Are you wondering why your refrigerator isn’t as cold as it should be and the freezer is colder than usual? This is one of the most common problems in refrigerators and freezers.
It can be frustrating when food doesn’t stay properly chilled or frozen, but before reaching for the phone to call a repairman, there are some things you can do to fix this common problem yourself.
In this blog post, we’ll provide 13 easy ways that you can check on your own that could help get your fridge back up and running in no time. Keep reading to learn how to troubleshoot at home and get your temperatures where they should be!
Why is the Freezer Cold, But The Refrigerator is Not?
If you’ve ever encountered the problem of your freezer being cold, but the refrigerator is not, you know it can be annoying and confusing. Diagnosing and fixing the problem as soon as possible is essential to keep your food fresh.
Let’s take a look at all 13 possible causes of this issue.
1. Defective Evaporator Fan Motor
A defective evaporator fan motor can be responsible for your freezer being cold while your fridge is warm due to insufficient airflow throughout both refrigerator compartments.
This part circulates cool air from the freezer to the refrigerator, keeping temperatures consistent and avoiding spoiling any food items.
Without this part, your refrigerator won’t be able to stay adequately cool, leading to increased energy costs. To ensure that your food is kept fresh, inspect your cooling fan at least once a year or anytime strange noises or a lack of efficiency is noticed.
2. Dirty Condenser Coils
Another possible cause could be dirty condenser coils.
The condenser coils are responsible for releasing heat from the inside of the unit. When they become clogged with dirt or dust, they can’t do their job correctly, resulting in warmer temperatures within the refrigerator section.
They become less effective at dissipating heat from inside the refrigerator/freezer and cause temperatures to stay lower than usual in only one or both sections at once.
3. The Thermostat is Set Too Low
If your refrigerator doesn’t seem to be functioning correctly, it could simply be due to a minor adjustment. Precautionary measures are simple and easy – start by checking the thermostat settings.
If the temperature setting is too low, your compressor won’t activate because it won’t think there’s a need to cool down the refrigerator since it’s already so cold and cause the fridge to become warm.
A quick check is all it takes and can easily prevent any serious issues in the future. So, make sure you take a few moments to investigate before seeking further assistance.
4. The Door Seal(s) are Damaged
A loose seal on a refrigerator can lead to a concerning problem with the appliance’s performance. As warm air escapes, the amount of cold air being introduced will not be sufficient to keep food appropriately cooled.
This can cause items to spoil quickly and even create health risks due to potentially unsafe temperatures.
If left unchecked, deterioration in refrigeration efficiency can significantly raise energy costs and disrupt day-to-day use. To ensure refrigerators function optimally, checking their seals should be part of routine maintenance.
5. Defrost Timer Isn’t Working
Your defrost timer is a crucial component of your freezer; it helps facilitate the regular defrost cycle, which is necessary to maintain an adequate temperature effectively.
Without a properly operating defrost timer, it can become difficult for the freezer to regulate the temperature within its various compartments.
As a result, you may notice that one section of the fridge warms up quicker than usual, making it difficult to ensure food quality and safety.
6. Evaporator Fan Blades Aren’t Spinning Properly
Evaporator fan blades play an important role in balancing temperatures between the two sections of a refrigeration unit. Any part or material blocking or obstructing this process can cause an imbalance and negatively affect the entire unit’s performance.
Clear these obstacles to ensure optimal temperature regulation—leaving your food items perfectly preserved and at their best favorable states. Regular maintenance should help prevent the blockage of evaporator fan blades from occurring in the first place.
7. Condenser Fan Blades Aren’t Spinning Properly
Malfunctioning cooling systems can be a nuisance and, in some cases, cause further damage to the device. One common problem is a blocked Condenser Fan Blade, which can prevent temperatures in both sections of the device from adequately balancing.
This issue can easily be rectified by inspecting for any blockages and ensuring that the fan is securely attached and spinning freely. Eliminating this obstruction may be enough to ensure optimal performance from your cooling system once again.
8. Compressor Isn’t Running Correctly
Your compressor plays an essential role in keeping your refrigerator at a safe and consistent temperature.
When functioning properly, the compressor helps to regulate the amount of refrigerant flowing through both sections of your fridge; unfortunately, if the compressor fails to do its job, you may discover one section of the refrigerator warming at an abnormal pace.
It’s essential to take care of this problem right away, as improper temperatures can create food safety issues.
9. Frost Buildup Inside Freezer
When it comes to keeping food refrigerated, ensuring optimal temperature conditions is paramount.
