At a Glance:
Why is My Refrigerator Not Cooling?
What to do When Your Refrigerator is Not Cooling
6 Replacements for a Refrigerator Not Cooling
FAQs: Refrigerator Not Cooling
Have you ever gone to grab a cold drink or frozen treat only to realize “My fridge is not cooling my food?” With how much we rely on our refrigerators to keep our food fresh for a long time, it can be disheartening when you notice your fridge not cooling. Today we are going to cover some of the basic reasons a refrigerator isn’t cooling, ways to fix it, and when it's time to call a repairman. We will also share some reputable brands and possible replacement options if your refrigerator needs replaced altogether.
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Shop RefrigerationWhy is My Refrigerator Not Cooling?
There are several common reasons why a refrigerator’s not getting cold, so let’s take a glance at what those common causes are.
Thermostat Settings
One of the biggest reasons people find that their fridge won’t get cold is simply because the thermostat setting is not set to the appropriate levels.
Frost Build-Up
Another common reason for a refrigerator not cooling is that there has been some frost build-up on the evaporator coils which can prevent proper airflow and cooling throughout your fridge. Various things can cause frost build-up on the evaporator coils like malfunctioning the in the defrost system, timer, heater, and thermostat.
Faulty Door Seal
If you notice that your door is not shutting properly, that could be a common cause of your refrigerator not cooling to the proper temperature. When a refrigerator door does not seal properly, it can cause warm air to enter your refrigerator and mess up the cooling process.
Failure of the Control Board
If you have a modern refrigerator with electronic control boards, you may be dealing with such things as a failure in the control board. The control board is the brain of the operation, so if that fails, it can cause many malfunctions to your refrigerator, including cooling.
Dirty Coils
Every refrigerator has something called “condenser coils” which are located either underneath or at the back of your refrigerator. The condenser coils play a huge role in the cooling of your refrigerator by facilitating the transfer of heat out of your fridge into the surrounding areas, so, if the condenser coils are covered with dust or debris, it can reduce the ability of the coils to remove heat from your fridge.
Drain System Blockage
If a refrigerator has a freezer section, there is a part called a drainage system that is designed to remove excess moisture from the freezer. If that drainage system gets clogged, it can lead to a couple of different things like cooling problems and ice buildup.
Refrigerant Leak
A refrigerant is a substance that is responsible for absorbing and releasing heat in a variety of cooling units, like AC units, refrigerators, and other cooling systems. When there is a refrigerant leak, it can lead to a decrease in its cooling abilities, because with less liquid, there is less refrigerant to absorb heat.
Faulty Compressor
In refrigerators, the compressor is the main source of cooling. If there is a malfunction or break in the compressor, then the refrigerator will not cool as it should.
What to do When Your Refrigerator is Not Cooling
When you go to get your favorite cold treat or beverage and find that your refrigerator’s not cold, it can be alarming, but sometimes there are easy ways to fix issues yourself. Let’s take a look at some different ways you can troubleshoot the problem when your fridge won’t get cold, how to fix easy fixes, and when it’s time to call a repairman.
Troubleshooting: My Fridge is Not Cooling
- First, you should start by checking to make sure that your thermostat settings are at the correct temperature for your refrigerator's recommended setting.
- Next, ensure that your power supply is properly hooked up and that the fuse or breaker box has not blown.
- After checking those two things, ensure that there is proper airflow and ventilation in both the refrigerator and freezer sections of your fridge and that they are not blocked by ice buildup or food.
- Next, you’ll want to check your condenser coils and fans. If your condenser coils are covered in dirt and debris, that is easily fixed by simply cleaning them off. Once you have checked the coils, ensure that the condenser fan is functioning properly.
- Next, verify that important cooling components like the evaporator fan, defrost system, compressor, and control boards are all functioning as they should be.
- Lastly, check to ensure that your door has a proper seal on it, to not let any warm, room air enter your refrigerator when the door is supposed to be shut.
Fixing it Yourself
Certain issues cause a refrigerator not to get cold that can be easily fixed yourself, so let’s take a quick look at what those are and how to fix them.
➤ Thermostat Adjustments: If you notice that your thermostat is not at the ideal temperature setting to provide optimal cooling to your refrigerator, simply turning the dial to the correct setting should do the trick.
➤ Blocked Air Vents or Overcrowding: By simply rearranging food to allow your air vents to have proper ventilation, can easily improve the cooling abilities of your fridge. Ensuring that there is not too much food in your fridge or freezer is a great way to prevent this. Going through your food often to dispose of expired food is recommended to ensure there is no overcrowding.
➤ Dirty Coils: If you notice that your condenser coils are dirty, simply unplug your refrigerator and take a vacuum to the coils to remove any visible dirt or debris.
➤ Broken Cooling Fans: If you notice that the cooling fans in either your fridge or freezer are not functioning properly, replacing them with the correct replacement part is fairly simple to do yourself.
