why is my refrigerator getting warmer

by Aliyah Kulas Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago

What Would Cause a Refrigerator to Stop Getting Cold or Become Warm?

It’s Too Full A refrigerator keeps your food cold by circulating air cooled by the evaporator coils. ...
Something’s Wrong With the Evaporator If you have a warm fridge that isn't overfilled, chances are there's an issue with your evaporator coils or evaporator fan. ...
The Control Board is Acting Up A warm refrigerator could signify a faulty electrical control board. ...

If there are too many items in your fresh food compartment, that cold air may not circulate properly, resulting in a refrigerator that's warm. It's fairly common for a refrigerator to feel warm if it's overstuffed, and this problem is obviously easy to resolve.

Full Answer

Why is my Refrigerator warn than cold?

Dirty coils often result in a refrigerator that is too warm — not too cold. But sometimes it can cause your fridge to work overtime and end up being colder. You can clean dust off the coils by removing the plate at the bottom or back of your refrigerator to access the coils.

Why is my Refrigerator not getting cold enough?

Whirlpool Refrigerator and Freezer Not Cooling – How to Fix

Condenser Coils Are Dirty. Check the condenser coils to see if they are dirty. ...
Evaporator Fan Motor is Bad. If the fan blades don’t spin freely or if the motor is noisy, then you know the motor is bad. ...
Start Relay Is Acting Up. ...
Condenser Fan Motor Is Faulty. ...
Thermistor Is Defective. ...
Start Capacitor Needs Changing. ...

More items...

Why is your refrigerator blowing warm air?

A Guide to Causes, Fixes, and When to Say Goodbye

Checking the Easy Stuff First. Sometimes there is nothing broken about your fridge, despite the fact that it isn’t cool. ...
Refrigerator Problems and How to Repair Them. A warm refrigerator isn’t always an obvious fix. ...
Refrigerator Compressor. ...
Condenser Coils. ...
Condenser Fan. ...
Evaporator Fan. ...
Air Damper. ...

Why does my Refrigerator run most of the time?

Top 7 Reasons Your Refrigerator Runs All the Time

Can’t Maintain Proper Freezer Temperature. Your refrigerator is designed to keep the freezer compartment at or below 10 degrees F. ...
Faulty Heater Assembly. The defrost heater assembly is designed to cycle on periodically to melt any frost that may be accumulating on the evaporator coils.
Failed Defrost Thermostat. ...
Leaky Door. ...
Failed Evaporator Fan Motor. ...

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What should you do if your refrigerator is warm?

If it's too warm, gradually set it cooler until your fridge is the appropriate temperature.Remove anything blocking the circulation vents. ... Keep enough food in your fridge. ... Check for an old or cracked gasket seal. ... Clean the condenser coils. ... Inspect the evaporator fan motor for clogs or damage.More items...•

Why is my fridge suddenly warm?

One of the most common causes of a warm fridge is overfilling it with food. Air can't circulate properly when you stuff your fridge to the rafters, making it hard for your system to maintain a safe food storage temperature.

What would cause a refrigerator to stop getting cold?

Refrigerators require proper airflow in order to cool properly. If your refrigerator isn't cooling, it may be because food items are blocking the vents of the fridge and/or freezer compartments. Overstuffing your fridge with food can cause items to block the vents and prevent the cool air from circulating properly.

Is it normal for a refrigerator to be hot?

You may notice that the outside of your fridge feels warm. This is normal and is caused by the heat dissipated from the refrigeration process. If your fridge feels hot to the touch, it may be due to insufficient spacing between your fridge and it's surroundings.

Why is my refrigerator warm but freezer cold?

The most common cause for this condition is a problem with the defrost system. If the refrigerator freezer is cold but the refrigerator is warm, the evaporator fan motor might have failed. Every refrigerator has a set of coils called an evaporator. These are the coils that get cold.

How do you know when your refrigerator is going out?

8 Signs a Refrigerator is DyingFood is going bad too quickly. ... Condensation appears on the outside of the fridge. ... Excess frost. ... Your refrigerator is super noisy. ... Your refrigerator never makes any noise. ... The coils feel too hot. ... Cracks in the shell. ... The refrigerator is over ten years old.

How do you know if your refrigerator compressor is bad?

