How Do I Get My Fridge To Start Cooling Again

Getting your refrigerator to maintain the right temperature for your food and drinks is essential for your health and satisfaction. It can be quite daunting when it stops cooling. You open the door only to be hit with the warm air and the realization that you might lose all the groceries you just spent hours shopping for. The good news is, there are steps you can take to get your fridge cooling again. The first line of action would be to troubleshoot and figure out the cause of the problem. Several factors could cause a fridge to stop cooling, including a faulty thermostat, dirty coils, a malfunctioning start capacitor or start relay, a defective fan, or issues with the refrigerant. In some cases, the problem can be easily fixed without engaging a technician. One common reason for a failure to cool is dust and grime accumulation on the condenser coils. These coils remove heat from the fridge, and when they are not clean, they cannot work efficiently, causing the fridge to run warm. To fix this, unplug the fridge, locate the coils (either at the back or beneath the fridge) and clean them thoroughly using a coil cleaning brush or vacuum cleaner. Furthermore, a thermostat set at the incorrect temperature can also have your fridge not cooling. Checking that the fridge's thermostat is at the right temperature is a simple step that is often overlooked. If your fridge isn't cold enough, try adjusting the thermostat to a lower setting. Remember, the ideal temperature for a fridge is between 37 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit (2-4 degrees Celsius). In addition to setting the correct temperature, make sure the fridge is not overfilled. An overcrowded fridge can restrict airflow, causing the appliance to run warm. Always ensure there is enough space between food items to allow air to circulate freely. A malfunctioning start capacitor or start relay could also be the culprit. The start capacitor provides a burst of energy to start the compressor, while the relay switches the fridge’s parts on and off. If either of these is defective, the fridge may not start at all, or it could run but fail to cool. Given that these parts can carry a dangerous electrical charge even when the fridge is unplugged, consider hiring a professional to test and replace it if necessary. If the thermostat, condenser coils, start capacitor, and start relay are all in good working condition but the fridge still is not cooling, it could be a defective fan. The evaporator fan is crucial in circulating cold air throughout the fridge, and when it is defect, there is an effect on cooling. On the other hand, if the condenser fan is faulty, it could lead to the compressor overheating, causing the fridge to run warm. Troubleshooting this requires some technical know-how; hence you might need to hire a technician. Finally, a low level of refrigerant could be the issue. Refrigerant is the substance that absorbs heat from the inside of the fridge and cools it down. If there is a leak, the fridge may not cool adequately. Filling up or repairing a leak in the refrigerant requires specialized skills and tools. At this point, you would need a licensed professional to handle the task. It’s important to know that handling refrigerant without proper certification is illegal in many jurisdictions and can be hazardous. In conclusion, identifying what the culprit is in your un-cooling fridge is half the battle. Some fixes are quite simple, while others require professional aid. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning the coils and ensuring the fridge is not overcrowded, can also help prevent cooling issues. However, should you have tried all the troubleshoots and nothing seems to work, it’s time to call the professionals, or it might be time for a new refrigerator.