This is a common issue across all brands. However, our experience shows that after repair and maintenance, refrigerators can last a long time. We approach each repair with professionalism and dedication. Our goal is to not only restore functionality but also to extend the lifespan of your appliance. Our technicians usually have most parts on hand and, in 80% of cases, complete the repair the same day, typically taking one to two hours. Read more about our service:
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Main Issues When Your Fridge Is Not Cold Enough
- faulty thermostat
- defrosting system is not working
- restricted system (system is blocked and freon is not circulating)
- compressor is not working
- extremely dirty condenser coil
Description and Troubleshooting of Problems
Faulty Thermostat
The thermostat is responsible for maintaining the correct temperature in the refrigerator. It controls when the compressor turns on and off. If the fridge temperature drops below the set level, the thermostat activates the compressor to cool it down. Once the temperature reaches your set level, the thermostat switches off the compressor. This is a common issue in refrigerators with mechanical thermostats. It also occurs in refrigerators with digital displays. Such problems often occur in brands like Whirlpool, GE, Frigidaire, Electrolux, Magic Chef, Maytag, and Kenmore. Repairing this issue typically requires replacing the thermostat.
Defrosting System Is Not Working
When your refrigerator doesn’t defrost properly, its coil becomes completely covered in snow and ice. Cold air can’t circulate through the fridge, resulting in ice that stops the fan and prevents the refrigerator from cooling sufficiently. This could be due to a faulty:
- defrost thermostat
- temperature sensor
- fan motor
- heating element
- control board
This is a common issue across all refrigerator brands. It may involve one or several faulty components. For DIY troubleshooting, you can reset your refrigerator by unplugging it for 15 minutes. If the problem persists, you’ll need a technician to inspect each component step by step.
Restriction System
The compressor circulates freon under pressure throughout the system, and if any part of the system is blocked or restricted, the refrigerator may cool inadequately. A common cause of this issue can be a clogged dryer filter, three-way valve, coil, or capillary tube. To resolve this problem, the system needs to be pressure-cleaned and filled with new freon. This issue is often found in refrigerators that operate on R134 refrigerant.
Compressor Is Not Working
When the refrigerator is at room temperature and doesn’t cool at all, the compressor likely isn’t starting. This issue could be due to faulty components such as:
- thermostat
- start relay
- capacitor
- inverter control board
- control board
- compressor
This problem is often found in refrigerators from brands like LG, Kenmore, GE, Bosch, and Thermador.
Extremely Dirty Condenser Coil
In every refrigerator, it’s recommended to clean the condenser coil every year to year and a half. If it gets clogged with dust, the fan that cools the condenser coil and compressor can’t circulate air properly, leading to increased temperatures inside the refrigerator. In most refrigerators, the condenser coil is located at the back bottom part. If you want to do this yourself, make sure to first turn off the power. Remove the back bottom cover and carefully vacuum the coil, compressor, and fan. In some refrigerator models, the coil starts from the back and extends towards the front. In this case, you’ll need to remove the plastic cover at the front under the door and thoroughly clean the coil. Often, using a vacuum cleaner to blow everything out can resolve this issue and get the refrigerator running properly again.
Repair Cost of These Problems
| Replacement of a faulty thermostat | $230 – $375 |
| Defrosting system repair | $280 – $450 |
| Cleaning the compressor and refilling with new freon | $350 – $430 |
| Compressor repair | $370 – $480 |
| Cleaning the condenser coil | $120 – $170 |
The cost of repair can vary depending on the brand, model of the refrigerator, and the severity of the problem.
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2 Comments
I followed the recommendations from your article on DIY actions, but nothing helped. My refrigerator is still too warm. I would like to use your services. Could you please advise how to prepare the refrigerator for the technician’s visit?
To prepare your refrigerator for the technician’s visit, please follow these steps: 1) clear the area; 2) empty the fridge; 3) unplug the refrigerator (if instructed); 4) take note of symptoms (such as temperature inconsistencies, noises, or error codes).