Refrigerator Not Cooling in Boone? Common Causes for a Fridge Not Cooling

Is your refrigerator not cooling? Is it failing to hold a stable temperature? If your fridge temperature isn't cold enough, that's a serious problem. That's because you depend on your refrigerator to keep food fresh. If your refrigerator isn't cooling, it's not necessarily a sign that it needs replacement. However, you can troubleshoot the issue and call for an appliance repair professional if necessary. Your Boone appliance repair specialist is ready to help get your refrigerator back in working order.

Here's what you need to know about when your refrigerator temperature isn't the proper temperature.

Refrigerator Not Cooling? Top Reasons Why

Often, the cause behind a refrigerator not cooling is a relatively easy fix. Common issues that can cause your fridge not to cool (ranked from easiest to fix to hardest) are listed below:

1. The power supply or power source has been switched off.
2. The appliance thermometer hasn't been properly set.
3. Blocked air vents.
4. Dirty condenser coils.
5. Faulty or dirty gaskets.
6. There isn't enough clearance space.
7. A broken or faulty condenser fan or condenser fan motor.
8. A malfunctioning or faulty circuit board.

Refrigerator Not Cooling? Here's What You Can Do

We've listed the main reasons why your refrigerator might not be cooling. Now let's see how you can troubleshoot the issue. Don’t forget, at any time, you can call our excellent customer service team for refrigerator repair.

The Power Source is Off or Unplugged

The first step to take if your fridge's temperature controls seem to be on the fritz is to make sure that it's properly plugged into the electrical outlet. You'll also want to check to make sure that the circuit breaker for your kitchen appliances hasn't been tripped at your home's breaker box. If you open your fridge, and it's not cooling, and the light doesn't turn on, check its power source.

Temperature Setting is Wrong/Thermostat isn't Set

Ideally, your refrigerator compartment's internal temperature should be somewhere between 32ºF and 40ºF to properly keep your food items fresh and chilled. If your fridge suddenly isn't between that ideal temperature range and your refrigerator isn't cooling, then you need to check that the thermostat is properly set.

Depending on your refrigerator's make and model, it might be easy to accidentally change the temperature settings on the thermostat. Cooling issues are sometimes caused by a thermostat that hasn't been properly set or that's been changed by accident.

Blocked Air Vents

Your refrigerator requires proper airflow so that it can operate efficiently. Got a refrigerator not cooling? Then check to make sure that nothing is blocking the vents in the fridge compartment. If you overfill your fridge, that can block the air vents and prevent air from flowing properly.

Additionally, blocking the vents can cause your food items to start to freeze. You might notice excessive condensation or condensation on food first before things freeze. That's why you must organize your fridge in a way that allows for proper airflow and keeps the vents from being blocked.

Now, another cause that's significantly less common is that your freezer vent might have frozen over. In that case, it's easy enough to remove the ice from the vent.

Dirty Condenser Coils

The condenser coils are typically located on the back and bottom of your fridge and might have a condenser cover to help protect them from the dirt, dust, and other debris that can accumulate back there. If the condenser coils are dirty, then that can cause the refrigerator compressor to have to work much harder to keep your fridge cool.

To prevent dirt from accumulating on your condenser coils, our experts recommend that you clean your coils at least once every 2 or 3 months.

Broken Gaskets or Faulty Gaskets

Your fridge's gaskets are the flexible seal that's located on the inside of the refrigerator door. The gaskets often suffer from wear and tear over time, preventing your refrigerator from properly sealing itself. If your refrigerator isn't cooling, a worn, dirty, or broken gasket might be the cause.

If you notice that there's a cold temperature emanating from your refrigerator, that might be a sign that you need to clean your gaskets. You can do so with some warm, soapy water and a soft sponge. Now if you still notice that there's a cold breeze coming from your fridge, that's a sign that you need a professional repair person to come in and replace the gasket.

Not Enough Clearance Space

As your fridge cools itself, heat is released in the process. That occurs when the vapor refrigerant condenses back into a liquid form. For optimal performance, your refrigerator requires at least a half inch of clearance on either side and an inch in the back.

If you're not sure if your refrigerator has the proper clearance, then check the installation instructions or the appliance operation manual.

Broken or Jammed Condenser Fan

Typically, a refrigerator is equipped with at least one fan, which is known as the condenser fan or the evaporator fan. It's usually found on the back of the refrigerator. The fan serves a dual purpose: it keeps the condenser coils cool and prevents the refrigerator compressor from overheating. If the fan has stopped working, you're going to need to make the call for a professional repair.

Malfunctioning Circuit Board

Lastly, your refrigerator has something of a brain: its circuit board. It controls all the fridge's parts, including temperature regulation. If you've tried all the troubleshooting tips here to get your fridge cooling properly and nothing is working, then the circuit board might be malfunctioning. It's expensive and difficult to repair or replace a circuit board, so you'll need to make the call to a professional in appliance repair.

Refrigerator Not Cooling? Call the Experts in Refrigerator Repair

If you're struggling with your major appliances, including your refrigerator, then you need a quality refrigerator repair from the appliance repair experts at Mr. Appliance of Boone. Whether you've got a broken evaporator fan or a faulty compressor, Mr. Appliance can get to the root of the problem. And when you've tried everything but your refrigerator still won't cool properly, it's a sign that you need professional help.

Whether you’re in Boone, Barium Springs, or Hickory, give us a call or contact us online today when you need help with a refrigerator not cooling.