A broken refrigerator can cause spoiled food and other disruptions to daily life, which can be inconvenient. It’s critical to solve the problem as soon as you notice your refrigerator is not chilling correctly to avoid creating other problems.
Here’s how to fix a broken refrigerator that no longer feels icy. This step-by-step blog will teach you how to find and resolve the issue independently. Even if a professional is needed for the repair, you can demonstrate the issue to them, saving both you and them time and money.
Make Sure Your Refrigerator Has Power
Make sure your refrigerator is powered: Always begin by making sure your refrigerator has a reliable power source before moving on to more difficult troubleshooting techniques. Verify the circuit breaker is not tripped and that the power cord is firmly plugged in. A flipped breaker or a power cord that has become loose in its outlet will turn off the entire fridge. The solution to this frequent problem is as follows:
- Slide open the fridge’s door. If the light turns on, the refrigerator is powered, and you can look into other options.
- If the light in the fridge compartment doesn’t turn on, double-check that the power cord is properly inserted into the wall outlet.
- Check your main electrical panel for a flipped breaker if there is still no light. Activate it once more if required.
Consult The Owner’s Manual
There may be simple, brand-specific remedies when dealing with any brand of refrigerator that isn’t getting cold. Examine the user handbook for your appliance to find pertinent refrigerator troubleshooting techniques, recommendations, and problem codes.
Common causes of a refrigerator not chilling that are likely to be addressed in your user manual include:
- New fridges with adequate temperatures in both compartments need time to cool. The manufacturer suggests keeping a newly installed GE refrigerator for up to 24 hours to cool. However, this may vary by kind.
- The refrigerator can be in demo mode. In this mode, LG refrigerators may display “OF” and “F” instead of the freezer and refrigerator temperature settings. Most LG refrigerators depart demo mode and start cooling after 5 seconds of pressing the “Refrigerator” and “Ice Plus/Lock” buttons.
- Your refrigerator may be too close to walls and cabinets for airflow. Whirlpool and Samsung recommend 1 inch behind and above a unit and 12 inches on each side for refrigerators that are not chilling due to installation placement.
Verify The Thermostat Settings On The Refrigerator
The ideal refrigerator temperature settings, roughly 37 degrees Fahrenheit for the fridge compartment. It’s set at 0 degrees Fahrenheit for the freezer compartment that are typically pre-programmed into new refrigerators.
Moreover, inserting and removing goods can cause the thermostat dials in the refrigerator and freezer to be accidentally changed. Additionally, leaning against or brushing against the control panel are other ways outside digital thermostats can be accidentally adjusted. For just those reasons, many digital panels can lock the settings.
Test Your Fridge Door Seals
Check the efficiency of the door seals on your refrigerator. Poor door seals might allow warm air to enter the refrigerator, making it work harder to maintain the desired temperature. Close the refrigerator door on a piece of paper to inspect the seals. It’s time to change the seals if you can easily remove the paper.
Ensure The Refrigerator Is Level
Ensure the refrigerator is level; a slightly inclined refrigerator won’t work as efficiently to keep cold air in. Ensure your refrigerator is set up on a level surface by using a level. To achieve the right balance, if necessary, adjust the levelling legs. You can use an Allen wrench or adjustable pliers to modify most refrigerator legs. For comprehensive information on how to level your appliance, refer to your owner’s manual.
Clean The Condenser Coils
Clean condenser coils because, over time, dust and other debris can build up on them and prevent them from adequately dissipating heat. Use a brush or vacuum to gently clean the coils after locating them with the help of your owner’s manual.
Evaporator Coils Are Covered In Frost
The evaporator fan works by drawing cool air from the evaporator coils and dispersing it throughout the entire device, including the freezer chamber. However, if this fan stops working, it can result in a situation where the coils get covered in frost.
Remove your freezer’s back panel to check the condition of the coils before starting troubleshooting. It is advised to empty the freezer and refrigerator, turn off the appliance, and let the coils defrost for one to two days if there is any frost buildup.
Clearances Are Not Maintained
To provide optimum air circulation for efficient cooling, sufficient clearance must be provided around the refrigerator, especially on its sides and rear.
How to fix:
- For particular clearance specifications, which may vary depending on the type of your refrigerator, refer to the manual.
- A minimum of 3/8 inches should be left on each side.
- Make sure there is at least 1 inch of space at the back.
- Remember to realign the anti-tip brackets at the lower two front corners after you’ve placed the refrigerator in the proper location to keep it from toppling.
Electric Supply Is Faulty
Simple things like plugs might cause problems. The fridge’s plug may be loose or unplugged. This may be the case if the fridge light doesn’t work and it’s not cold.
How to Fix:
- Check that your refrigerator’s plug is securely in the outlet.
- Check outlet type. Refrigerators should not be hooked into GFCI outlets because the GCFI may cut them off.
Location Is Affecting the Cooling Capacity
Hot appliances like dishwashers, stoves, and ovens might impair the fridge’s cooling even in a moderate climate.
How to Fix:
- Attach a heat-insulating material to the fridge wall to shield it from stove heat.
- Cook with a kitchen fan to decrease heat.
- Separate the refrigerator from other hot appliances with an enclosure. This also works for a garage fridge in high temperatures.
