Refrigerator Not Running Cold Enough Repairs in Bel Air, MD

According to the FDA, a refrigerator should sit at about 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. If your refrigerator is no longer getting cold enough, you could be opening yourself up to bacteria spread and spoiled food. When your refrigerator isn't working correctly, don't hesitate to contact Mr. Appliance of Bel Air. Over the years, we've helped residents of Baltimore, Towson, Phoenix, and Forest Hills, MD get their appliances up and running again. A faulty refrigerator is more than just an inconvenience. It makes cooking meals and preserving healthy snacks much more difficult. Instead of making do with a refrigerator not getting cold enough, get in touch with trusted professionals.

Why Is My Refrigerator Not Cold Enough?

If your refrigerator is not cold enough, it could be the result of any number of issues. Luckily, most of the time, a warm refrigerator has a quick fix. Before you call up your local repair company, check out these four easy fixes for your refrigerator:

1. It's not plugged in—It's not uncommon for your refrigerator to accidentally unplug from the outlet. Be sure to check on this before spending time and money on repairs.
2. The door isn't closing all the way—Sometimes, the problem is as simple as an open door. Make sure the door seal is properly closing by checking whether the fridge light turns off and on when you open the door.
3. Cold air can't circulate—Do you have food items blocking the vents in the fridge? If so, cold air may be unable to circulate and cool your food. Remove any obstructions and see if the issue improves.
4. The thermostat is turned down too far—Always check on the thermostat before calling for repairs. Something may have bumped the dial without you noticing and caused the temperature to increase.

We'll Identify the Root Cause of the Problem

If you've checked all the above with no luck, it's time to schedule repair work. The team at Mr. Appliance of Bel Air will visit your home and figure out why your refrigerator is not getting cold enough. With years of experience under our belt, rest assured that we'll be able to pinpoint the issue. Learn more about potential problems and their fixes:

Refrigerator Compressor

The refrigerator compressor does the good work of transporting vapors outside the fridge. When the fan is running properly, but the refrigerator and freezer still aren't cold enough, there could be a malfunctioning compressor.

• Location: You'll find the compressor behind the fridge near the bottom of the appliance. It's often black and looks like a tank. If you choose to take a closer look at the compressor, make sure to unplug the refrigerator first.
• Possible Fixes: In many cases, replacing the compressor start relay is enough to restore function to your fridge. However, if you install a new start relay with the old compressor and the issue still isn't fixed, you likely need a new compressor altogether. Replacing the compressor is a very involved process, and while some DIYers can get the job done, it's always better to seek the help of a professional.

Condenser Coils

The condenser coils are another common culprit when the refrigerator or freezer isn't cold enough. These coils carry any hot gas produced by the compressor to the evaporator coils, where it's cooled and turned back into a liquid. When the coils become clogged, you might notice poor air circulation and a less-than-chilly fridge.

• Location: Like the compressor, condenser coils are often located on the back of the fridge near the bottom.
• Possible Fixes: Cleaning condenser coils is relatively simple. Just remove the toe grill (always unplug the refrigerator first!) and use a coil brush to dust off any debris. Once the coil is spick and span, replace the grill and sweep up the dust left behind on the floor.

Condenser Fan

The condenser fan has the important job of cooling the compressor and condenser coils. If the fan compressor is running, the fan should be too. When they don't work properly together, your refrigerator could overheat.

• Location: The condenser fan is next to the compressor and condenser coils at the bottom of the refrigerator. If your refrigerator has condenser coils at the back, it may not have a fan.
• Possible Fixes: To check the condenser fan, we first look for any obstructions. If there's no dust or debris to be found, we'll consider replacing the fan's motor. Most local appliance stores carry the materials necessary for a replacement.

Evaporator Fan

When you open the fridge door and feel cold air, you're feeling the effects of the evaporator fan. This fan blows air across the evaporator coil, which cools it and then sends the air back into the freezer and refrigerator. A malfunctioning evaporator fan will quickly cause your refrigerator to heat up.

• Location: You can find the evaporator fan behind the freezer. To get to the fan, you may need to empty your freezer.
• Possible Fixes: In most cases, a dysfunctional evaporator fan will need a replacement motor. If you plan to DIY this repair, remove the evaporator panel, take off the mounting clip and fan blade, and remove the wire harness. After that, you can insert a new motor into the housing. Reattach the wire harness, fan blades, and mounting clip, and put the evaporator panel back. Your fridge should be up and running again!

Air Damper

The air damper is responsible for controlling the amount of cold air in the fridge and freezer. When the air damper can't open and close, the temperature of your appliances will fluctuate.

• Location: Find the air damper between the fresh food compartment and the freezer. Usually, it's in the upper left corner of the fridge.
• Possible Fixes: A broken air damper will likely need to be replaced. First, unscrew the cover and take off the thermostat sensor. If you have an ice bucket, that will have to be removed as well to access the motor. Take out the motor and rear duct panel to release the air damper. Remove the air damper and insert the new one. Once all the other components are back in place, your fridge and freezer should be ready to go.

Not Every Problem Has a Quick Fix

When the refrigerator and freezer are not cold enough, there's plenty you can do to fix it on your own. However, not every problem can be addressed with a quick and easy fix. If you can't find the issue or aren't sure how to repair it, don't hesitate to get in touch with Mr. Appliance of Bel Air. We understand that kitchen appliance repair is complicated, and we're happy to take care of the hard work for you. More often than not, it's a good idea to look to professionals who can ensure a proper fix without further damage to your fridge.

Contact Us Today for Reliable Service

Whether your refrigerator needs replaced or just a few quick repairs, Mr. Appliance of Bel Air is here to help. We've served hundreds of customers in the Baltimore Metro Area, and we'd be glad to offer our expertise to you as well. Contact us today to request service.