In many cases, there is no need to rush out and buy a new refrigerator. While you may need to eventually call in an appliance technician for some repairs, other fixes are simple to do and require no special tools or knowledge. Listed below are 10 straightforward reasons why your refrigerator is not cooling and what to do about them. But anything can inadvertently reset the temperature, including brushing against it with your hand or food items being pushed into the fridge or freezer. A problem with the temperature control may also be the reason you hear your fridge compressor running but the appliance is not cooling down its contents. How To Fix It:
Change the thermostat down to the desired temperature setting.Be sure to check both the freezer and the refrigerator, as they should have separate controls.Don’t expect the temperature in the box to change immediately. Instead, allow a full day for the temperature to restabilize.
How To Fix It:
Unlatch the anti-tip brackets located at the exterior bottom-front of the cabinet. Carefully slide the refrigerator out and clean the coils with the hand attachment on a vacuum cleaner. Be careful not to bend or otherwise damage the coils.
How To Fix It:
Wipe down the gaskets with a sponge and warm, soapy water.Also, wipe down the sections on the fridge where the gaskets touch.Do not use abrasive cleaners, brushes, scouring pads, flammable fluids, or window cleaning sprays.
How To Fix It:
Look for large boxes or bags that may have been inadvertently placed in front of the vents, preventing cool air from entering the unit.Pull those items aside or locate them on a different shelf.Check to see if there is a layer of ice blocking the vent, as well. If so, remove by gently chipping it away and checking the temperature of the appliance.
How To Fix It:
Keep your refrigerator about three-quarters full of food and beverages to allow the air to circulate properly.In a pinch, put a couple of pitchers of water in the empty corners of your fridge to give your appliance something more to keep cool.Don’t overstuff your fridge because items need air circulation to keep properly cooled, as well.
How To Fix It:
Look for universal and brand-specific door gaskets online for between $35 and $100 for your fix.Soak the new gasket in hot water for a few minutes to make it more pliable for installation.Loosen and remove the old gasket (you may need to remove screws in the process).Lay the new gasket in place per instructions.
How To Fix It:
Use a bubble or laser level to check levels. From side to side, the fridge should be perfectly level. From front to back, though, the fridge should tilt 1/4-inch toward the back to allow the doors to shut properly.
How To Fix It:
Check your instructions for details on tolerances. The tolerances depend on your brand of refrigerator.Generally, you’ll need at least 3/8-inch on the sides.You’ll need at least 1-inch tolerance in the back. After sliding the unit back in place, be sure to reset the anti-tip brackets located at the lower two front corners of the unit.
Even when the fridge is located in a temperate environment, hot appliances such as dishwashers, ranges, or ovens adjacent to the fridge can affect the fridge’s cooling. How To Fix It:
To protect the fridge from the stove’s heat, attach a heat-insulating material to the wall of the refrigeratorUse your kitchen fan when cooking to reduce the heat in the kitchen.Surround the refrigerator in a customized box to separate the appliance from other hot appliances. This is also a solution for a fridge located in a garage with extreme temperatures.
How To Fix It:
Make sure that your refrigerator’s electrical plug is tight and solid in the outlet. Check the outlet type. Refrigerators should not be plugged into GFCI outlets as the GCFI may shut off power to the fridge.
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