Is Your Fridge Not Cooling? This Might Be Why

Coming downstairs to find that your fridge is not cooling is a frustrating experience. Luckily there are some simple ways to diagnose and fix the problem.

Finding that your fridge is not cooling is not only puzzling, but it can also be very frustrating. It is important to keep your fridge running efficiently for several reasons. First, having an efficient fridge helps to reduce food waste, as cooler temperatures help to preserve food for longer. Secondly, if something isn’t allowing the fridge to cool itself properly, it will end up using more energy in order to try and keep temperatures down. It is important to keep your fridge running smoothly for both these reasons. 

So, why is your fridge not cooling properly? We’ll take a look at several reasons why your fridge may not be working correctly, and what you can do to fix it.    

Your Fridge Isn't Organized Properly

One reason why your fridge may not be cooling properly is that the items in the fridge are not properly organized. When your items are not properly organized, they can end up blocking the air vents of the fridge, meaning that your food might not be cooled properly. You may also find that the fridge doesn’t feel as cool as it should. If you suspect this is the case, take a look to see if your fridge seems overstocked or if any items are covering the air vents. While re-organizing, cleaning your fridge may also be a good idea.    

The solution: To fix this problem, you first need to identify if any items are blocking the air vents of your fridge. If you find items that are blocking the vents, move them away or reorganize your fridge so that there is plenty of room for the airflow to move around. Here are some great fridge organization ideas. After reorganizing, check back in 24 hours to see if the temperature has cooled.   

Fridge Not Cooling Due to Dirty Seals

If your fridge isn’t cooling properly, it may be because you have dirty seals. When the seals become worn down or dirty, it can prevent your fridge from sealing properly whenever you close it. This is because the job of seals is to help prevent cool air from escaping. As a consequence, dirty or worn seals allow cool air to escape, which means your fridge may not feel as cold as it normally does.    

The solution: To fix the problem, clean your seals, ensuring they are squeaky clean. You should also check that the seals are correctly sealed and not worn down. If the problem persists, seek professional advice to help fix your fridge.  

It's Not Installed Correctly

While it may come as a surprise, one reason your fridge is not cooling is that it’s not installed correctly. Your fridge should be level. Otherwise, it can cause fluctuations in temperature. If it’s not level it will also likely prevent your door from sealing shut properly. Likewise, you should also ensure that it has enough space around the sides for air to circulate efficiently. 

If your fridge is designed for indoor use, then it should be indoors. Placing your fridge in any room where there are dramatic fluctuations in temperature, such as a garage, may affect how efficiently it can cool itself. 

The solution: Check your fridge is level and has enough clearance space. If it doesn’t, you should move it so that it meets the correct criteria. If you struggle to move it yourself, then you should get some help doing so. If moving doesn’t resolve the problem, then seek out an expert who can help. 

Clogged Coils

Another culprit may be that your fridge has clogged coils. The coils in your fridge help to regulate a cool temperature, so any dirt buildup may compromise this. They are usually either located at the back of your fridge, underneath, or on top. Pulling the fridge out to take a look should help you to figure out where yours are. 

The solution: Clean your fridge coils either by hand or with a vacuum cleaner. You can even use both for an even more thorough clean. Make sure any dirt buildup has been removed and the coils are free of dust. If you can, you should try and clean them at least once a year to prevent any buildup. Check the next day if your fridge temperature has dropped. 

A Faulty Power Supply

A faulty power supply will affect the temperature of your fridge, as it won’t be able to run efficiently. Perhaps your plug is loose or faulty, or maybe the light isn’t coming on when you open the fridge. All of these factors could impact how effectively your fridge cools itself. If the fridge isn’t even plugged in, then it won’t be cooling your food. So, how can you fix it?   

The solution: First, check your fridge is securely plugged in and that nothing is loose. If none of the above resolve your problem, and the fridge is plugged in correctly, then you may have a faulty power source or faulty circuit board. This should be handled by a professional. 

Read more: 

• Freezing Onions: How to Do It in a Few Easy Steps
• How to Keep Grapes Fresh: 4 Easy Storage Tips
• Got a Drafty Door? How to Find the Cause and 6 Ways to Fix It

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Tags: Food Food Waste Freezing Guide Practical Tips