak might assist .
Make sure your refrigerator has power.
A power cord that has work idle in its issue or a flipped breakers will keep out the entire fridge down . Here ’s how to trouble-shoot this common issue :
Consult your owner’s manual for brand-specific troubleshooting.
When dealing with anybrands of refrigeratorsnot getting dusty , there might be simple-minded , brand - specific solution . Peruse your appliance ’s user manual for relevantrefrigerator troubleshootingsteps , tips , and mistake codes .
coarse stimulate for a refrigerator not cool in all likelihood address by your exploiter manual may admit :
Check the refrigerator thermostat settings.
New refrigerators usually do preset at temperatures of around 37 grade Fahrenheit for the electric refrigerator compartment and 0 degrees Fahrenheit for the freezer compartment , theideal fridge temperature mount .
Thermostat dial inside the fridge and deep-freeze can be unexpectedly adapt when sneak in and removing point , though . Exterior digital thermostats can also be unknowingly change by little digit or by leaning or brushing against the restraint panel . Many digital panels come with the ability to interlock the preferences for just those reasons . Whether the temperature controls are locate inside or outside , readjust them to the preferences recommend by your electric refrigerator ’s user manual if need be .
If you do n’t intrust the temperature readings you ’re getting , or if your erstwhile electric refrigerator lack a thermostat , consider buy a low - costrefrigerator thermostatto test the temperature yourself .
Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila
Test your fridge door seals.
If the magnetic seal of approval or door gaskets on the fridge doors are defective , nerveless air could be escaping the appliance . icebox door gaskets can develop brittle over time , reducing their ability to form a plastered seal . you could test your electric refrigerator ’s seals using just a dollar bill bill .
replace the gaskets is comparatively easy for DIYers . Refrigerator door gasketprices range from around $ 25 to $ 85 — or more , count on the brand and mannikin . Check your owner ’s manual of arms to ensure you blame the right successor gasket , and look for elaborated installation directions in the manual or replacement gasket package ’s program line .
Ensure the refrigerator is level.
A relatively new fridge with expert doorway seals can still leak and fail the above dollar - bill trial when the appliance is n’t degree . If a refrigerator is leaning in the incorrect direction , its doors may not seal tightly enough to keep insensate air in .
sic a carpenter ’s stratum ontop of the fridge . If the house of cards is not centered in the spyglass tube , aline the icebox ’s front legs . Most icebox legs can be adjusted with anAllen wrenchoradjustable pliers . Consult your owner ’s manual for detailed book of instructions on how to rase your appliance .
Clean the condenser coils.
Your fridge contain condenser volute filled with refrigerant . Over time , these coils — which are not in a certain building block — can become cake with dust , tomentum , or pet fur , which thin out their cooling power . Fortunately , cleaning refrigeratorcoils is unsubdivided , requiring only a $ 10condenser scroll brushand a vacuum to suck up loosened dust . If you regain pregnant buildup on the coils , houseclean them once or doubly annually to keep your fridge cooling properly .
Check to make sure nothing is blocking the air vents.
Cold melody circulates through vent lead between the refrigerator ’s deep-freeze and icebox compartment . If an item impede that airflow , it can result in warmer temperatures in the electric refrigerator compartment . Depending on your electric refrigerator ’s make and model , its vent could be place along the back or sides of the inner walls . Check your owner ’s manual if you have bother locate them , and double - hitch your social unit for these issuing :
Inspect for problems after a recent power outage.
You ’ll cognize the cause of a fridge not getting cold when your home loses superpower , and your icebox may take a while to reset and cool after an outage . Some refrigerators might ask extra substance abuser comment after a power outage , so refer to your electric refrigerator ’s manual for specific steps on how to get yours back up and running once power is restore .
If all else fails, call a repairman.
If none of the above icebox troubleshooting tips work , the cause might be a defective mechanical component . While it is n’t too difficult to replace some refrigerator part , nail the accurate problem can be tricky and require specialised equipment .
The refrigerator compressor , compressor fan , or defrost thermoregulator might ask replacing , which should be undertaken by a licensed professional . If your fridge is still under warranty , remark that DIY part replacement may void the warranty . Some service and parts might be so pricey that you ’re better offreplacing a refrigeratorthat ’s discontinue cooling , but that should be a last - ditch alternative .
Final Thoughts
With a little fortune and troubleshooting , you may figure out why your electric refrigerator is not cooling and potentially solve the trouble with a mere kettle of fish , like thinning out item to avoid airflow blockage , ascertain that the appliance has mogul , or adjusting temperature mise en scene and model - specific functions . You also might learn how to clean refrigerator condenser ringlet or replace door gasket on your own in the process . In most pillowcase , though , leave mechanical part replacements to an gadget military service professional .
If all else fails , you may regain that it ’s clock time to supersede your electric refrigerator . To invalidate that , do all you could to maintain this important kitchen workhorse andextend how long your refrigerator lasts .
FAQs
If the Deepfreeze make for but the electric refrigerator is not inhuman , it could be that the damper control that lets frigid melodic line into the electric refrigerator is broken . The same goes for the fridge ’s evaporator fan motor or evaporator gyre , upon which frost can establish up . A defective thermal resistor , which supervise the fridge ’s temperature , might be the issue . Or it could be a simpler problem , like blocked airing to the fridge compartment or worn - out door gaskets letting out stale zephyr .
During peak custom times , like holidays or when having company over , lower the icebox temperature by about 1 degree Fahrenheit to account for more token and time spent with the electric refrigerator door open .
compressor are what make refrigerators ’ stylemark humming sound . If you hear your electric refrigerator compressor bleed but not cooling , pull the unit by from the rampart and unplug it . Search the user manual of arms for how to spark off “ Off ” or “ Zero ” place setting and coif your electric refrigerator and freezer to those stage setting accordingly . Plug in the building block back and set the compartments back to the correct temperature stage setting . Give the fridge about 24 hours to cool .
Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila
If you discover the refrigerator compressor making odd noises , call on off and on more ofttimes than usual , or not staying on as long as it should , you might need a replenishment . Another mode to have sex if your refrigerator compressor is bad is if the electric refrigerator feels warmer to the mite than usual when it ’s running .
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Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila
Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob VIla
Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila
Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob VIla
Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila
