Did you know the Refrigerator & Freezer Manufacturing market will generate $4.9 billion in sales in 2023?
You may have been in a sticky situation recently when your trusty refrigerator stopped cooling. You might have noticed your food’s cool temperature deteriorating over time. If so, you need to figure out why.
Once the cooling mechanism of a refrigerator stops working, it must be attended to quickly, or the food inside will spoil. Your refrigerator could have several different problems affecting its coolness.
To address why the refrigerator is not cooling, here are some common refrigerator issues and how to fix them.
Check the temperature setting and adjust it if needed. Locate the thermometer setting inside the refrigerator. This setting should change to the desired temperature result – usually at the lower end of the recommended temperature range.
If the temperature is set too high, it may not be able to maintain an internal temperature low enough to cool the food inside. If adjusting the temperature setting does not produce the desired result, the best plan of action is to have a qualified technician come out and look at the appliance to diagnose the problem.
To repair your LG appliance, a technician can examine the unit, look for common problems such as a blocked condenser or a faulty compressor, and provide a more accurate diagnosis. They will then know if it can be fixed with repairs, if any parts need replacing, or if a replacement may be necessary.
The technician will then provide their services and can also advise on any other preventative refrigerator maintenance or energy-saving measures.
Checking for any signs of frost or condensation on the back wall of the freezer is one of the significant troubleshooting steps when a refrigerator is not cooling properly. To conduct this step, you need to first unplug the appliance and remove the freezer compartment’s rear panel. With a flashlight, take a look at the evaporator coils.
If there are signs of frost, use a hair dryer to melt the ice. If there’s condensation on the back wall, you may need to clean off the fan blades and the condenser.
Another cause of condensation could be the increased humidity in the environment. Take the necessary precautions to reduce the humidity levels. Doing this should prevent condensation from forming in the future.
To see if the compressor start capacitor or compressor itself is defective, the first thing to do is unplug the refrigerator and locate the compressor. The start capacitor will be close to the compressor. Once you locate it, test the capacitor with a multimeter.
If it’s functioning, the compressor itself will need to be tested. To do this, check the terminals for voltage and make sure the compressor is getting electricity. If the multimeter does not detect power, the compressor may be defective.
Besides, you may need to test the compressor for rotational movement. If none of these troubleshooting techniques fix the problem, replace the compressor.
When a refrigerator compressor is running, but the refrigerator still isn’t cooling properly, there is a problem with the sealed system. To troubleshoot refrigerator problems, check the sealed system for leaks or clogs. These are due to refrigerant leaks, blocked pipes, or faulty motor valves.
To check for leaks, disconnect the refrigerator from the power source. Inspect the evaporator coils for frost buildup and the lines for gas escaping and test the compressor for proper operation.
To stop clogs, clean the condenser coils to allow maximum airflow, and look over the evaporator pan and drain or blockages. If a leak or clog is present, examine with a trained technician for proper refrigerator repairs.
One of the most vital components to check is the evaporator fan to ensure it’s spinning and properly circulating air. To check it, turn off the power to the refrigerator and locate the fan inside the back of the appliance. If the fan is not running or is running very slowly, lubricate its bearings.
Once the fan is running properly, the air should circulate evenly through the refrigerator’s interior. This prevents warm air from entering the refrigerator from outside.
Additionally, make sure the plastic filter located over the fan is clean and free of debris to ensure proper air circulation. If the evaporator fan is still not working, you may need to replace it.
Start by examining the air vents that feed the refrigerator and make sure they are free from dust and lint. Next, look at the fans and compressor to see if anything is blocking the flow of air. Finally, see inside the refrigerator and check for any objects that may have been placed directly on top of the fans or the compressor.
If you find any blockages, remove them and reposition the fans and compressor to allow for a smooth flow of air. Additionally, check for loose wires or connectors and make sure the fans and compressor are turned on.
Check to see if the seal is tight and whether any air is escaping. To do this, use a dollar bill to insert into the gap between the doors.
If the dollar bill slides out easily, that may indicate that the seal is not tight and needs to be adjusted. If you can’t get the seal to stay when closed, you may need to replace the door gaskets.
Another way to check is to place a lit flashlight inside the refrigerator and shut the door. If the light is visible when you open the door, this indicates that air is seeping in and the seal is not properly functioning. If the seal is not tight and the air is escaping, the refrigerator’s cooling coils will be unable to perform efficiently, resulting in the refrigerator not cooling properly.
It’s important to follow the steps to troubleshoot and understand why a refrigerator is not cooling. Check the temperature setting, the compressor start capacitor, the sealed system for leaks or clogs, the evaporator fan, and the door. Also, look for blockage around the fans and frost or condensation on the back wall of the freezer.
After troubleshooting, if the issue is still not solved, contact a refrigerator professional for additional help. This approach can save time and money in the long term. Get started today and keep your refrigerator in peak condition.
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