Why Is My Fridge Not Cooling?
How Do I Fix My Refrigerator Not Cooling?
Have you recently gone to grab an item out of the fridge only to find it is warm? A common question that we get asked when people have an issue with their fridge is, "Why is my fridge not cooling?" and as one of the leading domestic appliance retailers in Wirral, we have several common reasons why this will be occurring.
Not only can your fridge not cooling be an inconvenience but it can also cost you a lot of money on spoiled groceries and can actually be a health and safety concern if specific items such as meats and liquids aren't being stored at the correct temperature.
If your fridge isn't cooling it can be a cause for concern however it does not mean that your fridge will need replacing. Instead the issue as to why your fridge is not cooling properly, maybe due to an issue that is a simple fix such as your thermostat not being set correctly or items in the way of the cooling functions. With that being said, it could also be a more complex issue that will require professional intervention in order to repair it.
With that being said, we will cover five of the most common reasons why your fridge is not cooling and some simple tips on how to repair it.
If your fridge is beyond repair and you require a new refrigerator, here at Powerpoint Wallasey, we stock a wide selection of different types of fridges. With fast delivery across the Wirral area, speak to a member of the team today on 0151 3910482.
5 Reasons Why Your Fridge Is Not Cooling
If your fridge is not cooling properly and isn't maintaining the correct temperature settings, you may notice that food is spoiling quickly and making smells; there is excessive condensation on the packaging and the temperature feels warm inside your fridge when you open it.
Although this issue isn't overly common, there are still a few reasons as to why your fridge is not cooling. These include the five most common reasons such as:
Thermostat isn't set correctly
Blocked air vents
Dirty condenser coils
Broken or dirty gaskets
Food items blocking the cool air
1. Thermostat Isn't Set Correctly
As a general rule of thumb, your fridge temperature should be set to an average of 3 to 5 degrees Celcius. Anything above 8 degrees Celcius is known as the danger zone because this temperature inside your fridge allows harmful bacteria to thrive. Therefore it is very important to check that your fridge is set to the correct temperature. If you notice that your fridge is not cooling efficiently, your first point of call should be to check your thermostat to ensure that it is set to the correct temperature and that the dial has not been knocked or tweaked.
2. Blocked Air Vents
You may not know but fridges require an airflow in order to function efficiently and ensure that they are able to cool properly. If you notice that your fridge is not producing cold air and isn't able to perform proper air circulation it may be a case that the vents on your fridge are blocked. This can be caused by overstuffing your fridge with groceries and produce. By overstuffing your fridge with items, it can cause the items to block the vents which prevents the cool air from circulating efficiently. To fix this, make sure you organise your fridge in a way that allows for efficient airflow and does not block the vents.
3. Dirty Condenser Coils
As with everything in your home, as your fridge gets older, it starts to accumulate dust. This can cause issues, particularly if the condenser coils located on the outside at the back of your fridge begin to build up in dust, dirt and grime. Blocked condenser coils can make it more difficult for the heat from your fridge to be released. This can lead to the compressor being forced to work harder than it needs to thus leading to your fridge becoming hotter and not producing the cold air that it needs to. In order to prevent this, you need to clean the coils every 3 to 6 months in order to ensure that your fridge is not overheating.
4. Broken or Dirty Gaskets
The flexible seal that is found around your fridge door is known as a gasket. Over time, your fridge gasket can become dirty or worn meaning your fridge will not be able to shut properly or seal efficiently. The gasket is an important part of your fridge because it can prevent cool air from escaping the fridge. Sometimes if your fridge is not properly cooling, it may be a case that your fridge gasket seal needs to be cleaned or replaced if it is damaged. If you are unsure on how to do this, it is recommended that you speak with a local repair specialist.
5. Food Items Blocking The Cool Air
Fridges that are overpacked can have trouble controlling the cool air which leads to the desired temperature setting not being established. This is due to the fact that unorganised food can per cent proper air flow inside your fridge. If your fridge isn't cooling and you know it is fairly full, you should look to reorganise the items in your fridge and ensure you keep the air vents open and accessible at all times in order to make sure that your fridge can cool properly.
Conclusion
If you have investigated your fridge and noticed that the cause of your fridge not being able to cool properly is not due to any of the issues mentioned throughout this article, it is more than likely that there is a malfunction with one of the internal components such as the condenser fan, compressor, evaporator fan or the start relay.
Fixing these faulty parts will require professional expertise and sometimes may be easier and more cost-effective to just replace your fridge with a brand new one altogether. If you are unsure of the issue with your fridge or need to get it repaired, it is always best to get it repaired by a local repair specialist.
If you require a new fridge within the Wirral area, look no further than Powerpoint Wallasey! We provide fast and efficient delivery and installation across the Wirral and surrounding areas. Browse our wide range of different fridges online, visit our showroom in Wallasey or speak with a member of the team on 0151 3910482 today!
