A refrigerator is a critical part of every household, keeping your food fresh and drinks cold. However, when your refrigerator is not cooling properly, it can quickly lead to spoiled groceries, wasted energy, and frustration. Whether your fridge stops working intermittently or entirely, there are several common causes behind the problem. This blog will help you understand why your fridge might stop cooling, how you can repair it yourself, and when to call for refrigerator repair.
With proper maintenance, you can avoid these issues and keep your refrigerator running smoothly for years to come. If the problem persists, professional appliance repair services are available to quickly resolve the issue.
When a refrigerator is not cooling, it’s typically due to one or more of the following causes. Let’s take a closer look at each, along with some DIY fixes that you can attempt.
1. Dirty Condenser Coils
Cause: Condenser coils are located at the back or bottom of the refrigerator and are responsible for releasing heat. When they get covered in dust and dirt, they can’t expel heat efficiently, causing the refrigerator to overheat and fail to cool properly.
How to Fix It: Cleaning the condenser coils is something you can do yourself. Unplug the refrigerator, pull it away from the wall, and use a vacuum or coil brush to remove the dust. Be careful not to bend or damage the coils. This quick and easy fix can significantly improve your fridge’s cooling performance.
Prevention: Clean the condenser coils every 6-12 months, especially if you have pets or the fridge is located in a dusty environment.
2. Faulty Thermostat
Cause: The thermostat is responsible for controlling the temperature inside the refrigerator. If it’s faulty, your fridge may not maintain a consistent temperature, leading to intermittent cooling problems.
How to Fix It: Check the temperature settings to ensure they haven’t been accidentally changed. The ideal fridge temperature is between 35-38°F. If the settings are correct but the temperature continues to fluctuate, the thermostat may need to be replaced. Replacing a thermostat is a bit more complicated and may require professional assistance if you’re not familiar with appliance repair.
Prevention: Check your refrigerator’s temperature settings regularly, and avoid accidentally adjusting the thermostat when storing items near it.
3. Compressor Problems
Cause: The compressor is essentially the heart of your refrigerator’s cooling system. It circulates refrigerant throughout the appliance. If the compressor is malfunctioning or failing, it can cause the refrigerator to stop cooling intermittently or altogether.
How to Fix It: Diagnosing compressor issues can be difficult without the right tools, and repairs typically require a trained technician. If your refrigerator makes unusual noises, such as clicking or knocking, or stops cooling completely, it’s likely that the compressor is the culprit.
Prevention: Keep up with regular refrigerator maintenance to reduce the risk of compressor failure. However, compressors can eventually wear out with age, requiring replacement.
4. Start Relay Issues
Cause: The start relay is a small but crucial part that helps the compressor start. If the start relay is faulty, the compressor may fail to run, causing intermittent cooling issues.
How to Fix It: Unplug the refrigerator and locate the start relay, which is typically found near the compressor. You can test it with a multimeter to see if it’s functioning correctly. If the relay is defective, you’ll need to replace it.
Prevention: Like compressors, start relays can wear out over time. Regular maintenance and checking for any unusual sounds can help you catch a failing relay early.
5. Frost Build-Up on Evaporator Coils
Cause: Evaporator coils are responsible for absorbing heat from inside the refrigerator. If they become covered in frost or ice, airflow is restricted, leading to intermittent cooling problems. A malfunctioning defrost system (defrost timer, heater, or thermostat) could cause frost to build up excessively.
How to Fix It: Manually defrost the refrigerator by unplugging it and leaving the doors open for several hours. Once the frost has melted, plug the fridge back in and see if it cools properly. If the frost buildup returns, the defrost system likely needs repair or replacement.
Prevention: Regularly defrost your refrigerator if you notice frost buildup. Keep the fridge organized and avoid blocking airflow to help prevent frost accumulation.
6. Blocked Air Vents
Cause: Cold air needs to circulate freely between the refrigerator and freezer compartments. If the air vents are blocked by food items, this can restrict airflow and prevent the refrigerator from cooling efficiently.
How to Fix It: Rearrange the contents of your fridge to ensure that nothing is blocking the air vents. Avoid overpacking the refrigerator, as this can also restrict airflow.
Prevention: Regularly check the air vents and ensure they remain clear. Keep your refrigerator organized and avoid overfilling it with food.
7. Damaged Door Seals
Cause: The rubber door seals (also known as gaskets) are designed to keep cold air inside the refrigerator. If the seals are cracked, worn, or damaged, cold air can escape, causing the refrigerator to stop cooling efficiently.
How to Fix It: Inspect the door seals for any cracks or gaps. You can replace damaged seals yourself by purchasing the correct ones for your refrigerator model and following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Prevention: Regularly inspect the door seals to ensure they are clean and undamaged. Wipe them down with warm, soapy water to remove dirt and debris.
When to Call a Professional for Refrigerator Repair
While many of the issues mentioned above can be resolved with simple DIY fixes, some problems require the help of a professional. If your refrigerator continues to experience intermittent cooling issues despite your efforts to repair it, it’s time to call for refrigerator repair.
AP Pro offers sameday appliance repair to help you get your refrigerator back in working order quickly and efficiently. Our trained technicians can diagnose the problem, provide expert repairs, and offer advice on how to avoid future issues.
If your refrigerator is not cooling and you’ve tried all the DIY solutions without success, it’s time to call in the professionals. AP Pro offers reliable sameday appliance repair services to get your refrigerator back up and running as quickly as possible. Our team of experienced technicians will diagnose the issue, provide expert repairs, and ensure that your fridge is functioning efficiently.
Contact AP Pro today for fast and reliable appliance repair!
Contact us today for a free quote and let our expert technicians restore your appliances to perfect working order.
