Why a Refrigerator Is Not Cooling & the Freezer Is Freezing Up

In many units, air flows between the freezer and refrigerator compartments.

Refrigerators with attached freezers typically keep the two compartments at predetermined temperatures, but failure of some components can lead the refrigerator to seem warm while the freezer portion completely freezes.

Fan Issues

According to the appliance website Appliance Aid, many freezers contain a fan that blows cold air throughout the freezer and into the attached refrigerator. If this fan fails, the site explains that the freezer may become too cold; the refrigerator will not receive air circulation from the freezer, though, and will remain warmer than normal.

Air Damper

Appliance Aid also notes that most refrigerator and freezer combinations contain a damper that regulates the flow of air between the two compartments. If the damper sticks or fails to function properly, it may restrict the flow of air from the freezer to the refrigerator. The result of a failed damper would be a completely frozen freezer and a warmer than normal refrigerator.

Considerations

Though freezers and refrigerators keep their contents cold, the appliance website Appliance 411 notes that these appliances work by isolating heat in the freezer compartment and removing it by a refrigeration process. Because many components involved in this process run at high voltages and may contain hazardous chemicals, Appliance 411 recommends having a professional service person perform any repairs.

References

• Appliance Aid: My Refrigerator is Running but Not Cold Enough
• Appliance 411: Frequently Asked Questions