How to Tell if Refrigerator Compressor Is BadThe compressor starts making an unusual or loud noise when running.The compressor turns on and off too frequently.The compressor turns off prematurely.The refrigerator is not cooling.The compressor overheats.Your electricity bills are too high.

Will unplugging a fridge reset it?

Yes, unplugging the refrigerator will reset the appliance, provided you leave the refrigerator unplugged and undisturbed for 45 to 50 minutes. When the refrigerator is unplugged, do not open the doors.

How do I know if my refrigerator compressor is not working?

So, if the sound stops for good, or if the sound goes from faint to a constant or very loud humming noise that does not shut off, it may be a sign the compressor is broken or malfunctioning. If you suspect you need a new compressor, it may be time to contact a refrigerator repair professional for assistance.

Should refrigerator compressor be hot to touch?

As the process of the compressor heating up is a normal step in the process of cooling down a fridge you should expect it to get warm, but not scalding hot.

How do you fix a refrigerator that is not cooling?

Pull the unit away from the wall and unplug it. Check the owner's manual for any “off” or “zero” settings in your fridge and freezer and set them to off or zero. Plug the unit back in and adjust the temperature controls of both to your desired setting. Give the fridge about 24 hours to cool to your set temperature.

How do you reset a refrigerator?

1:132:36Refrigerator Troubleshooting, Hard Reset, and Liquid Temperature ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf the cause of your issue is still a mystery you'll want to try what is called a hard reset unplugMoreIf the cause of your issue is still a mystery you'll want to try what is called a hard reset unplug your unit from the wall for 30 to 45. Minutes then plug the unit back in this will reset the unit.

How do I fix my refrigerator not cooling but the freezer is fine?

Evaporator Coils One of the main reasons for fridge not cooling but freezer works is that the evaporator coils are not working in proper order. The evaporator coils are filled with frost, so air doesn't get space to pass through them to get cold. For a solution, you have to first remove the frost by blowing hot air.

What is the average repair cost for a refrigerator?

Nationally, the average refrigerator repair cost is $250....What Are Common Refrigerator Repair Costs?RepairAverage CostRefrigerant leak repair$200 - $300Control board replacement$80 - $800Thermostat replacement$100 - $440Coils replacement$100 - $4403 more rows•Sep 15, 2022

1. Condenser Coils

The condenser coils are a set of copper tubes on the back of your refrigerator. They condense refrigerant into its liquid form, causing it to release its heat, which keeps the inside of your appliance cool.

2. Cold Control

The cold control allows you to set the temperature for your refrigerator and freezer. It’s accessed from inside your refrigerator, on the control panel. Though usually the only part you see is the knob, it also includes a temperature sensor and a set of contacts that tell the refrigerator when to run the compressor.

3. Defrost Timer

This component controls the defrost cycle in the refrigerator, helping to keep the evaporator free of icy build up. If the defrost timer has gone bad, your appliance’s evaporator may freeze up, preventing cold air from moving through the unit. Usually, when this part is bad, the refrigerator will be slightly warmer than the freezer.

4. Defrost Thermostat

The defrost thermostat is a safety device that measures the temperature in the freezer. It stops the defrost cycle if the interior of the appliance becomes too warm. You can usually find this small component mounted on the evaporator, behind the back wall of the freezer.

5. Defrost Heater

The defrost heater kicks on to warm the evaporator during your refrigerator’s defrost cycle. So, if it’s not working, your refrigerator’s evaporator may freeze and stop working. If this is the case, you’ll notice that, while both the freezer and fridge components will be warm, the refrigerator compartment will be warmer.

7. Run Capacitor

This is a small device that supplies extra energy to the compressor so that it runs as efficiently as possible. If the capacitor has failed, the compressor may not be able to continue running after an initial start up. If the compressor isn’t running as much as it needs to, or if it’s shutting off too soon, you may want to check the capacitor.

8. Temperature Sensor

The refrigerator’s control board tracks the temperature in the freezer with this sensor bulb. When the sensor reports a warm enough temperature, the compressor will kick on and cool the appliance. So, if a sensor is bad or isn’t reading quite right, the control board won’t trigger the condenser.

Why Is the Freezer Cold but the Fridge Is Warm?

