Why is My Refrigerator Not Cooling? Most Common Issues and How to Fix Them

A refrigerator is a key component of everyday life. Bringing home groceries? Maybe some beverages? The refrigerator is the key to keeping your food cold and safe from the speedy growth of bacteria, as well as keeping those beverages cold and refreshing.

So, what happens when a refrigerator is not refrigerating? This is a major appliance, so the thought of “How much money do I need to fix it?” can trigger stress. There are a host of reasons why your refrigerator may not be cooling, but that’s why we’re here. Learn how to troubleshoot common problems, whether it’s someone else’s refrigerator or your own.

How Does a Refrigerator Work?

Before looking at the causes and solutions, it’s important to understand how your refrigerator works in the first place. To operate, the refrigerator goes through numerous functions to keep your goods cold and free from bacteria.

1. Refrigerant vapors are pulled into the refrigerator’s compressor where those vapors are compressed and released with higher temperatures and pressure.
2. Those same refrigerant vapors that were compressed into higher heat are then moved through condenser coils in a heat exchange process. The warm air is then circulated through vents.
3. The hot gas then turns to liquid once it has reached the cooler air temperatures of the kitchen.
4. The liquid refrigerant now lowers its temperature by passing through the evaporator coils inside the refrigerator. The expansion device thermostat component of the refrigerator plays an important role by controlling the amount of refrigerant injected into the system’s evaporator.
5. Heat is then absorbed by the refrigerant, cooling the air and the refrigerator’s contents.
6. At this point, the refrigerant evaporates into gas and flows back to the compressor.
7. Once the previous step has been completed, the cycle repeats itself to keep the refrigerator and its contents cool around the clock.

Why is My Refrigerator Not Cooling?

Now that you know how your refrigerator works, let’s take a look at what could be causing issues. To properly follow up with the correct solution, you’ll need to know where your refrigerator could go wrong. Here are the reasons as to possibly why your refrigerator is not cooling:

• Installation location
• Food organization
• Blocked air vents
• Improperly set temperature controls
• Dirty or broken gasket seals
• Unlevel installation
• Dirty condenser coils

Common Refrigerator Issues and How to Fix Them

1. Refrigerator Is Too Warm

Your refrigerator should maintain a level of consistent temperatures between 37 and 41 degrees Fahrenheit. So, if your refrigerator is too warm, it will not cool properly. Some recommended tips to fix this include:

• Make sure the refrigerator is receiving power
• Adjusting refrigerator thermostat
• Unlocking refrigerator and freezer vents
• Vacuuming the coils underneath or behind the refrigerator.

If these troubleshooting methods don’t work, possible causes may include a broken condenser fan or evaporator fan.

2. Everything in the Refrigerator Is Freezing

If you find that your refrigerator is freezing everything inside, try seeing if its thermostat is defective by turning it to the highest setting and listening for a click. Or, adjust temperature settings to below 40 degrees. If these don’t work, it likely means that the thermostat, thermistor, or temperature control board is having issues.

3. Dirty Condenser Coils

Another issue is dirty condenser coils. Condenser coils are located underneath the refrigerator or behind. Once you have located them use a vacuum with a brush attachment, coil brush, or soft cloth to clean them.

4. Noisy

If you have a noisy refrigerator that’s getting on your nerves, here are some steps you can take to hopefully eliminate those pesky noises:

• Listen for the source
• Secure the drain pan
• Listen and look for a faulty defrost timer
• Clean and inspect the condenser fan
• Check evaporator fan
• See if the noises are coming from the refrigerator compressor

Common Refrigerator Issues and How to Fix Them

5. Not Cooling

If your refrigerator isn’t cooling, try these troubleshooting steps:

• Check to see if it has been installed in the correct location
• Unblock air vents
• Reorganize your food and other contents inside
• Check to see if gasket seals are broken or damaged
• Relevel the refrigerator
• Clean condenser coils

6. Overflowing Ice Maker

One of the more uncommon issues with a refrigerator is an overflowing ice maker. An overflowing ice maker is the result of low water pressure, a problematic water inlet valve, or the ice maker being improperly assembled. First, try increasing the water pressure by 20 PSI. If that doesn’t do the trick, you might have to replace the water inlet valve or ice maker.

7. Leaking Water

If you spot leaking water coming from your refrigerator, locate and shut off your water supply. Then, inspect the water supply line and connectors for any leaks.

8. The Circuit Breaker Trips

If your refrigerator keeps on tripping your home’s circuit breaker, try switching the outlet or using an extension cord. This is usually an issue when the refrigerator is overloading the overall circuit. If those recommendations don’t help, other causes are best left to a technician.

9. Fridge Won’t Run After Being Transported

Once your refrigerator has been transported, you mustn’t turn it on for at least four hours. The lubricants used in the refrigerator need to settle before use, otherwise key components may be damaged.

10. Refrigerator Door Does Not Close

A refrigerator door that doesn’t close can lead to inconsistent temperatures or frost buildup. Make sure there aren’t any items blocking the door first, then inspect the seals on the door and make sure the refrigerator is leveled.

11. Too Much Moisture Inside Fridge

Too much moisture inside your refrigerator can lead to puddling and frost buildup. Check the door seal first and then use some fridge desiccant as a short-term solution. If this problem is still an issue, it’s something you’ll need professionally done.

What Are the First Things to Check When Your Refrigerator Stops Working?

If a refrigerator stops working, be sure to check the following:

• Assess power supply issues
• Check temperature settings
• Inspect door seals
• Clean condenser coils
• Check air ventilation
• Identify any unusual noises

When To Call a Professional

If your fridge isn’t cooling despite following all of these steps, it’s time to call a professional. If you also believe it’s out of your element to accomplish some of the troubleshooting methods, reaching out to your local professionals is always the best bet.

Become a Licensed HVAC/R Technician

Are you interested in starting a career as an HVAC/R technician? Contact us today at our website to learn more about the program, or enroll at the Erie Institute of Technology to learn how to fix these issues and so much more.

FAQs

What are the most common problems with refrigerators?
Below are some of the most-seen issues with refrigerators:

• The refrigerator is too warm
• Everything inside the refrigerator is freezing
• Condenser coils are dirty
• It’s noisy
• Not cooling properly
• It has an overflowing ice maker
• Leaking water
• Trips your circuit breaker
• Refrigerator won’t run after it has been installed
• The door doesn’t close
• Too much moisture inside

How do I find out what’s wrong with my refrigerator?
You can find out what’s wrong most of the time by inspecting the refrigerator’s components such as the condenser or evaporator fans, water supply, door seals, and temperature settings.

What are the signs of compressor failure in the refrigerator?
Signs of compressor failure include:

• The refrigerator is always running
• The refrigerator isn’t cool enough
• The presence of unusual noises
• The compressor is too hot to touch
• The circuit breaker keeps tripping

What are common refrigerator malfunctions?
You can determine a malfunction by the following signs:

• Leakages
• The refrigerator is too warm
• A broken water dispenser

How can you tell if your refrigerator is going bad?

• Your refrigerator is over 10 years old
• You notice excessive condensation on your food
• Food is going bad quickly
• Ice buildup
• Your refrigerator is leaking
• The back of your refrigerator gets too hot