Why is my refrigerator not cooling? 7 possible causes and fixes
There are several possible causes for a refrigerator that doesn’t cool, including dirty condenser coils, poor ventilation, improper installation, faulty or dirty gasket seals, unorganized food storage, appliance location, and malfunctioning internal parts.
Understanding the cause of a refrigerator that’s not cooling properly is the first step to fixing the problem. Some of these causes can be identified and resolved with a little elbow grease, while others may require the help of a licensed technician.
What is the recommended refrigerator temperature?
For optimal results, keep your refrigerator set between 33°F and 40°F, with the ideal temperature right around 37°F. At the right temperature, your drinks should stay chilled, your fresh foods shouldn’t spoil early and you won’t have to worry about ice crystals creeping onto your fresh foods.
How to troubleshoot a refrigerator that’s not cooling
When a refrigerator is not maintaining its proper temperature, there are a few warning signs you may notice, such as:
- Food spoils quickly, possibly causing odors
- Excessive condensation on food and beverage packaging
- Refrigerator interior temperatures are lukewarm or room temperature
Use the following guide to troubleshoot the possible cause of a refrigerator not cooling and get tips and ideas for finding a solution.
Tools needed:
Level
Tape measure
Materials needed:
Refrigerator owner’s manual
1. Installation location
Where you install your refrigerator can affect how well the appliance maintains its proper cooling temperatures. Refrigerators designed for indoor use should only be installed where temperatures are less likely to sharply rise or drop. If you have installed an indoor refrigerator in your garage, your fridge may not be able to cool properly as garages can lack the controlled climate found inside a home.
Check that your fridge is installed in a location with enough clearance on the sides and the back of the appliance to allow for proper air circulation. Typically, refrigerators require ½ inch clearances on the sides and 1 inch in the back. If your refrigerator does not have the proper clearances, you may need to move it.
2. Food organization
Refrigerators that are overpacked or cluttered may have trouble regulating cool temperatures. This is because unorganized food can prevent proper air flow inside the appliance.
If your refrigerator isn’t cooling due to a lack of proper organization, you can simply reorganize the items in your refrigerator to keep air vents open and accessible.
3. Dirty condenser coils
Condenser coils help your refrigerator cool properly, but they can’t function if they are covered in dust, pet dander, grease or spiderwebs. If your refrigerator isn’t cooling due to dirty condenser coils, you may need to give them a quick clean.
Cleaning instructions for your condenser coils vary by the model of your refrigerator, so be sure to consult your product manual before you begin cleaning.
4. Blocked air vents
If your fridge is not cooling, the air vents may be blocked. Blocked air vents can prevent cool air from filtering inside the appliance.
Check the vents inside your refrigerator and freezer and remove any items that may be blocking them.
5. Unlevel installation
A properly leveled installation helps to keep your refrigerator operating at its best. To check whether your refrigerator has been installed properly, place a level on the floor underneath the refrigerator to see if the appliance has been installed on a flat, even surface.
If the fridge is not level, you may need to install shims to help keep it level. For specific leveling information for your refrigerator, refer to your product manual.
6. Dirty or broken gasket seals
The door gasket seals help to lock cold air inside your refrigerator. They may not seal properly if they are dirty, damaged or worn, which can cause your refrigerator to leak cool air. Inspect your door gasket seals for dirt, crumbs or other debris and wipe away with warm soapy water.
If air continues to escape after cleaning your gaskets and your fridge still is not cooling, then scheduling a service with a licensed technician may be necessary.
7. Improperly set temperature controls
Ideally, your refrigerator should be kept between 33ºF and 40ºF for optimal performance. Your fridge may not be cooling if the temperature controls are on the wrong setting. Occasionally, the temperature settings become reset if an item or your hand brushes against the controls.
If this is the cause of your refrigerator malfunction, change the thermostat down to the desired temperature setting, making sure to check both the freezer and the refrigerator, as they tend to have separate controls. The change may not happen immediately and can take up to 24 hours to cool completely.
Shop Whirlpool® Refrigerators with the TruCool™ Temperature Management System
Whirlpool® Refrigerators are designed to help keep food fresh. The TruCool™ Temperature Management System on select models, like this one, helps prevent freezer burn on all your favorite snacks and keeps items in your refrigerator from freezing with technology that senses and adapts to the ideal temperature for food.
How to tell if a fridge compressor is bad
It’s perfectly normal for your refrigerator’s compressor to make a few sounds—like a gentle hiss or steady whir. If the noise gets unusually loud, the compressor runs without stopping or your circuit breaker keeps tripping, those could be red flags that it’s time to consult a qualified technician for repairs.
When to call a professional for a fridge that’s not cooling
If you’ve inspected all of the previous causes and your refrigerator still isn’t cooling properly, there may be a malfunction in one of the appliance’s internal parts, such as the evaporator fan, condenser fan, compressor or start relay. Repairing and replacing these parts can be complicated and should be left to a professional. For help with your Whirlpool® Appliance or to schedule a service appointment for your Whirlpool® Refrigerator, visit the Whirlpool® service help desk.
Refrigerators with ice makers
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Discover Whirlpool® refrigerators and freezers
If you find that your refrigerator is not cooling and you need to replace your appliance, Whirlpool brand has refrigerator options to help make replacing your older model easy. With configurations by Whirlpool brand like French door to help keep fresh food at eye level, and side-by-side to provide equal fridge and freezer space, you can browse different sizes and styles to find the right model for your kitchen.
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