Nothing is more annoying than opening the fridge and feeling warm air. Before you panic, try a few easy checks. Most cooling problems are caused by something you can spot in minutes.
Make sure the fridge is plugged in and the outlet works. A tripped breaker or a loose plug can be the culprit. Next, look at the thermostat dial. If it’s set to “Off” or a very low temperature, raise it a few degrees and wait 30 minutes.
Clear any food that blocks the air vents inside the fridge. When vents are covered, cold air can’t circulate and the unit will feel warm.
Place your hand on the back of the fridge. You should feel a slight warmth from the compressor – that means it’s running. If you hear a humming sound but no cooling, the condenser coils might be dirty. Unplug the fridge, pull it away from the wall, and vacuum the coils with a brush attachment.
If the compressor is silent, the start relay or overload protector could be bad. Those parts are cheap and easy to replace, but if you’re not comfortable with electrical work, call a technician.
Another quick test: pour a cup of warm water into a glass and set it on the middle shelf. If the water stays cool after an hour, the fridge is still cooling but may just need a deeper check.
Check the door gasket. A cracked or dirty seal lets warm air in. Clean it with warm, soapy water and look for tears. If the gasket is damaged, replace it – a new seal can save energy and keep food fresh.
Sometimes the problem is the defrost timer. If ice builds up on the freezer side, the fridge can’t pull cold air down. Turn the freezer to the coldest setting for a few hours, then let it defrost naturally. Once the ice melts, plug the fridge back in and see if cooling returns.
If you’ve gone through these steps and the fridge still isn’t cooling, it’s time to call a professional. A faulty compressor, sealed system leak, or refrigerant issue requires specialized tools and should be handled by an experienced repair service.
At Northampton Appliance Repairs Services we can diagnose and fix any cooling issue fast. Our technicians know how to handle compressors, relays, and refrigerant problems, and we offer a satisfaction guarantee.
Keep your fridge happy by cleaning the coils twice a year, checking the door seal monthly, and never overloading the shelves. A little maintenance now can save you a costly repair later.
Got a fridge that won’t cool? Try these quick checks first. If nothing works, don’t wait – a professional can get your fridge back to normal before your food goes bad.
Ever wondered if you can fix a fridge yourself? Here’s the nitty-gritty—what you can repair, what you shouldn’t touch, and tips for the brave DIYer.
Continue reading...