how do you fix a refrigerator that freezes food

1. Check the Fridge Settings. Before you do anything, check your fridge's temperature settings. ...
2. Identify Problem Areas. If your food is still freezing even after turning up the temperature settings, try to determine the area of the fridge where it's occurring.
3. Keep Food Away From Vents. Once you've determined the problem area, check to see if it's near a vent. ...
4. Check the Freezer Settings. So you've moved your food away from the vents but it's still freezing? The problem might still be the freezer.
5. Store More Food! This may seem like a dumb solution, but it's actually valid. ...
6. Contact the Manufacturer. If you've done all of the above and your food is still freezing, then there is most likely a mechanical issue.

Full Answer

How to keep your refrigerator from freezing food?

How to keep your refrigerator from freezing food 1 Reset your refrigerator’s temperature. If your refrigerator is too cold, locate the temperature gage and adjust it accordingly. ... 2 Rearrange your food. Make sure that the food in your refrigerator isn’t touching any of the air vents. ... 3 Check your refrigerator’s door seals. ...

How do you fix a freezer that keeps freezing up?

Arrange the food more efficiently. Adjust the freezer’s temperature. Ensure the door magnets still work. Clean the refrigerator coils. Replace the thermostat. Inspect the freezer damper. Check the control boards. Contact the manufacturer. Fortunately, most of the reasons why a refrigerator freezes food are caused by easy-to-fix problems.

Why is my Refrigerator Freezing food?

The optimum temperature range for storing fresh food is between 38 - 40 degrees Fahrenheit. If your food is freezing, then it is possible that your fridge’s temperature setting was accidentally set too low. This is a common problem that can lead to your refrigerator freezing food.

What should I do if my refrigerator is too cold?

If your refrigerator is too cold, locate the temperature gage and adjust it accordingly. Not sure which temperature is correct? Consult your user guide or owner’s manual. Make sure that the food in your refrigerator isn’t touching any of the air vents.

What to do if refrigerator is too cold?

Why is my fridge freezing?

Why does my refrigerator wear out?

Why won't my refrigerator run?

How long does it take to clean a condenser coil?

What to do if your control board is not defective?

Do refrigerators need vents?

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Why is my fridge suddenly freezing everything?

Food freezing in the fridge can be triggered by a handful of causes, including everything from a faulty temperature sensor to blocked air vents, a leaky door seal and more.

How do I stop my fridge from freezing everything?

How to Stop a Fridge From Freezing Food (9 Methods)Change the temperature gauge.Arrange the food more efficiently.Adjust the freezer's temperature.Ensure the door magnets still work.Clean the refrigerator coils.Replace the thermostat.Inspect the freezer damper.Check the control boards.More items...

Why is my food freezing in the fridge?

1 – The temperature for the refrigerator has been set TOO LOW or Set warmer. Most common reason. 2 – If the coils on your fridge are dirty or dusty, then the compressor needs to work harder and longer to keep the freezer temperature at freezing temperature.

Why is my fridge freezing food in the back?

Store More Food! Refrigerators need to be well-stocked to absorb all of the cold air being vented into the cavity. If it is relatively empty, all of the cold air will sink to the bottom of the cavity and freeze your food. So just keep it filled!

Why is my fridge freezing everything on the lowest setting?

Your freezer may be too cold, sending excessive amounts of cold air into the refrigerator. You may not have enough food in the fridge, or your vent may not be circulating air properly. You may need to clean or replace the condenser coils. The door seals may be faulty.

What number should your fridge be on?

It should be set between 37°F and 40°F—the ideal refrigerator temperature to keep food fresh and cold but not frozen. If you have a numbered dial setting instead of a temperature reading, the highest number is the coldest (usually 5).

What number should my fridge be set at?

The ideal refrigerator temperature is 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below in the main part of the fridge. The optimal temperature for keeping foods cold is 37 degrees Fahrenheit.

What number should a fridge be set at 1 7?

You can use the fridge temperature setting 1-7 on any type of your commercial fridge. I have also shared the temperature which is cold and better for the fridge. The best way to keep food cold is to keep it in the refrigerator: You should aim for a temperature range of 35°-38°F (or 1.7°-3.3°C).

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How to Stop a Fridge From Freezing Food (9 Methods)

1. Change the Temperature Gauge. Refrigerators have temperature gauges that allow users to regulate the temperature of the unit. The gauge may look like a dial, or on newer models, it may be a digital display.

My Fridge is Freezing Everything - 5 Reasons to Check Out | All Pro ...

You kept a bottle of milk in your fridge overnight and find it frozen now. Check out the 5 reasons why your fridge is freezing everything.

