Refrigerators are a vital part of the modern home. They keep food fresh and make it convenient for you to grab something healthy to eat on your way out the door. But if your refrigerator isn’t cooling properly, it can be frustrating, to say the least. We know it’s stressful to have to waste food when you don’t know what’s going on with your fridge. Here are some of the most common reasons why refrigerators don’t cool.
The Temperature Is Set Too High
This is the most common problem with refrigerators, and it’s easy to fix. Many people don’t realize what they have done until they notice their ice cream melting or their milk spoiling faster. The first thing to check is whether or not the temperature control is set correctly. The compressor will constantly run if it’s too high, wasting electricity and shortening its life. All you have to do is adjust the temperature down a few degrees and see if that works for you. If not, try turning it down even further or up if needed.
Your Refrigerator Door Is Open Too Often or Not Enough
Try closing the door as quickly as possible after taking out anything from inside; this reduces the amount of time that warm air has access to cool air inside your fridge, which speeds up cooling time and reduces energy usage overall. Also, consider keeping frequently-used items in the front, making them easier to reach. For example, milk on the top shelf instead of in the back. Keeping doors closed also helps reduce energy costs during off-peak hours when electricity isn’t as expensive (usually overnight).
The Door Seal Has Become Worn Out or Damaged Over Time
If your door seal is still in good condition, but you still notice that your fridge isn’t working properly, it may be time to upgrade. The seal keeps air from leaking out of your fridge, helps keep things cool, and keeps odors trapped inside. If this seal has become worn out, replace it with a new one immediately.
It’s Not Plugged In
If your refrigerator isn’t working, one of the first things you should check is whether or not it’s plugged in. It sounds simple but can easily be overlooked if you’re busy doing other things. Also, remember that some refrigerators have an auto-shutoff feature that will turn them off after an hour or two if they aren’t receiving power from an outlet—so make sure to turn them back on if this happens.
The Thermostat Is Faulty
If your food starts freezing in the compartments, the thermostat might be faulty. Check the settings on your thermostat and make sure it’s set to at least 40 degrees Fahrenheit, or between 35 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit if you have an older model that doesn’t have an automatic setting.
Condenser Coils Are Dirty
If your refrigerator uses a condenser coil rather than a compressor (like some older models), this could be another reason why your unit isn’t cooling properly. If the coil gets clogged with dust or dirt, it won’t work properly. You may also want to check the condenser coils on the back of your fridge; if they are covered in dust or debris, they might not be able to do their job properly and could lead to poor cooling performance.
To clean these coils, unplug your refrigerator and remove them from their housing by pulling them out from their slots at the bottom of your fridge. Clean these coils with warm water and soap. You can also use a vacuum cleaner if they’re particularly dirty but don’t use too much pressure. Once you’ve cleaned them thoroughly, wipe down any remaining residue with a damp cloth or paper towel before reinserting them back into their housing slots. Plug it back in again so that it can start cooling properly again. However, it’s advisable to get them cleaned by experts to avoid damage to the equipment or yourself.
Check to See if Your Refrigerator Has Enough Air Circulating Through It
The more airflow there is, the faster this process will happen, and the colder everything will get. You can do this by opening some of the drawers in your fridge (or all of them, if you want) or cracking open an exterior door so that more cool air from outside can flow inside and start helping out with cooling things down faster than just relying on internal circulation alone.
Other Reasons
If the refrigerator has been unplugged for an extended period, there may be an accumulation of frost inside it that needs to be removed before normal operation can resume. Similarly, if your refrigerator is old and worn out, it might need repair or replacement altogether—this is especially true if your unit is over ten years old. If none of these other solutions work and you’re sure your fridge is set at an appropriate temperature, then there’s a good chance something more serious could be going on inside the unit itself. Call in an expert who can diagnose what went wrong with your compressor or other refrigerator parts.
Get Your Refrigerator Repaired in Washington DC
S & E Appliance Repairs helps customers get their appliances repaired in Washington and the DC Metro Area. If you are on the lookout for refrigerator or subzero refrigerator repair in Arlington, Bethesda, Alexandria or Springfield, then our experienced personnel can help.
We also know how frustrating refrigerator repairs can be, which is why we also offer emergency repair services available round the clock so that you can keep enjoying ice-cold refreshing drinks in the summer.
Click here to know more about our services.