Unfortunately, frost buildup inside the freezer can limit airflow from entering into this compartment and cause temperatures to remain lower than usual without affecting those of other compartments like refrigerators do when their door seals fail.
If you notice frost building up on freezer walls, shelves, and drawers, it is recommended to defrost the freezer and make sure your freezer door remains closed when not in use.
10. Clogged Drain Hose
Clogged drain hoses are an often overlooked and undervalued cause of temperature imbalance in a refrigerator’s compartments.
Without a properly functioning drain hose, the natural processes that occur when the ice melts can leave the water to remain within the unit, preventing it from reaching the correct temperature in one compartment.
Clogged drain hoses should be checked and unclogged as soon as possible to prevent bigger problems from arising due to extended refrigeration disparities.
11. Faulty Start Relay
A faulty start relay can cause short circuits and prevent electricity from reaching the compressor motor, thus preventing the compressor from turning on. Low voltage issues in this component can be caused by worn-out parts, leading to inefficient power transfer and decreased performance.
The electrical contacts within a start relay eventually lose contact due to burn-outs or breaks in continuity, making them prone to factor faults and potential stoppage of the system they power.
12. Damaged Temperature Control Board
Regular use of any cooling unit can result in wear and tear on its internal components, eventually leading to technical glitches. One such issue is a damaged temperature control board– the heart and soul of any refrigeration unit- hindering proper cooling function operation.
This is because it prevents accurate controlling of internal storage unit temperatures, leading to inefficient cooling performance, whereby only certain areas are affected instead of the entire unit being affected equally.
13. Blocked Air Vents
Air vents are essential components of any refrigerator as they are critical for proper refrigerating temperatures. Blocked air vents due to dust or debris can seriously impact a refrigerator’s efficiency.
This often manifests in an unbalanced temperature, with the freezer being noticeably colder than the rest of the appliance. If these issues are not addressed quickly and appropriately, it can result in food spoiling faster than expected and higher electricity bills.
There are many causes of a refrigerator-freezer problem where one side remains cold, but the other does not stay adequately cool, but each one has its own solution that should help bring balance back into play again soon enough!
How to Fix a Refrigerator That’s Not Cooling
Have you ever noticed that one side of your refrigerator freezer is cold while the other isn’t? It can be quite frustrating when this happens, as it can make food spoil faster and increase electricity bills.
Fortunately, there are a few potential ways to easily fix this issue. Let’s explore some of the most common tips on how to remedy these issues quickly and effectively.
1. Check the Evaporator Fan Motor
Regularly inspecting and maintaining the inner functionalities of your refrigerator is important for keeping it in good condition.
To check the evaporator fan motor, start by unplugging the refrigerator from its power source and removing the access panel with a screwdriver. Then locate the evaporator fan motor—it should be near the compartment’s rear.
Once you’ve identified it, test the fan to make sure it’s moving normally by slowly spinning in one direction; if it doesn’t run smoothly or grinds, you may need to replace it. Doing this inspection regularly will help keep your fridge running as efficiently as possible.
2. Clean or Replace the Coils as Needed
Cleaning or replacing refrigerator coils is essential for optimum performance and energy efficiency. It’s recommended that you clean your refrigerator coils at least once every 6 months.
To clean the coils, first, unplug the fridge and locate the condenser coils at the back or bottom of the appliance; then, depending on what type of coils you have (flat or round), use a crevice attachment on a vacuum cleaner to give them a thorough vacuuming.
If there’s visible damage to your coils, such as corroded wiring, then it is time to replace them. Make sure to purchase a replacement coil compatible with your model before attempting any installation or repair (for round models, you may need additional parts).
3. Check the Thermostat Settings
If you notice that your freezer is cold, but the refrigerator isn’t, it may be due to an incorrect thermostat setting. To check this, start by unplugging the power source and opening up the fridge’s control panel to locate the thermostat.
Once you’ve identified it, test the setting by turning it clockwise to shorten the cooling time; if this doesn’t improve freezer performance, you may need to replace the thermostat.
It’s also a good idea to check your freezer and refrigerator temperature settings regularly to ensure they are set at the correct levels for optimal efficiency.
4. Check Door Seals
Faulty door seals can be a major culprit when it comes to a cooling freezer, but the refrigerator is not. Start by checking the seals around your freezer and refrigerator doors for any signs of wear or damage, such as cracks or gaps.
If you find any issues with the seals, try replacing them with new ones. Replacing seals is a relatively easy task and can be done with minimal tools.