What to do if your refrigerator is freezing?

If your fridge is freezing your food, try changing the temperature gauge, rearranging the food, adjusting the freezer temp, checking the magnets, cleaning the coils, replacing the thermostat, or checking the damper. If all else fails, reach out to a trusted technician.

How to fix food that freezes on top shelf?

If the food only freezes on the top shelf, adjust the position of the first shelf. Sometimes the cold air vent blows the air all over everything around it—if that’s the case, then moving the food lower should help. For bottom-freezer models, you may notice food freezing around the bottom of the refrigerator. If that’s the case, it’s likely the air venting from the freezer compartment below. Again, you can raise the shelf in this case.

How to keep refrigerator cool?

Unplug the refrigerator. Do not open the door after unplugging. The refrigerator should be able to maintain a cool enough temperature—as long as the door is closed—until you’re finished cleaning the coils.

Why do refrigerator doors have magnets?

These magnets ensure a secure seal and prevent cold air from escaping and warm air from entering. In rare cases, however, refrigerator seals may lose magnetism, “permanent” or not.

What to do if magnets are worn?

It could also be that the seals are dirty. In that case, a little mild detergent and water should do the trick. If the magnets look worn, warped, or are generally not working, replace them immediately.

Why is it important to have a well stocked refrigerator?

If there isn’t much food within the unit, the cold air sinks to the bottom of the fridge—so keep it filled up but not too full, or the food may not cool properly. A fully stocked fridge maintains temperatures and thus, lowers energy costs , so it’s a win-win.

What does it mean when a refrigerator has a temperature gauge?

Refrigerators have temperature gauges that allow users to regulate the temperature of the unit. The gauge may look like a dial, or on newer models, it may be a digital display. Dials typically have numbers on them—one meaning the warmest, while the highest number is the coldest. Setting the gauge to zero indicates that the temperature gauge is off. Digital displays usually display the actual temperature.

What is on the back of a refrigerator?

On the back of every modern refrigerator you will find a pictorial wiring diagram and a schematic wiring diagram. The pictorial diagram shows the refrigerator's components as they actually look. The schematic diagram represents the components using schematic symbols.

How to get the right replacement parts for an appliance?

The best way to make sure you get the right part for your appliance is to take the old part, along with the make, model and serial numbers of your appliance, to the appliance parts supplier with you so that the parts counter person can compare the old part to the new part.

How to make sure you get the right part for your appliance?

The best way to make sure you get the right part for your appliance is to take the old part, along with the make, model and serial numbers of your appliance, to the appliance parts supplier with you so that the parts counter person can compare the old part to the new part .

Do you have to remove the thermostat from an older refrigerator?

If you have an older style refrigerator, the wires may be equipped with individual push-on terminal. In some cases, with older refrigerators, you may have to remove the thermostat from the refrigerator to test it properly. Get the Best Mortgage Rate for You | SmartAsset.com. Loading.

Why does my refrigerator keep getting cold?

The damper opens and closes to let the proper amount of cold air into the refrigerator compartment. If the damper is stuck open, it will let too much cold air into the refrigerator. As a result, the refrigerator will be too cold. Check the damper to determine if it is broken or stuck open.

Why is my refrigerator too cool?

The temperature control board provides voltage to the compressor and fan motors. If the control board is faulty, it may send continuous voltage to the compressor or fan motors. As a result, the refrigerator will be too cool.

What does a thermistor do on a refrigerator?

The thermistor monitors the air temperature and sends the temperature reading to the control board. The control board then regulates power to the compressor and evaporator fan based on the thermistor readings. If the thermistor is defective, the compressor and evaporator fan may run too frequently. As a result, the refrigerator will be too cool.

How to tell if a refrigerator thermistor is defective?

As a result, the refrigerator will be too cool. To determine if the thermistor is defective, test it with a multimeter. The thermistor resistance should change in conjunction with the refrigerator tem... perature.

Why does my refrigerator have an air damper?

The air damper control opens and closes to let the proper amount of cold air into the refrigerator compartment. If the damper does not close properly, it will let too much cold air into the refrigerator. Check the damper control to determine if it is broken or stuck open.

What to do if thermostat does not click?

If the thermostat does not click, use a multimeter to test the thermostat for continuity. If the temperature control thermostat does not have continuity at any setting, replace it. Required Part. Refrigerator Temperature Control Thermostat. Enter model number to search for the required part specific to your product.

What to do if your refrigerator is too cold?

If your refrigerator is too cold, locate the temperature gage and adjust it accordingly. Not sure which temperature is correct? Consult your user guide or owner’s manual.

Why is my refrigerator freezing food?

