Is Your Refrigerator Not Cooling in Berrien County? Diagnosing the Top 10 Offenders for Your Fridge Not Cooling

A refrigerator has one purpose, right? To keep your food stored and cool. But what if your refrigerator is not cooling? Berrien County homeowners rely on a great number of household appliances. When all of a sudden, you go to open the fridge and reach for the milk, and it's warm, something is seriously wrong. Your stomach will be wrong, too, if you consume that milk. Pour the milk out, reach your hand into your fridge, and if the temperature in your fridge is not cool in your Berrien County home, we've got a problem.

If your refrigerator loses its cooling function, you can get in touch with the Elkhart appliance repair professionals to have it fixed. However, there are some things that you can do in the meantime to determine why your fridge is not cooling. Our Berrien County experts created this article to take you through the top ten culprits that lead to your refrigerator not cooling. If you are unable to determine the source of the malfunction by the conclusion of the article, do not hesitate to seek assistance from a professional.

Refrigerator Not Cooling in Berrien County? Here Are the Top 10 Reasons

Reflect on the crucial role this unassuming appliance plays in our daily lives. From satisfying midnight cravings to providing the ingredients for culinary masterpieces, our fridge is the unsung hero, always ready to serve. Now, let's delve into the mysteries behind its occasional reluctance to maintain a comfortable internal temperature. Keep reading to uncover the top ten components that can cause issues with this essential kitchen appliance and the common problems they face, leading to a drop in the inside air temperature. When your fridge is not cooling, you can blame these causes:

1: Dirty Condenser Coils

The condenser coils play a crucial role in facilitating heat exchange in various areas of the refrigerator, whether located underneath the appliance, behind the base grille, or on top. That's why it is prudent to keep your coils as clean as possible. As time passes, dust and debris gradually build up on the coils, forming an insulating layer that obstructs the distribution of heat. For the fridge to keep the cool air going inside the fridge, condenser coils have to release heat. Dirty condenser coils cause the refrigerator compressor to exert more effort, consuming additional energy and decreasing cooling effectiveness. You can use a vacuum cleaner or a coil brush to clean the condenser coils, but make sure you turn off your fridge first.

To avoid a refrigerator not cooling, Berrien County homeowners are highly advised to clean the fridge condenser coils about twice a year. If you're unsure about where to locate the coils or lack the necessary tools to clean them, consider hiring a professional appliance technician to handle the task for you.

2. Faulty Thermostat

Refrigerator temperatures can be as fickle as your great aunt Norma. However, according to the US Department of Agriculture, your fridge's ideal temperature should be set at 40 °F. If the temperature inside your fridge does not match the thermostat, the problem may lie with the thermostat itself. A malfunctioning thermostat in your refrigerator can cause the temperature settings to fluctuate, jeopardizing the safety of your food and impacting the overall functionality of the appliance, including the fridge not cooling properly. Thus, it is recommended to have a professional inspect your temperature control board to ensure it is functioning properly or determine if it needs replacement.

3. Power Struggles

Ensuring that the power supply of your refrigerator is on will help you determine why your fridge isn’t cooling. Berrien County homeowners are advised to check the socket, which may be turned off, or it could be faulty, causing your refrigerator not to cool. A power outage can interrupt the fridge's cooling system, leading to a gradual rise in temperature. Not only can the duration of the outage cause the compressor to overheat, but a sudden return of power can also have the same effect. To ensure your fridge has cool temperatures, and keep your food fresh, it's essential to use a power supply or a surge protector.

If your fridge is not cooling in Elkhart, and you think it’s the power, follow these quick and easy steps to ensure that your fridge is getting electricity:

• Verify that the plug is inserted correctly. If it is not, make sure the plug is positioned tightly and securely.
• Test the socket to determine it's working properly.

4. Failing Door Seals

Another reason why your fridge is not cooling in Elkhart is the door seal, also known as the gasket. It seals your fridge and stops the cool air in the fridge from escaping. Rubber gaskets also maintain a constant temperature that will save electrical use. When gasket seals are damaged, leaking, cracked, or compromised, the air can escape from your fridge, leading to increased energy consumption as it struggles to maintain the correct temperature. Inspect your seals to ensure that there is a tight seal. To solve the issue of a refrigerator not closing properly, consider installing a universal gasket. Begin the installation process at the top of the door and work your way down the sides, ensuring that the gasket is flat and smooth before trimming off any surplus material.

