Dental Profile

What to Do If Your Fridge Isn’t Cooling Enough?
The Problem

A refrigerator should keep food fresh, but one morning I noticed the milk was warm and vegetables had started to spoil. The light inside worked, and the motor was running, but the cooling simply wasn’t there. At first, I thought the compressor had failed. But after checking the user manuals, I realized that weak cooling is a very common issue with simple fixes that don’t always require professional help.

Common Reasons Why a Fridge Doesn’t Cool Properly

Thermostat set too high – The temperature control may be adjusted incorrectly.

Dirty condenser coils – Dust buildup reduces cooling efficiency.

Blocked air vents – Overfilled shelves prevent cold air circulation.

Worn door gasket – A leaky seal allows warm air to enter.

Clogged drain or frost buildup – Ice blocks airflow inside the fridge.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
1. Check the Thermostat

The user manuals suggest confirming that the thermostat is set between 3°C and 5°C (37°F–41°F). Mine was turned too high, and lowering it improved cooling.

2. Clean the Condenser Coils

The manuals emphasize cleaning the coils at the back or bottom of the fridge. I vacuumed and brushed mine, and cooling efficiency noticeably improved.

3. Rearrange Food to Clear Vents

According to the user manuals, items stacked against the vents restrict airflow. I reorganized the shelves, leaving space around vents, and cold air started circulating again.

4. Inspect the Door Seal

The manuals recommend testing the gasket with a piece of paper — if it slips out easily when the door is closed, the seal is worn. Replacing my gasket stopped warm air leaks.

5. Defrost if Necessary

The user manuals also explain that frost buildup blocks airflow. I unplugged the fridge overnight, defrosted it fully, and the cooling returned to normal.

My Experience

At first, I assumed my fridge was failing mechanically. But after following the user manuals — checking the thermostat, cleaning coils, and fixing the gasket — the temperature dropped back to safe levels. Now I clean the coils every few months and avoid overloading shelves to keep airflow steady.

FAQ

Why is my fridge running but not cooling properly?
– Most often because of thermostat settings, dirty coils, or poor air circulation.

Can I fix this at home?
– Yes, by following the steps in the user manuals: adjust settings, clean coils, and check door seals.

When should I call a technician?
– If the compressor doesn’t run, or cooling fails even after all maintenance steps.