What Are the Causes of a Refrigerator Not Cooling?

There could be several reasons your refrigerator isn't cooling properly.

Food is a major and necessary expense for a family. If it ruins prior to consumption, it is a total waste. Now imagine if the refrigerator stops cooling and all of the stored food is lost. This disaster isn't that unusual. A number of problems can lead to refrigerator malfunction that will put your stored items at risk.

Defrost Problems

Many refrigerator freezers have a self-defrosting mode that will keep the evaporator coils from icing up. Sometimes it doesn't work. But despite the fact that the coils are covered with ice, the refrigerator temperature can rise because of the problem. The ice will need to be melted off to allow the unit to cool properly, which may require opening the freezer door and turning the freezer off for a time until the ice drains away. On the other hand, the freezer could get stuck in defrost mode, meaning the cooling stops permanently instead of temporarily, which would also cause the refrigerator to stop working.

Fans

Refrigerators generally have two fans. The condenser fan is located under the refrigerator, and the evaporator fan is located in the freezer. If the condenser fan stops running, it will cause the compressor to shut down and stop cooling. If the evaporator fan stops running, air will cease circulation throughout the refrigerator, making cooling inefficient. Inspect both fans to ensure they are still running to eliminate this potential problem. Something could be blocking the fans if they are not turning. If there is no blockage, they will probably need to be replaced.

Improper Setting

Sometimes the answer to the problem is almost too simple to find. Look at the settings inside your refrigerator to ensure the dial is turned low enough to keep the food inside at a proper temperature. The wrong setting on the dial could make the refrigerator seem too warm. Review you refrigerator's owner's manual to determine the proper setting.

Condenser Coils

Self-defrosting refrigerators all have a set of condenser coils underneath by the condenser fan. These coils can get rather dirty and must be cleaned regularly. If they are not cleaned, the dust buildup will hinder their function, making the refrigerator lose its cooling ability. Look underneath the refrigerator to ensure these coils are well maintained. If not, use a condenser brush and vacuum to clear out the dust. The power to the refrigerator should be disconnected prior to cleaning.

References

• Appliance Repair It: Refrigerator Not Cooling
• Repair Clinic: Refrigerator Troubleshooting