5. Faulty Evaporator Fans

The evaporator fan motor plays a critical role in the refrigerator system by facilitating the removal of heat from circulating air, effectively drawing air through the evaporator coils. When the evaporator fan motor is malfunctioning, your freezer will begin to defrost. If you suspect that your evaporator fan is malfunctioning, you will want to examine the motor windings. Damaged motor windings will prevent the evaporator fan motor from working correctly. Inspect the windings for signs of overheating or wear and tear, and replace them immediately if they are damaged.

But on the note of fans, if your fridge seems as quiet as a church mouse, it may signal a malfunctioning fan. Fan blades and vents play a crucial role in circulating air and maintaining a uniform temperature. A silent fan can lead to an increase in temperature inside your refrigerator. Ensure that you remain vigilant and promptly address any atypical sounds. Additionally, verify that your refrigerator is correctly configured to the proper temperature.

6. Air Vents Are Clogged

The air circulation in the refrigerator compartment is responsible for the cooling capacity. If the vents at the back are blocked, the unit will not be able to circulate cool air, even though it is capable of providing sufficient cooling and drying through the flow of cold air. Check if there is a draft of cool air by placing your hand behind the fridge, and if there is no airflow, the culprit may be a clogged vent. This, however, is a simple fix; you just have to clear that vent of whatever may be obstructing the airflow.

7. Keep It Under Control and Check Your Control Panel

The control board (or panel) is the main operative component of the fridge. Multiple sensors are utilized to collect input and ensure the refrigerator maintains the optimal temperature. However, the control panels can experience damage due to faulty electrical currents, leading to overheating. Fortunately, the process of replacing and installing control boards is straightforward and cost-effective.

8. Don’t Stress, Decompress(or)!

The compressors in refrigerators are essential for circulating refrigerant throughout the system. However, as they age, their efficiency decreases, resulting in poor performance and the inability to keep the fridge cool. If your refrigerator is showing signs of wear and tear, a worn-out compressor could be the reason behind its loss of cooling power. An experienced technician can evaluate the compressor's condition and recommend necessary repairs or replacements to restore your fridge's cooling capabilities.

9. Cold As Ice: Buildup of Ice

Are you aware that a buildup of ice in your refrigerator can seriously affect its cooling performance? When frost forms on the evaporator fan motor or coils, it acts as insulation, hindering efficient heat exchange. Regularly defrosting and cleaning your fridge with warm soapy water can prevent ice buildup, ensuring that your appliance runs smoothly and doesn't succumb to inefficiency.

A faulty defrost timer could be responsible for disrupting the regulation of temperatures in the heating and cooling systems. Typically, a defrost timer will turn off and on multiple times to melt the accumulated frost in the freezer compartment. But, when one of these components is broken, the frost that collects on the evaporator coil will refuse to melt. And this can result in your refrigerator not cooling. Berrien County appliance repair experts can help you rectify this issue.

10. Stuffed To The Gills: Is Your Fridge Too Full?

Minimizing food consumption with a large family can be quite a challenge. However, overstuffing your fridge may be contributing to warm air in your fridge. When you overfill your fridge, you're blocking the proper air circulation needed to regulate the fridge's internal temperature. So, it could be beneficial to your fridge to consider how much is going into it. So, if your fridge is not cooling due to overfilling, try to limit the number of items or perhaps consider an upgrade of a smaller second fridge.

Why is My Fridge Not Cooling? When To Leave It To The Pros

Identifying the main reasons why your refrigerator is not cooling is crucial for addressing the problem promptly and preventing any further damage. Taking quick action can help mitigate any potential worsening of the situation, ensuring that your refrigerator continues to function smoothly. If you've identified any of the issues mentioned above in your refrigerator, you can trust our appliance experts to take care of it for you! Our appliance repair professionals possess the knowledge and skills required to diagnose and resolve any of your kitchen appliance repair issues. Whether it's dirty compressor coils or improper airflow caused by clogged vents, Mr. Appliance is equipped to tackle it.

Has Your Refrigerator Stopped Cooling? It’s Time To Call in Berrien County Appliance Repair Professionals

Get in touch with our local appliance repair specialists to identify and fix any problems if your refrigerator is not cooling effectively. At Mr. Appliance of Berrien County, we aim to help you save on energy costs and make your life easier.

Mr. Appliance of Berrien County is proudly serving in the nearby areas of Buchanan, Bridgman, Niles, and beyond! Contact our friendly customer service team today to book an appointment at your earliest convenience.