➤ Damaged Door Seals: Fixing or replacing door seals is an easy DIY fix if your fridge isn’t getting cold. Simply purchase the replacement part online or in a hardware store, and then follow the manufacturer's recommendation on how to replace it.
When to Seek Professional Repair Help
While several things can be DIY’d with enough Youtube videos and tutorial instructions, certain things simply should not be attempted by anyone other than the pros. If your refrigerator is not cooling properly, and you suspect it to be one of these issues, it is recommended to seek a professional service repairman.
- Refrigerant Leak
- Defrost System Malfunctions/Breakage
- Electrical Problems
- Advanced or Complex Issues
- Compressor Issues
- Cooling Motors
- Toxic or Flammable Concerns
- Persistent Problems that Can’t Be DIY’d
→ Learn more: How to Choose a High-End Built-in Refrigerator
Best Refrigerator Brands
There is nothing worse than having a refrigerator that isn’t reliable. If your refrigerator’s not cooling enough and you’re looking for the best brand of refrigerator to replace it with, you may be overwhelmed by the number of brands on the market today. There are a few brands like Whirlpool, LG, and GE that are safe, reliable brands that will give you long life spans, innovative features, and reasonable budgets. Other recommended brands that have great reviews for reliable, durable refrigerators are brands like Bosch, Amana, KitchenAid, Frigidaire, and Beko.
So, whether you have an LG refrigerator not cooling, a Whirlpool refrigerator not cooling, or any other name-brand refrigerator not working properly, it is always recommended to research customer reviews, the brand history, what kind of features they offer, warranties, and any other important details, to ensure that you invest in a brand that you are happy with.
→ Learn more: Are Frigidaire Gallery Refrigerators Any Good?
6 Replacements for a Refrigerator Not Cooling
Now, let's take a look at some of our recommended replacements for refrigerators that are having trouble and need to be replaced.
Frigidaire Gallery® 21.5 Cu. Ft. Smudge-Proof® Stainless Steel Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator
Shop the Frigidaire Gallery® Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator
With the Frigidaire Gallery 21.5 Cu. Ft. Smudge-Proof® Stainless Steel Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator, you get a multitude of features that make storing and controlling your food much easier. The SpaceWise organization system comes with clever organization solutions that make use of dead space in your refrigerator, including a slide-under shelf, SnackZone, and in-door condiment storage. No more worrying about overcrowding your refrigerator, potentially causing cooling issues with this standout model by Frigidaire.
- Model: GRMC2273BF
- Dimensions: 70.19” H x 35.9” W x 32” D
- Total Capacity: 21.5 Cu. Ft.
Customer reviews: “This refrigerator has it all! I LOVE the counter depth feature. Shelves can be readjusted for tall items. The ice maker works great with water, crushed ice & small cubes of ice. Nice pull out freezer on the bottom. The thing I love the most is the middle drawer, which can be set for snack temp or freezer temps if needed. I also have great confidence in the brand, Frigidaire. So far, excellent performance!”
KitchenAid® 19.9 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel with PrintShield™ Finish Counter-Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Shop the KitchenAid® Counter-Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerator
The counter-depth design of this KitchenAid® 19.9 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel with PrintShield Finish Side-by-Side refrigerator gives a sleek, modern look to any kitchen, but that’s not the best part. Enjoy features like bright, LED lighting, Measured Water Fill, and Produce Preserver, among other things. If you are looking for a refrigerator that ensures the longevity of your produce, then look no further than this beautiful design by KitchenAid. With Clear Door Bins and Metallic Accents, you can enjoy a fresh-looking fridge not only on the outside but on the inside as well.
- Model: KRSC700HPS
- Dimensions: 68.81” H x 35.5” W x 29.56” D
- Total Capacity: 19.5 Cu. Ft.
Customer reviews: “Our 2008 Counter top Kitchen Aid served us well. We upgraded to the 19.9 Counter-Depth Side-by-Side in late May 2023. This product offers us more convenient inside space and easier to locate shelf items. The PrintShield finish was a nice touch. We are very happy with our new KitchenAid Refrigerator.”
Café™ 22.2 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator
Shop the Café™ Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator
If you have a GE Profile refrigerator not cooling and want to stick with the GE brand, then you’re in luck with this Café 22.2 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator. The Cafe brand is owned by GE and puts the same quality and care into Cafe appliances as it does GE appliances. With this refrigerator, you get endless customization options and a variety of features that allow you to do things your way. Features like LED lighting, temperature-controlled drawers, hot water dispenser, and more, elevates this fridge to any homeowner's dream appliance.
- Model: CYE22TP2MS1
- Dimensions: 70.5” H x 35.75” W x 31.25” D
- Total Capacity: 22.2 Cu. Ft.
Customer reviews: “Talk about all in one this baby is it! Yes it has your coffee pot too! It is amazing! GE has thought of everything! This refrigerator is so well organized inside lots of room for everything! I even registered so they tell me when it's time for a new filter.”
