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

A refrigerator is one of the most essential appliances in any home, quietly keeping your food fresh around the clock. However when it abruptly stops cooling, it can quickly turn into a major headache. Before you panic or call in a technician, there are several steps you may take to troubleshoot the problem. In many cases, a easy fix is perhaps all that’s wanted to get your fridge back in working order. Here’s a step-by-step guide that will help you diagnose and probably remedy the difficulty yourself.

Step 1: Check the Power Supply

It may sound apparent, but the first thing you need to do is make certain the fridge is plugged in and receiving power. Check the outlet by plugging in one other equipment to confirm that it’s working. Also, examine the power cord for any signs of damage. If your fridge is plugged into a GFCI outlet, it might have tripped—reset it if needed.

Step 2: Inspect the Thermostat Settings

Sometimes, the cooling issue is so simple as an by accident adjusted thermostat. Make sure the temperature setting hasn’t been bumped or changed. Most refrigerators should 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 3: Look for Obstructions to Airflow

Fridges rely on proper airflow inside and across the appliance to perform efficiently. Check to ensure there’s enough space behind the fridge for air to circulate, particularly close to the condenser coils. Inside the fridge, keep away from overpacking it, as blocked vents can forestall cool air from circulating properly.

Step 4: Clean the Condenser Coils

Dirty condenser coils are one of the common reasons for a fridge losing its cooling power. Situated either behind or beneath the appliance, these coils launch heat from inside the unit. If they are covered in mud and grime, they can’t operate properly. Use a coil brush or vacuum to clean them at the very least twice a 12 months—or more often when you’ve got pets.

Step 5: Check the Door Seals

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

Step 6: Listen for the Compressor and Fan

When a refrigerator is operating properly, you’ll hear the compressor hum and the fan whirring. If it’s utterly silent, it might mean the compressor or start relay is malfunctioning. On the other hand, in case you hear clicking but the compressor isn’t starting, that’s a sign the start relay may should be replaced—a comparatively inexpensive part.

Step 7: Defrost the Freezer

In some cases, a buildup of ice in the freezer can block airflow to the fridge compartment. If you happen to notice frost on the back wall or within the vents, unplug the fridge and let it fully defrost for several hours. Then plug it back in and monitor the cooling performance. If the difficulty repeats, it might point out a faulty defrost timer or heater.

Step 8: Call a Professional

In case you’ve tried all the above and your fridge is still not cooling, it could also be time to call in a professional technician. Inside elements like the evaporator fan motor, thermostat control board, or compressor could require skilled repair or replacement.

A non-cooling fridge doesn’t always mean a costly repair or replacement. With a little investigation and some primary upkeep, you may be able to unravel the problem yourself. Appearing quickly can also prevent food spoilage and more critical 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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