Common Reasons Your Freezer Won't Freeze
Common causes of a fridge that stops cooling, from easy to hardest to fix:
1. Power off or plug out
Check to ensure your refrigerator is still plugged into the socket and that the switch that powers your kitchen appliances hasn't been turned off at the breaker box if your refrigerator is not cool enough. If you open your refrigerator and neither the light nor the temperature are operating, check the power supply.
The ideal refrigerator temperature is 32oF to 40oF. Check your thermostat if your fridge stops cooling. Your refrigerator's thermostat may be accessible to children or food items.
Proper ventilation cools refrigerators. Food may be obstructing the fridge and freezer vents, preventing cooling. Overfilling your fridge with food might clog the vents and prevent cool air from circulating. Move things blocking vents and organize your fridge to improve ventilation. Freezer vents rarely freeze. Remove the ice.
The condenser coils of your refrigerator may collect dust and other particles. Pet hair or dust can clog these coils, usually on the fridge's bottom or rear. Blocked coils may make your refrigerator's compressor work harder and heat release harder. If your refrigerator is in a greasy, filthy, or pet-filled environment, clean your coils every 2-3 months to avoid this issue.
5. DEFECTIVE GASKETS
Over time, your refrigerator door gaskets can become dusty or worn, preventing them from sealing correctly. Gaskets preserve cold air in the fridge. Clean your fridge gaskets and edges with a sponge and warm, soapy water if cold air is escaping.
When vapor refrigerant condenses into liquid, refrigerators release heat. For maximum operation, your fridge needs at least 1/2" side clearance and 1" rear clearance. Check your refrigerator's installation instructions to ensure it has enough clearance to cool. Discover how to organize a side-by-side refrigerator.
Most refrigerators have rear-mounted fans. This fan cools the condenser coils and prevents compressor overheating. If your fan breaks, call a pro.
The circuit board regulates temperature and powers parts. The circuit board may be wrong if your fridge doesn't cool after troubleshooting. Hiring an expert to diagnose and fix these can save money.
