Your refrigerator not cooling is a classic kitchen nightmare: You reach into your refrigerator for an ice-cold drink, only to find it as warm as an afternoon in July. And in the freezer, your ice cream is halfway to becoming a milkshake.
Sure, it’s frustrating, but there are a few easy steps you can take to troubleshoot your appliance before calling for help. Here’s your guide to getting your fridge back to cool again.
What to Look for If You Think Your Fridge Isn’t Cooling Like It Should
Beyond spoiled yogurt, there are a few clear signs your fridge may not be cooling like it should.
Here’s what to keep an eye, and a nose, out for when you have a refrigerator not cooling well:
- The temperature display shows anything warmer than 40 degrees F
- Your freezer compartment stays above freezing temperatures
- Ice or frost is piling up around vents or walls inside the fridge
- Unexpected moisture or droplets are forming inside the fridge
- Bad odors are wafting out when you open the refrigerator doors
- Fruits and veggies are going limp or turning bad faster than usual
These clues can help you catch cooling problems early before things get worse.
Why Your Refrigerator Isn’t Cooling & What You Can Do
If your fridge isn’t cooling, it could be something simple like blocked vents or dusty coils blocking the cool airflow. Or maybe the thermostat got nudged or your door seals are letting cold air sneak out.
Usually, a little detective work and some TLC is all it takes to get your fridge back to its cool self without a service call.
Check Your Plugs Before You Panic
Sometimes the easiest fix is the most obvious one. In this case, a refrigerator not cooling could be because of a loose plug.
Here’s how to tell: If the light inside of your fridge isn’t on and it’s not cold inside, it’s possible that your refrigerator plug is loose, or not plugged in at all. Check that your fridge plug is secure and fully plugged into the outlet.
And, make sure you’ve inserted the plug into the right outlet type. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets, often found in kitchens and bathrooms, can shut off power to the fridge if there are differences in electrical currents.
Is Your Refrigerator Too Stuffed?
Your fridge needs good airflow to keep things cool. When it’s jammed full of food and drinks, that airflow gets blocked leading to a refrigerator not cooling effectively.
Without proper circulation, your fridge can’t regulate its temperature, which might be why it’s not staying as cold as it should. Try using refrigerator organizer containers and giving everything inside your fridge a little breathing room. You can also try clearing some vertical space that can help the cool air flow again.
Adjust Temperature Setting
It’s surprisingly easy to accidentally bump the thermostat without realizing it. Sometimes your fridge just needs a little nudge to get back to cooling right.
If the temperature setting is too high, your food may start spoiling faster than you’d like, but if it’s too low, you can say goodbye to anything that wasn’t meant to freeze.
Luckily, adjusting that temperature dial is usually all it takes to get your fridge back to cooling like normal.
First, find the thermostat dial (it’s usually located on the ceiling of the fridge near the light) and set it to the recommended temperature between 35 and 38 degrees F. Then, give your fridge about a day to stabilize at the new setting.
Is Your Refrigerator Level & Balanced?
A fridge that isn’t sitting level can cause more trouble than you might think. If your refrigerator isn’t properly balanced, the door may not close all the way or the door switch may not work right. That means your fridge won’t keep your food cool like it should.
What you can try: Grab a bubble level or self-leveling laser level tool and make sure your fridge is perfectly level side to side with a slight tilt of about 1/4 inch toward the back so the doors close smoothly.
Clear Blocked Air Vents to Keep Things Chill
A refrigerator not cooling properly could happen because of a blocked air vent. Most fridges pull cool air from vents that connect to the freezer, but sometimes food or built-up ice can block those vents and stop the cold air from flowing.
The fix? Check the vents between the fridge and freezer, and move anything that’s in the way. If ice is clogging things up, carefully chip it away to clear the path for that chilly air.
Is Your Fridge in the Right Spot?
Not all fridges are built for every space. Where you place yours can make a big difference in how well it cools and even lead to a refrigerator not cooling at all.
Indoor refrigerators are designed to stay inside your home only, so if you need extra storage, go for a garage-ready refrigerator that can handle wider temperature swings.
Also, keep your fridge away from heat sources like dishwashers, ovens, and ranges, and be sure to leave enough clearance (at least 3/8-inch on the sides and 1 inch in the back) for proper ventilation.
Refresh Your Door Seals to Keep the Cold In
A refrigerator not cooling properly may come down to a dirty door seal.
Over time, the flexible seals (called gaskets) on your fridge door can collect sticky fingerprints or grime from food, preventing a proper seal and letting the fridge’s cool air escape.
Clean the gaskets and the areas they touch with a sponge and warm, soapy water. Be sure to skip the abrasive cleaners, brushes, or scouring pads as those can damage the gaskets and make your cooling problem worse.
Check for Broken Door Seals
Sometimes cleaning your fridge’s door seals isn’t enough to keep the cold air in. If your gaskets aren’t sealing properly, they may be cracked or coming loose after years of use.
You can test this by closing the door on a dollar bill and gently pulling it. If the buck slides out easily, it’s time to replace the gasket.
To replace the gasket, use a brand name or universal refrigerator door gasket and give it a soak it in hot water to make it more flexible. While it softens, remove the old gasket by loosening screws and peeling it away, then follow the instructions to install the new one.
Are Your Condenser Coils Dirty?
When a fridge has clogged-up condenser coils it’s like trying to breathe through a stuffy nose. When they get blocked, your fridge can’t cool properly.
These coils, located on the back of your refrigerator, help cool the refrigerant and keep your fridge running smoothly. But when they’re covered in dust or grime, they can’t do their job.
A refrigerator not cooling properly can sometimes be resolved with routine coil cleaning. Pull your fridge out and clean the coils every six months using a dusting wand and a vacuum with attachments. Just be careful not to bend the coils while you’re cleaning them.
Clean Up Your Condenser Fan
A stuck condenser fan can bring your fridge’s cooling to a sudden shutdown. If dirt, debris, or anything you’ve stored gets in the way, the fan can jam, causing the compressor to overheat and your fridge to shut off.
How to clean your condenser fan:
- Locate the condenser fan. You’ll find it on the outside of your refrigerator near the coils and compressor, it’s the part that pumps refrigerant.
- Clear away any gunk and dust. If the fan still won’t spin, you may need to replace the motor.
Is It Time for a New Refrigerator?
When your fridge starts showing its age, it may be time to think about a replacement.
The typical refrigerator lasts around 10 years, sometimes up to 20 with good care. If your fridge is coming up on that age and obviously struggling to keep cool, it could be time for a new one.
Other age-related warning signs include:
- Loud noises
- Lots of condensation
- A spike in your electric bill from the fridge working overtime
Low-Effort Tips for a Long-Lasting Fridge
When it comes to your refrigerator not cooling properly, a little care can make a big difference. With just a few simple fridge-care maintenance habits, you can keep your fridge running smoothly and avoid any uncool surprises later on.
Don’t forget these routine tasks to care for your fridge:
- Wipe down the shelves every so often to stop sticky spills from turning into a bigger mess
- Swap out the water filter every six months so your ice and water stay fresh and clean
- Keep food covered, not just to lock in freshness, but to stop those mystery fridge odors from taking over
These simple steps can help your fridge stay in top shape to keep cool for years.