Fridges with integrated freezers stay cool thanks to cold air from the freezer section. Vents allow the cold air to escape from the freezer, and the fan circulates the cold air inside your fridge. If you have a warm fridge, but your freezer is still cold, your first port of call should be to check if your freezer is overloaded. Overfilling your freezer can block the vents and prevent cold air from reaching the fridge.

What Are Some DIY Fixes for a Warm Fridge?

Start by checking that the fridge's power supply is switched on and that you haven't accidentally turned the thermostat down.

Why does my fridge have a fan?

This fan keeps air moving for two reasons: to dry up the water that gathers in the drain pan as things defrost, and to keep the condenser coil properly cool. The motor for this fan turns on simultaneous to the motor for ...

Why won't my fridge start?

When your fridge won’t start and even the fans are not running, it could be due to a problem in the cold control, a switch to send electricity to the fans and compressor that is triggered by temperature change. When the compressor that makes the cold air and the fans that distribute it are operational but not getting the job done, ...

What is a defrost heater?

Some evaporators have several heaters on them. A defrost heater is composed of a wire inside an aluminum or glass tube, below the evaporator coils.

Why does my freezer keep cycling on?

Is your freezer not as cold and your fridge getting warmer? Does it seem like the fridge is always cycling on or stays on longer than before? You may have a problem with your evaporator fan motor, which ventilates the evaporator coils during the periods the compressor runs , and can be found in the freezer compartment. It is supposed to turn on when the compressor does, and you ought to be able to hear the fan in the freezer compartment, and feel the air moving in there. Unplug the fridge and take off the cover from the evaporator fan, located on the backside of the back panel of your freezer compartment. Is the fan clogged up with frost or ice? That means there’s a problem with defrosting. Is there damage to the fan blades, or are they loose? You will need to replace those. Use your multi-meter to check the motor to ensure continuity. Check to see if the motor shaft turns freely: if not, you may need to look into a new motor. If the cause of the noise still isn’t obvious, have a service technician in so that the power can be reconnected to isolate whether electricity is being fed to the motor. Don’t try this on your own, though, since live voltage is dangerous.

How long does it take for a refrigerator to defrost?

When your compressor’s been running a total of eight to ten hours – that’s about every day or two days – the defrost timer will start a defrost cycle, shutting down the compressor for 20-30 minutes to allow the evaporator be defrosted by the defrost heater. So if the defrost timer is malfunctioning, the frost will build up on your fridge, or indeed the compressor may not be started up again at the end of that defrost cycle. And that could explain why it warmer than it ought to be. Depending on your model, you might find the defrost timer behind the kick plate at the bottom front of the fridge; as part of the control panel in the main body of the fridge where the food is kept fresh; or in a side-by-side unit it might be in the back. If your owner’s manual or manufacturer website has a wiring diagram, locate the terminals on the defrost timer upon which to perform continuity checks for the motor or the switch. One additional test would be on the harness leads to the defrost heater. This is a job for a service technician, though, because of the risk of electrocution during a live voltage test.

What to do if fridge is not getting cold?

So if the fridge is not getting properly cold, verify that power is being supplied to the compressor from the control board. Check the external controls and the temperature sensors. Unplug the fridge and inspect the control board for evidence of burnt connections, deteriorated foil, or signs that arcing has occurred.

Why is my refrigerator not defrosting?

If your refrigerator is not defrosting, then it may not be able to get cold enough. This could be due to a malfunction of the defrost termination thermostat. This is the component in charge of turning off the defrost heater at the end of the defrost cycle, when the evaporator gets up to 38 to 47 degrees F.

Troubleshooting a refrigerator that's not cooling

Worried about your food spoiling and not sure what steps to take next to fix your warm fridge? Start by working your way through these expert steps one-by-one until you figure out the issue—or reach out to a refrigerator repair technician for assistance.

Make sure the temperature setting isn't too high

Check that the temperature setting is set appropriately. If it's too warm, gradually set it cooler until your fridge is the appropriate temperature.

My fridge isn't working, but my freezer is. What's going on?

The most common reason for a refrigerator not cooling while its freezer is still working properly is a problem with the defrost system. The defrost system involves multiple components; if any of these malfunction, it can result in the refrigerator not getting cold, even though the freezer is still working.

