What to Do When Your Fridge Stops Cooling: A Step-by-Step Guide

A fridge is among the most essential appliances in any home, quietly keeping your food fresh around the clock. But when it out of the blue stops cooling, it can quickly turn right into a major headache. Before you panic or call in a technician, there are several steps you’ll be able to take to troubleshoot the problem. In many cases, a simple fix is perhaps all that’s needed to get your fridge back in working order. Here’s a step-by-step guide that can assist you diagnose and possibly resolve the difficulty yourself.

Step 1: Check the Power Supply

It could sound apparent, but the first thing you must do is make sure the fridge is plugged in and receiving power. Check the outlet by plugging in another equipment to confirm that it’s working. Also, inspect the power cord for any signs of damage. In case your fridge is plugged into a GFCI outlet, it could have tripped—reset it if needed.

Step 2: Examine the Thermostat Settings

Typically, the cooling difficulty is as simple as an by chance adjusted thermostat. Make certain the temperature setting hasn’t been bumped or changed. Most fridges ought to be set between 35°F and 38°F (1.6°C to 3.3°C) for optimum cooling. If the dial is turned too low or set to “Off,” the compressor won’t interact, and the fridge won’t cool.

Step three: Look for Obstructions to Airflow

Fridges depend on proper airflow inside and around the equipment to operate efficiently. Check to make sure there’s enough space behind the refrigerator for air to circulate, especially close to the condenser coils. Inside the fridge, avoid overpacking it, as blocked vents can stop cool air from circulating properly.

Step four: Clean the Condenser Coils

Dirty condenser coils are some of the widespread reasons for a fridge losing its cooling power. Positioned either behind or beneath the appliance, these coils release heat from inside the unit. If they are covered in mud and dirt, they can’t operate properly. Use a coil brush or vacuum to clean them at least twice a yr—or more usually when you’ve got pets.

Step 5: Check the Door Seals

A damaged or loose door gasket can let cold air escape, causing the fridge to work harder or not cool at all. Run your hand along the edge of the door to really feel for drafts. Visually examine the seal for cracks, warping, or mold buildup. You can too do the “dollar bill test”: close the door on a bill and attempt to pull it out. If it slides out easily, the gasket may have replacing.

Step 6: Listen for the Compressor and Fan

When a refrigerator is working properly, you’ll hear the compressor hum and the fan whirring. If it’s utterly silent, it could imply the compressor or start relay is malfunctioning. Then again, should you hear clicking however the compressor isn’t starting, that’s a sign the start relay could must be replaced—a relatively cheap part.

Step 7: Defrost the Freezer

In some cases, a buildup of ice in the freezer can block airflow to the refrigerator compartment. When you notice frost on the back wall or in the vents, unplug the fridge and let it absolutely defrost for a number of hours. Then plug it back in and monitor the cooling performance. If the problem repeats, it may indicate a defective defrost timer or heater.

Step eight: Call a Professional

If you’ve tried all of the above and your refrigerator is still not cooling, it may be time to call in a professional technician. Inner elements like the evaporator fan motor, thermostat control board, or compressor may require expert repair or replacement.

A non-cooling refrigerator doesn’t always mean a costly repair or replacement. With a little investigation and a few fundamental maintenance, you may be able to solve the problem yourself. Appearing quickly may stop food spoilage and more severe damage, so don’t ignore the warning signs. Common cleaning and inspection can keep your fridge running efficiently for years to come.

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