A refrigerator is designed to keep food cool for safe storage and should not freeze anything. If you notice that your refrigerator is freezing food, it may be caused by the following issues:

Why do refrigerators use air vents?

Food Storage. Refrigerators use air vents to circulate cold air and ensure a consistent temperature throughout the storage area. In order to ensure the proper temperature, you need to allow room for proper air flow between the freezer and refrigerator compartments.

What to do if your refrigerator door is leaking?

If you suspect that your refrigerator’s doors may be leaking, take some time to clean and inspect the door seals. If they are torn, warped or worn, replace them immediately. You’ll not only keep your refrigerator from freezing food, but you’ll save energy as well. My fridge is still freezing.

Can you distribute food evenly in the refrigerator?

You can also try to distribute food more evenly throughout the refrigerator or add more foods to your fridge. To learn more about how to store food in your refrigerator, check out our guide .

Can you put milk in the fridge?

Have you ever put milk, fruit, meat or other items into your refrigerator, only to discover that your fridge is freezing your food? While this problem is somewhat rare, it can happen – and when it does, you’re left with food that needs to be thawed. If you need help preventing this issue, our guide provides solutions.

Do you need to put more food in the fridge?

You may also need to put more food in your refrigerator: A fully stocked fridge does a better job at absorbing cold air. If you don’t have enough items inside, that cold air will settle on the bottom shelf and may freeze the food stored there.

Why does my refrigerator freeze vegetables?

The air damper control open/close allowing the proper amount of cold air to circulate into your refrigerator. If it is not functioning properly, this can lead to improper temperature settings , causing vegetables freezing in refrigerator drawers or another frosting to possibly result inside the refrigerator chambers.

How to stop ice from freezing in a water heater?

Using a blowdryer or a small handheld heater, you’ll first melt the block of ice on the back panel off the evaporator. You’ll remove the drain tube, pour water into the compartment to see if it drains. If it does, this indicates the drain tube is clear, and water should flow normally to prevent freezing.

How does a thermostat affect a refrigerator?

The thermostat directs voltage to the compressor, condenser, and evaporator fan motors. This is how the temperature control cools the air in your refrigerator if it gets too high. If the thermostat is malfunctioning, this causes the compressor to run more than it has to, which in turn, ...

Why does my refrigerator make a clicking sound?

If the thermostat is malfunctioning, this causes the compressor to run more than it has to, which in turn, causes refrigerator freezing food and waste. A clicking sound is an indication that the cooling system is shutting off. This also indicates the thermostat is operating as it should.

Why is my refrigerator too cold?

Conversely, the temperatures in your refrigerator will be too low or too high because of this. If the thermistor is malfunctioning, it can result in the fan motors, the compressor, or all three parts operating continuously. When this occurs, the refrigerator compartment becomes too cold.

What is a thermistor in a refrigerator?

In certain refrigerator models, a thermistor is a part that monitors the air temperature that flows into and out of the refrigerator. This will send readings to the temperature control board in the refrigerator, in turn directing voltage to the refrigerant system components. These components include the. Start relay timer.

What happens if the damper on a refrigerator breaks?

When the damper breaks off the motor, it allows cold air to circulate into the fresh food section and cause ice to build up. You’ll have to remove shelving and the air duct in the fridge.

What to do if food freezes after turning up temperature?

If your food is still freezing even after turning up the temperature settings, try to determine the area of the fridge where it's occurring. According to GE, the most common problem areas are the top shelf, the bottom of the fridge (crisper drawers and meat pans), and door shelves.

Why does my fridge keep freezing?

GE explains how if the food at the bottom of your fridge keeps freezing, it could simply be because your fridge isn't fully packed. Refrigerators need to be well-stocked to absorb all of the cold air being vented into the cavity.

How to tell if a fridge is under warranty?

Your best bet is to check if your fridge is still under warranty and to contact either the manufacturer or the retailer that sold it to you. They can send out a service representative to determine what's wrong with the fridge. If it's no longer under warranty, you'll need to contact your local appliance repairman.

Why is there a problem with the bottom of my fridge?

If you have a bottom-freezer model—an increasingly popular model for modern homes—and you notice that the problem areas is around the bottom of the fridge compartment, then it is almost certainly due to air venting from the freezer. However, it may also be due to a simple lack of food in the fridge!

Where is the vent on a refrigerator?

Most fridges have a cooling vent above or on the side of the top shelf. This is where most of the cold air comes from, so keeping food away from here may prevent freezing. (A 5-inch radius should do the trick.) If the problem area is a door shelf, you may want to adjust its position.

Does a fully stocked fridge help with energy?