When to call a professional

When your refrigerator isn't cold enough, not only do you have to worry about food spoiling, but you're wasting energy, too, since your fridge has to constantly work overtime. So if you've done all you can to troubleshoot the problem and your refrigerator is still too warm, it might be time to call a refrigerator repair professional.

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How to inspect a refrigerator air inlet?

How to inspect a refrigerator’s air inlet damper or baffle: Disconnect your refrigerator from the power source and open your refrigerator door to locate the damper or baffle. It will be found where the cold air enters the fresh food compartment.

What is a temperature sensor bulb?

Some refrigerator models use a temperature sensing bulb attached to this control that will automatically adjust the control for changes in the interior temperature. Make sure that the sensing bulb is in the correct position and is not damaged.

Why does my refrigerator fan run continuously?

The condenser fan circulates air through the condenser coil to remove heat . If the refrigerator is warmer than normal and the compressor is running almost continuously, then you may have a problem with the condenser fan motor. The condenser fan motor runs at the same time as the evaporator motor and the compressor.

Why is the evaporator fan on my refrigerator running?

The evaporator fan motor is used to circulate the cold air throughout the refrigerator when the compressor is running. If the fan is defective, then temperatures in the freezer section will rise slowly and temperatures in the fresh food section will rise more rapidly and the compressor will run longer and more frequently than normal. With the compressor running you should also hear the evaporator fan running at the same time, as well as the condenser fan which is located next to the compressor.

What is the purpose of a refrigerator control board?

The control board uses this information to control the operation of the compressor, fan motors and defrost system. If the temperatures are too warm, then the electronic control could be at fault. Electronic controls are complex and expensive and usually reliable, so you should first verify that all of the other components such as the compressor, fans and sensors are operating properly before condemning the control. Some manufacturers may provide specific information that will help in diagnosing a defective control.

What is the purpose of evaporator fan motor?

How to test a defrost timer?

How to test a refrigerator defrost timer with a multi-meter: Disconnect your appliance from the power source and locate your defrost timer. It can be located behind the refrigerator's lower kickplate, in the refrigerator's control panel, or even behind the refrigerator on its back wall.

How does a refrigerator fan work?

This normally located near the compressor at the bottom rear of the refrigerator. The condenser fan circulates air through the condenser coil to remove heat . If the refrigerator is warmer than normal and the compressor is running almost continuously, then you may have a problem with the condenser fan motor. The condenser fan motor runs at the same time as the evaporator motor and the compressor. If the fan motor is not turning at all the condenser will not be able to expel the excess heat and the compressor will run almost continuously

How to test temperature on refrigerator?

How to test your fridge’s cold control & temperature control with a multi-meter: Unplug your refrigerator before beginning, then open your refrigerator door and locate the control. It will be located behind the temperature adjustment knob and is usually found in the fresh food section control panel .

Why is my freezer cold but my refrigerator is warm?

If your freezer is cold but the refrigerator is warm, it is possible that the parts that cool the refrigerator and freezer are working properly. Instead, the problem may reside in the air that is already getting to the freezer also getting to the refrigerator.

What does it mean when your freezer is too warm?

If your freezer begins to create ice in the wrong places, such as in the vents or on the evaporator coils, this can mean a freezer at the right temperature but a too warm refrigerator.

Why does my refrigerator have a defrost timer?

The purpose of the system is to remove frost from areas where it may build up and cause issues with your refrigerator and freezer.

What to do if your refrigerator is not cooling?

In this case, you may consider bringing in a professional technician to replace the evaporator fan motor to get it working properly and get your refrigerator back to the proper temperature.

Why is my freezer over packed?

The problem with that is that the freezer contains vents that allow cold air to flow. If these vents become blocked by too many items in ...

How to keep refrigerator from getting warm?

Then that air is pushed into the refrigerator area to keep it at a cool temperature . When this fan is not functioning properly, your freezer may seem fine, but your refrigerator will seem warm.

Where is the evaporator fan located?

Generally speaking, an evaporator fan is located behind the back wall of the freezer compartment. If you look behind your refrigerator, you should be able to locate this fan. Test to see if this fan can spin freely, making sure that there is no dust or debris stopping it.

Why does my refrigerator not cool?