Check To Make Sure Nothing Is Blocking The Air Vents
Storing too much food near a vent might obstruct airflow, causing a refrigerator not to chill. Keep lots of food in your fridge to keep it cool, but don’t stuff it so tightly that air can’t circulate.
Frost in the freezer might block vents, preventing cold air from reaching the refrigerator. If the fridge won’t cool, but the freezer works and is highly frosted, unplug the fridge and defrost the freezer. After defrosting, plug the refrigerator back in and let it cool.
Electric Supply Is Faulty
Simple things like plugs might cause problems. The fridge’s plug may be loose or unplugged. This may be the case if the fridge light doesn’t work and it’s not cold.
How to Fix:
- Check that your refrigerator’s plug is securely in the outlet.
- Check outlet type. Refrigerators should not be hooked into GFCI outlets because the GCFI may cut them off.
Location Is Affecting the Cooling Capacity
Hot appliances like dishwashers, stoves, and ovens might impair the fridge’s cooling even in a moderate climate.
How to Fix:
- Attach a heat-insulating material to the fridge wall to shield it from stove heat.
- Cook with a kitchen fan to decrease heat.
- Separate the refrigerator from other hot appliances with an enclosure. This also works for a garage fridge in high temperatures.
Check To Make Sure Nothing Is Blocking The Air Vents
Storing too much food near a vent might obstruct airflow, causing a refrigerator not to chill. Keep lots of food in your fridge to keep it cool, but don’t stuff it so tightly that air can’t circulate.
Frost in the freezer might block vents, preventing cold air from reaching the refrigerator. If the fridge won’t cool, but the freezer works and is highly frosted, unplug the fridge and defrost the freezer. After defrosting, plug the refrigerator back in and let it cool.
Inspect For Problems After a Recent Power Outage
When you lose electricity, you’ll know why your fridge won’t cool, and it may take a while to reset and cool. After a power loss, some refrigerators require extra user input. Check your manual for specific methods to get yours up and running.
Faulty Circuit Board
The refrigerator’s circuit board controls temperature and powers parts. A defective circuit board may be the reason for your fridge’s improper cooling after troubleshooting. Hiring an expert to examine and fix them may be best because replacing them can be pricey.
The Condenser Fan Is Broken
The condenser fan is located at the bottom of the fridge near the compressor and coils.
If the fan fails, the compressor and coils will heat up, heating the fridge. Using a towel, carefully wipe the fan blades to remove dust and debris that might prevent them from spinning. If the fan blades don’t rotate, replace the motor.
Refrigerator Is Understocked
Well-stocked (not overstocked) fridges have enough mass to sustain cool temperatures.
How to fix:
- Keep food and drinks about three-quarters full in your fridge for airflow.
- Put two pitchers of water in the fridge’s empty corners to help it cool.
- Items need air circulation to cool, so don’t overfill your fridge.
Tools Required
Socket/ratchet set
Wire cutter/stripper
Materials Required
Condenser fan or evaporator fan
Why Is My Refrigerator Not Cooling?
A refrigerator that doesn’t keep milk or ice cream cold or frozen has various causes. If your refrigerator or freezer isn’t chilling or operating, try these basic remedies before trying more complicated ones:
- Check the fridge’s power and plug. The light should turn on when you open the door.
- Make sure the thermostat isn’t accidentally turned down. If your fridge/freezer thermostat is broken, Amazon has easy-to-install thermostats.
- Clear the back of the freezer compartment vents of boxes of ice cream and frozen veggies to allow cold air to circulate.
Replace the Refrigerator Evaporator Fan
If your fridge isn’t chilling, try these refrigerator troubleshooting tips.
If the freezer coils are totally frozen when you remove the lid, unplug the freezer and fridge and let it defrost for 24–48 hours. Have towels on standby to absorb floor leaks. Plug the fridge back in after melting the frost. The problem may be a defrost timer, heater, or thermostat if it works. Replacing these parts is easy, but troubleshooting to determine which are defective is not. Should you suspect a problem with these parts, call a pro.
Refrigerator Evaporator Fan Replacement Step-by-step
Remove Cover
Remove the cover to view the refrigerator evaporator and access the evaporator fan. You might need to pull away the plastic plugs covering the screws.
Remove Fan Cover
Remove the screws holding the refrigerator fan cover if it is present. To access the fan, remove the cover.
Remove Evaporator Fan
It must be replaced if the evaporator fan is noisy or not spinning. Remove the refrigerator’s plug first. Then take off the screws holding the fan to the freezer’s wall.
Replace the Fan
Install a new fan. Move the old fan’s mounting bracket to the new one. Switch the wires from the old fan to the new one. Reinstall the fan and cover.
Replace the Refrigerator Condenser Fan
Remove the fridge from the wall, disconnect it, and remove the thin panel on the rear towards the bottom to access the compressor and condenser fan. Now plug the fridge in and let the compressor start. Also, turn on the fan. If the compressor runs, but the fan doesn’t or is noisy, replace the fan. If neither runs and the compressor is hot, unplug the fridge and point a fan or “no heat” hair dryer at it. Wait for compressor cooling before trying again.
When to Replace Condenser Fan
Replace a noisy or non-running condenser fan. You may need to remove the fan bracket before unscrewing the fan, depending on your fridge repair.
Install the New Fan
Cut cables near the old fan. Strip the wires and connect the new fan with wire connectors using a wire remover. Screw the replacement fan to the bracket and reinstall the fridge fan and bracket.