So just keep it filled! As an added bonus, a fully stocked fridge will help maintain temperatures —especially in the freezer—and, as a result, use less energy. This is good for your utility bill. ADVERTISEMENT.

Can you use a thermometer on a fridge?

If your fridge is getting old or not that good to begin with, using a separate thermometer may give you a more accurate reading. You can find cheap analog thermometers or fancier digital wireless versions that allow you to monitor the temperature without even opening the door.

Why does my refrigerator freeze up?

A refrigerator can freeze up when the appliance has to overwork to maintain the cooling. This occurs due to a broken seal or a simple user error that needs to be corrected. If left untouched, the evaporation process will get impeded causing excessive freezing inside the fridge.

What happens if my refrigerator is broken?

If it is completely broken then you will have to replace the gasket and/or door sealing. Do not use it without fixing the issue as everything will freeze once the fridge starts overcooking to compensate for the poor insulation.

Why is a fridge important?

They are also the most used appliance due to their importance in storing food and drinks. Keeping this in mind, a fully functional fridge is essential for your quality of life.

What is the seal on a refrigerator?

The seal is what holds the cooling in and makes sure the fridge is a compact solution for cooling food/drinks. Any structural issue with the seal is going to cause the fridge to overreact to compensate.

Why does my fridge keep getting stressed?

A lot of stress is put on a fridge when the coils are dirty. They don’t work as designed and the fridge begins ramping up the temperature to offset this issue.

How big is the LCD on a refrigerator thermometer?

Bigger screen, Better reading : This fridge thermometer has 2.56 inch electronic LCD display, the information on the screen...

Is it normal to make your fridge colder?

This is great when you are in control of the settings but difficult when you make a mistake. It’s normal for people to mistakenly increase the temperature making it colder inside the fridge.

Why is my GE fridge freezing?

To solve this, keep your foods away from air vents. 2. Temperature is too Low. A low temperature is one common reason your GE fridge is freezing food. If this is the case, you need to adjust the temperature. Check the temperature controls to see if the fridge is set to a proper temperature.

Why is my fridge colder than other parts?

The part of the fridge you stored your food may be the issue. Fridges often do not have a uniform temperature and some places are colder than other parts.

What happens if your fridge is too hot?

If the fridge’s thermistor is bad, its readings of the air temperature will be incorrect. Consequently, the voltage directed to the compressor and evaporator fan will also be incorrect, and the temperature of the fridge may become too cold or too hot. If the temperature is too hot and your freezer is not freezing food, ...

What is the main control board on a refrigerator?

Main Control Board. The main control board regulates the voltage being supplied to the whole appliance. If it gets bad, the other parts of the fridge may not function the way they are meant to. Sometimes, a faulty main control board may send voltage continuously to the refrigerant system.

Can a fridge get too cold?

This will result in the fridge getting too cold and ultimately freezing food. Testing the main control board for fault is difficult. However, you can visually inspect all components for loose wires and burning. To replace your main control board, you have to contact a repair technician.

What to do if refrigerator is too cold?

The first thing you want to do is make sure you didn’t accidentally turn down the thermostat too low. There may also be a quick fix you can give it by setting it back to the manufacturer’s recommended temperature and giving it 24 hours for it to stabilize. If this doesn’t solve your problem, then you’ll need to replace the thermostat.

Why is my fridge freezing?

The problem could be that there is too much food blocking the air vents inside your fridge. If this is the case, some food may have become exposed to more cold air and frozen. You can fix this by removing some of the food in your fridge. For example, if you have a lot of food on the bottom shelf, you may need to take some of it out.

Why does my refrigerator wear out?

A temporary solution for your food is to move it away from the area. However, you will need to replace the door seal since it has deteriorated. You would also be wise to pay more attention to this area of the fridge since not only are your energy bills going up, but your refrigerator will wear out prematurely because it needs to run constantly.

Why won't my refrigerator run?

This part is designed to trigger the refrigeration cycle when the refrigerator gets too hot.

How long does it take to clean a condenser coil?

The condenser coils are really easy to clean; it should only take a few minutes. Sometimes you might have to remove a protective cover in order to access them, but you can easily brush off the dust, pet hair, and other debris. Be very gentle when you sweep them in order to avoid damaging the coils and causing more serious problems.

What to do if your control board is not defective?

Before you order a new control board, first test the more commonly defective parts. If all of these parts are not defective, consider replacing the original board.

Do refrigerators need vents?

Your refrigerator needs to stay cool! Even with modern technology, it can be difficult to maintain the proper temperature in these devices. Air vents keep the air flowing and help keep the refrigerator uniformly cold. But how? Well, not only do they ensure that the fridge stays cool, they also let you know when the thermostat is too high or low.