Once the new seals are installed, ensure they fit snugly on all sides of the door before putting everything back together.
5. Check the Defrost Timer
It is crucial to ensure that your refrigerator’s defrost timer is functioning properly, as it plays a vital role in maintaining the appliance’s efficiency and preserving the quality of food stored inside.
To check the defrost timer, first, locate it in your refrigerator, typically either in the control panel or the base. The timer may vary in appearance but usually consists of a small dial or a circuit board.
Confirm that the refrigerator is plugged in, and begin by manually turning the defrost timer’s dial until a notable click is heard, signifying the start of the defrost cycle.
Make note of the current time and allow the refrigerator to complete a full cycle, which should take anywhere between 6 to 8 hours. Once the cycle is finished, examine the evaporator coils for frost or ice buildup and ensure the refrigerator has returned to its normal cooling mode.
If any abnormalities are present, try replacing this part with a new one to get back on track!
6. Check the Evaporator Fan Blades
If the freezer is freezing, but the fridge isn’t, you may need to check the evaporator fan blades.
Start by unplugging the power source and removing the access panel with a screwdriver. Locate the evaporator fan blades, which should be near the rear of the freezer compartment.
Once you’ve identified them, inspect the blades for any signs of wear or damage and replace them if necessary.
It’s also essential to ensure the fan is spinning in one direction; if it isn’t, you may need to adjust the motor settings or replace it altogether. Doing this inspection and maintenance regularly will help keep your freezer working smoothly.
7. Check Condenser Fan Blades
When it comes to a freezer that’s cooling but a refrigerator that’s not, it’s also important to check the condenser fan blades. Start by unplugging the power source and removing the access panel with a screwdriver.
Once you’ve identified them, inspect the blades for any signs of wear or damage and replace them if necessary. To do that, first, make sure the fan is spinning clockwise; if it isn’t, you may need to adjust the motor settings or replace it altogether.
It’s also essential to ensure that all vents are clear of any obstructions that could be blocking airflow and affecting freezer performance.
8. Replace the Compressor
Replacing the freezer’s compressor with a new one effectively addresses a cooling freezer but a refrigerator that’s not. When replacing the compressor, be sure to choose one that is compatible with your freezer model and size, as well as reliable and energy efficient.
When installing the new compressor, make sure to follow all of the provided instructions carefully and double-check that all of the connections are secure. Additionally, be sure to properly dispose of the old compressor in accordance with local laws and regulations.
Once the new compressor is in place, your freezer should work properly again! Hopefully, this helps get you back on track!
9. Defrost the Freezer
The process of defrosting a freezer may seem like a daunting task, but it is essential for the longevity and efficiency of the appliance.
To manually defrost your freezer, unplug the device to ensure safety. Utilize tools such as a hair dryer or a spatula to remove the frost buildup carefully.
For larger amounts of ice, a hair dryer can provide the necessary heat to melt the frost, while a spatula can assist in chipping away smaller amounts without causing damage.
It is vital to thoroughly remove all ice particles before plugging in and restarting your appliance.
10. Clean the Drain Hose
Check for any obstructions in drain hoses by unscrewing the freezer’s drain hose cover. The goal is to ensure water flows freely through the freezer and out of the drain hole.
If any obstructions are blocking the flow, use a wet/dry vacuum or pipe cleaner to dislodge and remove them. Finally, reattach the freezer’s drain hose cover and restart the freezer.
By completing this step, you should be able to get your freezer running as good as new!
11. Check the Start Relay
It’s also a good idea to check the freezer start relay for any signs of wear or damage. If you suspect it might be worn out, replace it with a new one to get back on track!
The freezer start relay is located near the compressor and can typically be accessed by unscrewing the freezer’s rear panel. Once you’ve identified it, inspect the relay for any signs of wear or damage and replace it if necessary.
12. Check Temperature Control Board
In order to maximize the lifespan of your cooling appliance and enjoy an efficient and uniform cooling experience, it’s essential to maintain regular checks on components like the temperature control board for any signs of damage or malfunctioning.
To do that, remove the freezer’s access panel and locate the temperature control board. Once you’ve identified it, inspect the board for any signs of damage or wear and replace it if necessary.
13. Clean Out Blocked Air Vents
To avoid this problem, it is vital to check if your air vents are blocked regularly, and if found to be obstructed, clean them with a soft brush or cloth. Additionally, you can use a vacuum cleaner on the lowest power setting to remove any dust buildup present in the freezer’s air vents.
By doing so, you can ensure that your freezer is running efficiently and consistently producing cold temperatures.