→ Learn more: French Door Refrigerators Ranked: Price vs Features
Beko 13.5 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Counter Depth Top Freezer Refrigerator
Shop the Beko Counter Depth Top Freezer Refrigerator
The stunning Beko 13.5 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Counter Depth Top Freezer Refrigerator comes in two classic color finishes, Stainless Steel or White, and is equipped with food-saving, energy-efficient features that make food storage a breeze. The Active Fresh Blue light stimulates natural lighting conditions inside your refrigerator, prolonging the process of photosynthesis and keeping your fruits and veggies fresh for longer. Store everything from your favorite veggies and fruits to sweet treats on the height-adjustable cantilever shelves and roomy crisper drawers.
- Model: BFTF2716SS
- Dimensions: 68.88” H x 27.56” W x 26.31” D
- Total Capacity: 13.5 Cu. Ft.
→ Learn more: Energy Efficient Appliances: Your Money Saving Buying Guide
Bosch® 800 Series 10.0 Cu. Ft. White Glass Compact Refrigerator
Shop the Bosch® Compact Refrigerator
If you are searching for the perfect refrigerator for a small kitchen setting, then look no further than this Bosch 800 Series 10.0 Cu. Ft. White Glass Compact Refrigerator. Its small compact design packs a big punch with a Full-Width Chiller Drawer, True Counter-Depth Design, and Air Circulation Consistency With MultiAirFlow. Combine all of this with the White Glass Finish on the outside, and this refrigerator is the best new addition to any small kitchen or game room.
- Model: B10CB81NVW
- Dimensions: 72.88” H x 23.5” W x 25.75” D
- Total Capacity: 10.0 Cu. Ft.
Customer reviews: “It is completely silent, which is a miracle. Glass door is beautiful and lighting inside is wonderful.”
Amana® 24.6 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Side-By-Side Refrigerator
Shop the Amana® Side-By-Side Refrigerator
Trouble finding a place to store food in your current fridge? Amana has you covered with various food storage solutions like Adjustable Door Bins and Gallon Door Storage Bins. Plus, the 25 Cu. Ft. of interior capacity is large enough to store bulk amounts of food and snacks.
- Model: ASI2575GRS
- Dimensions: 69.25” H x 35.88” W x 34.13” D
- Total Capacity: 24.6 Cu. Ft.
Customer reviews: “we bought our refrigerator a month ago and we love it. I live with my two granddaughters and they love it especially with the side by side freezer. We really like the ice and water feature. It keeps our food really cold.”
FAQs: Refrigerator Not Cooling
How to fix refrigerator not cooling?
Refrigerator not cooling enough? Try these steps to fix the problem:
- Check the power cord.
- Adjust the thermostat to the correct setting.
- Clear the inside vents.
- Check the mechanisms under your fridge.
- Check the door gaskets.
- Organize your fridge to create more space.
- Check the door switch.
- Call a technician if your refrigerator is still not cooling after these steps.
Why won't my fridge get cold?
Several aspects could cause a refrigerator to not get cold like poor ventilation, an error in installation, unorganized food storage, malfunction of the internal parts, dirty gasket seals, or condenser coils.
Is there refrigerator repair near me?
If you are looking for a refrigerator repair near you, simply searching for refrigerator repair near me will pull up local results. If you are local to St. George, UT, Las Vegas, NV, Cedar City, UT, or Mesquite, NV, contact BlvdHome for all of your appliance needs.
Where to buy new refrigerators?
While there are many appliance stores, not many carry reliable, durable appliances that are sure to last you for years to come. At BlvdHome, you are sure to receive quality customer care, along with a wide range of refrigerator models to choose from.
Why Trust BlvdHome?
The roots of this family business began as early as the pioneer settlement of Southern Utah. One descendant of those 1861 pioneers was Lester Wittwer. In 1928, he started a trucking business with other family members, delivering homegrown fruits and vegetables to many outlying areas. The story of BlvdHome began in 1974, when Lester’s son Tony decided to venture off into the furniture world - with two full-time employees and a small showroom of only 8,000 square feet. Today, BlvdHome has 5 retail locations with over 160,000 sq. ft. of showroom space, located in St. George, Utah, Hurricane, Utah, Cedar City, Utah, Mesquite, Nevada, and a new Las Vegas location. With over 230 amazing team members, BlvdHome continues to deliver on a commitment to customer service that started over 90 years ago.
Shop Refrigerators at BlvdHome
At BlvdHome, we provide quality name-brand appliances, furniture, and mattresses for great prices. Shop refrigeration online or visit us today at one of our locations in Utah or Nevada. In the meantime, browse our website to shop BlvdHome Bargain Barn and check out our flooring selections to increase your home value. More available than ever, our experts at BlvdHome are always happy to help you fix your refrigerator not cooling or find a top-notch replacement, whether you call us or use our online chat feature. Contact us today!
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