If the defrost heater assembly is defective, frost will continue to accumula te on the evaporator coils, and the coils will become plugged with frost. If the evaporator coils are frosted over, the airflow through the coils will be restricted, causing the refrigerator not to cool. Check the evaporator coils to determine if they are frosted over. If the evaporator coils are frosted over, test each component of the defrost system.

What happens if a refrigerator is frosted?

If the evaporator coils are frosted over, the airflow through the coils will be restricted, causing the refrigerator not to cool. Check the evaporator coils to determine if they are frosted over. If the evaporator coils are frosted over, test each component of the defrost system.

What happens if the defrost control board fails?

If the defrost control board fails, the refrigerator will not run the defrost cycle, and frost will continue to accumulate on the evaporator coils. If the evaporator coils are frosted over, the refrigerator will work harder to remove heat. As a result, the refrigerator may be too warm. If the defrost thermostat and defrost heater are working ...

How to tell if defrost timer is defective?

o warm. To determine if the defrost timer is defective, slowly advance the dial into the defrost cycle. The compressor should turn off and the heater should turn on. If the timer does not send power to the defrost components or advance out of the defrost cycle within 30 minutes, this indicates that the defrost timer is not advancing. If the defrost timer is not advancing, replace it.

Why does the defrost timer turn on?

The defrost timer turns on the defrost heat er several times throughout the day to melt any frost that may have accumulated on the evaporator coils. If the defrost timer is defective, it might not advance into the defrost cycle, or it might not send power to the defrost heater during the defrost cycle. If the defrost system isn’t working, frost will ...

How to tell if evaporator fan is working?

The evaporator fan motor draws cold air over the evaporator coils and circulates it throughout the freezer. If the evaporator fan is not working, the freezer or refrigerator will not cool adequately. To determine if the evaporator fan motor is defective, try turning the fan blade by hand. If the fan blade does not turn freely, replace the fan motor. Additionally, if the motor is unusually noisy, replace it. Finally, if the motor does not run at all, use a multimeter to test the motor windings fo...

How to tell if a thermistor is defective?

To determine if the thermistor is defective, test it with a multimeter. The thermistor resistance should change in conjunction with the refrigerator temperature... .

Why is my refrigerator not cooling?

If you open your refrigerator and find sour milk or warm wine it should be apparent that your fridge is not cooling well enough. The problem is more than just one of annoyance and odors; it’s a health issue. Listeria and other foodborne pathogens, along with mold, can grow in refrigerators that are not cool enough.

How to stop cool air from entering refrigerator?

Check inside the refrigerator box for food items that might be blocking the cool air vent. Large boxes or bags may have been inadvertently placed in front of the vents, preventing cool air from entering the unit. Pull those items aside or locate them to a different shelf.

How to clean the coils on a refrigerator?

When the condenser coils on the back of the refrigerator are dirty or covered in spiderwebs, the unit cannot properly cool. Unlatch the anti-tip brackets located at the exterior bottom-front of the cabinet. Carefully slide the refrigerator out and clean the coils with the hand attachment on a vacuum cleaner. Be careful not to bend or otherwise damage the coils.

How to clean a refrigerator door gasket?

Over time, the flexible door seals (gaskets) can become dirty from food or fingerprints, preventing the door from sealing properly. Wipe down the gaskets with a sponge and warm, soapy water. Also wipe down the sections on the f ridge where the gaskets touch. Do not use abrasive cleaners, brushes, scouring pads, flammable fluids, or window cleaning sprays.

How far should a refrigerator tilt?

From side-to-side, the fridge should be perfectly level. From front-to-back, though, the fridge should tilt 1/4-inch toward the back to allow the doors to shut properly. Use a bubble or laser level to check. 08 of 10.

Why is mass important in a refrigerator?

Mass within the refrigerator helps to maintain coolness. And the mass that you’ll need to provide comes in the form of food items. Understocked fridges need to work harder to maintain cool temperatures. Well-stocked (but not overstocked) fridges have sufficient mass to retain those cool temperatures.

What temperature should a refrigerator be?

The FDA recommends that refrigerators be at 40 F or lower and that freezers be set at 0 F or lower. Purchase a separate appliance thermometer to check temperatures rather than relying on internal gauges.