Most Common Reasons a Refrigerator Is Not Cooling Properly

A refrigerator is a complex machine, so finding out why it is not cooling properly may be hard for a non-professional. However, checking the most common reasons for the issue may save the homeowner time and money.

Read on to find out why your refrigerator may not be cooling properly and whether you need to arrange a repair.

The door isn’t closed

While this may seem a no-brainer, an improperly closed door is a common reason for increased refrigerator temperature. The cause of the door not being shut isn’t always forgetfulness. Look at the refrigerator light; if the light doesn’t turn off when you close the door, the door may not be seated correctly.

Damaged sealing

Another reason for the refrigerator door not closing properly and consequently increased temperature is a damaged sealing or gasket. If the gasket is torn or doesn’t fit properly, it needs to be replaced. Typically, this is an easy and inexpensive fix that will make the fridge work like new in short order.

Poor food arrangement

One common reason for a refrigerator not cooling properly is poor food arrangement. It's easy to remedy this problem by ensuring the food doesn’t block vents, preventing air from circulating. The cooling vents are usually located on the side or the top of a fridge. Rearrange the food containers and see if the issue persists.

Too little or too much food may also cause the refrigerator not to cool properly. The thermostat constantly adjusts the temperature based on multiple factors, one of which is the level of fill. If the refrigerator is nearly empty, the thermostat may use less energy to keep the food cold. And if it’s overfilled, the motor may have difficulty circulating air.

Frosted evaporator coil

While this may seem counterintuitive, the better a refrigerator cools, the worse it cools. Ice in the refrigerator is normal, but it shouldn’t cover the entire surface and important parts. An overly low temperature may lead to the evaporator coil getting frosted, which, in turn, worsens air circulation.

The possible reasons for a frosted evaporator coil include blocked air vents, dirt, or a failing evaporator motor. Professional diagnostics are necessary to find the root cause of the issue. Melting the ice won’t do much, as the coil will most likely freeze again.

Failing or turned down the thermostat

The thermostat is the key to the right temperature in the refrigerator. On occasion, it may be turned down accidentally or do so of its own accord over time. In other cases, the thermostat doesn’t regulate temperature properly due to an open door, blocked air vents, or  related internal component issues.

Usually, a thermostat is located inside a refrigerator, near the top shelf. Check whether it’s working properly by rotating it from the lowest to the highest setting. If you don’t hear a click, the thermostat may be defective. Professional help is required to determine the cause of the problem.

Freedom Appliance of Tampa Bay has 13 years experience in professional repair and installation of all laundry and kitchen appliances and dryer duct cleaning. Call 813-302-7672 today!