What Would Cause a Refrigerator to Stop Getting Cold?
Are you having trouble with your refrigerator? Sometimes even the best refrigerator brands can have mechanical issues that cause them to malfunction at times. One of the most common problems with refrigerators is failure to stay cold. This can happen for a variety of reasons, some of which are easy to fix and others that may require professional appliance repair.
What would cause a refrigerator to stop getting cold? Here are the most probable causes.
Thermostat Settings
If your refrigerator doesn’t seem cool enough, the first thing to check is the thermostat. Make sure it is set to a cold enough temperature or setting. Some fridges have a digital thermostat where you can set an actual temperature, others have a number system from coldest to warmest, and still others have a different type of indicator such as a color system.
Check to see that the thermostat is set to an ideal temperature setting (about 40 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended). If you can’t choose a number, simply set your fridge to the coolest setting possible and see if it gets colder. Sometimes the thermostat will get bumped by accident and cause the fridge to be too warm. If changing the thermostat doesn’t fix the problem, there is a different issue going on.
The Door Seal is Compromised
Refrigerator doors have a rubber seal around the edge that prevents the cold air from leaking out and the warm air from getting in. If this seal is cracked, falling off, missing, or hardened it can make it very difficult for your fridge to stay cold inside. If the seal is compromised on your freezer door you may notice frost forming on the inside (most freezers that are attached to refrigerators are frost-free when operating properly).
The seal can be easily replaced if it has begun to deteriorate. This is most likely an inexpensive fix because it is a low cost replacement part and the labor is relatively simple.
Condenser Coils are Clogged
Most refrigerators have condenser coils underneath that release the heat that is pulled from the inside. This is why you sometimes feel heat coming out from under your fridge. Have you noticed that dust tends to build up around the bottom of your refrigerator? That dust can accumulate on the condenser coils and create a layer of unwanted insulation that prevents the coils from doing their job. A simple cleaning of the condenser coils may be all that is needed.
Frost on the Evaporator Coils
The evaporator coils are located inside the refrigerator. Their job is to draw heat from the air inside the fridge and lower the temperature. If the defrosting elements are malfunctioning, frost can build up on the evaporator coils, preventing air from getting to the refrigerant inside the coils. It may seem odd that your fridge can have frost and be too warm at the same time, but that’s exactly what happens. Defrosting can temporarily fix the problem, but if it continues to happen it may be necessary to have the defrosting elements repaired.
Not Enough Refrigerant
Refrigerant, sometimes referred to as freon, is the liquid inside the coils of your refrigerator that produce the cool air. If the refrigerant leaks out or evaporates, it may need to be recharged (refilled). But before refilling the refrigerant, it is important to make sure there are no leaks in the coils that would cause the same problem to happen again. The coils may need to be repaired or replaced first.
Refrigerator is Not Level
Do you have uneven or sloping floors? Older homes often have uneven floors from years of a settling foundation. If your refrigerator is not sitting on a level surface and is leaning forward, the door may be falling slightly open or failing to seal properly. Most refrigerators have adjustable feet underneath so that it can be leveled, allowing the door to properly shut and seal.
Appliance Repair 512 Can Solve Your Refrigerator Problems
Are you standing in front of a warm refrigerator and wondering what would cause a refrigerator to stop getting cold? Before your food spoils, you need refrigerator repair in Austin. Appliance Repair 512 can diagnose and repair all makes and models of home appliances, including refrigerators. We’ll troubleshoot your fridge, identify the problem, and repair it as quickly as possible.
Call (512) 351-7624 or contact us today to request service. We provide fast, reliable service for all of your home appliances.
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