You wake up in the morning and sleepily traipse toward the fridge. An off-putting smell and lukewarm air greet you upon opening it. If you’re wondering, “Why is my refrigerator not cooling?” this guide can answer all your questions.
Rick’s Appliance Service offers affordable appliance repair in Wichita, KS. Learn the reasons why your fridge isn’t cooling properly below.
How To Tell When My Refrigerator Doesn’t Work Properly
While your fridge might stop cooling without warning, it usually shows symptoms before it completely fails:
- Food items spoil faster.
- The cool air becomes warmer and warmer.
- Food and drink packages drip with condensation.
If you notice these issues, call an appliance repair expert to protect your food and prevent a fridge breakdown.
Troubleshooting a Fridge That Is Not Cooling
Sometimes, you can solve the problem with your fridge after a brief investigation. Inspect your refrigerator for the following common issues:
- Power source: Your fridge might not have a sufficient power supply. Make sure it’s securely plugged into the wall. Then, ensure the connected circuit switch is in the correct position and practice electrical safety at home.
- Too many food items: An overfull fridge will not work efficiently because of items blocking the air vents. Clean out expired items and organize the remaining contents.
- Thermostat settings: Keep your thermostat set between 32 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Otherwise, the appliance won’t keep its contents cold.
Why Is My Refrigerator Not Cooling?
If the troubleshooting steps above didn’t solve the problem, call for professional refrigerator repair. Causes of fridges not working can include:
- Dirty condenser coils: The coils on the back of the fridge encourage air circulation and cooling. When they collect dust and grime, the appliance works harder to do its job.
- Faulty gasket seals: The gasket seals are the rubber border surrounding the refrigerator door. They prevent cold air from escaping the interior. If they become dirty or damaged, they’ll allow warm air in and chilled air out.
- Tight quarters: Refrigerators need at least an inch of space on all sides. When it releases heat, the refrigerant condenses. It can’t perform this process without enough space to release heat.
Helpful Refrigerator Maintenance Tips
What can you do to prevent spoiled food and other fridge struggles?
- Block out time monthly to declutter the fridge’s interior and dust the exterior.
- Keep an inch of space between your refrigerator and walls, cabinets, and other surfaces.
- Inspect its components, like gasket seals and the back panel regularly.
- Contact professional appliance technicians for repairs and installations. Report odd noises, lack of sound, and other odd behavior as soon as you discover it.
Refrigerators can last up to 20 years with proper maintenance.
Call Rick’s Appliance Service for Help If Your Refrigerator Is Not Cooling in Wichita, Kansas
If you have questions like, “Why is my refrigerator not cooling?” or “Why is my refrigerator leaking?” we’re here to help. Call 316-265-2866 to reach Rick’s Appliance Service in Wichita, Kansas. We’ll diagnose and solve the problem, getting your fridge back in action.