Is Your Melbourne, FL Refrigerator Not Cold Enough?

The refrigerator is arguably one of the most important appliances in your home. After all, it goes a long way to keeping your food from spoiling quickly and ensures a place to keep refreshing drinks. So, when your fridge malfunctions, you're sure to notice. According to the FDA, a refrigerator should be around 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. If your fridge is warmer than that, you could be susceptible to bacteria and rotten food. When you notice your fridge heating up, don't wait to call the professionals at Mr. Appliance of Melbourne. We repair all kinds of fridges, freezers, and more for our Melbourne, FL customers. Our team will figure out why your refrigerator is not getting cold enough.

Why Isn't My Refrigerator Cold Enough?

Every other day or so, we pick up a call from a customer saying, "my refrigerator is not getting cold enough!" Luckily, our skilled team can determine the problem and suggest a fix. But before we start repair work, we'll check these common reasons for a too-warm fridge:

1. It's improperly plugged in—While it seems too easy, you'd be surprised how often people don't notice their fridge isn't plugged in. These appliances accidentally unplug from the outlet all the time, so be sure to check before scheduling repairs.
2. The door isn't closing completely—Many times, high temperatures in your fridge result from a faulty door. Make sure you're closing the door all the way before calling a repair company.
3. Lack of circulation—If cold air can't circulate through the fridge, your food can't stay at the correct temperature. Check the vents and ensure nothing is blocking circulation. Remove obstructions and see if the temperature drops again.
4. The thermostat is set wrong—It only takes a slight bump to set the thermostat to the wrong temperature. Examine the thermostat and make sure it's at the correct setting before using up time on repairs.

Narrowing Down the Root of the Issue

So, you've checked all the most common reasons for a too-warm fridge and can't find the culprit. What next? Our team will come out and determine why your refrigerator isn't staying cold enough. It could be any number of issues, but our experienced technicians will be able to pinpoint the problem. Here's an overview of potential refrigerator issues:

Refrigerator Compressor

The refrigerator compressor is responsible for taking vapors and transporting them outside the fridge. If everything else is running correctly and you still notice the temperature spiking, your refrigerator compressor could be going haywire.

• Location: At the back bottom of your fridge, you'll find the compressor. It's often black and looks similar to a tank. Always unplug the appliance before attempting any repairs.
• Possible Fixes: A compressor can usually be fixed by replacing the start relay. But in some cases, this isn't enough to restore function. You may need a whole new compressor, which typically requires professional help to install.

Condenser Coils

If your refrigerator and freezer are not cold enough, there might be a problem with the condenser coils. These components carry the compressor's hot gas across the evaporator coils, where it's cooled and turned back into a liquid. Should the coils clog up, it could result in poor air circulation and a fluctuating temperature.

• Location: You'll find the condenser coils near the compressor, at the back bottom of the fridge.
• Possible Fixes: In most cases, a quick cleaning will get your coils working properly again. To clean the condenser coils, unplug the fridge and remove the toe grill. Then, use a coil brush to remove any visible debris. Once you're finished, replace the grill and clean up any debris left behind on the floor.

Condenser Fan

The condenser fan is tasked with cooling the compressor and condenser coils. Whenever the condenser is running, it's crucial the fan is working and ensuring the appliance doesn't overheat.

• Location: You'll find the condenser fan next to the compressor and condenser coils near the bottom of the fridge. Note that if your unit has condenser coils at the back, it may not have a fan.
• Possible Fixes: Obstructions are the most common concern with condenser fans. Remove any dust or debris clogging up the fan and check for improvement. If this doesn't fix the problem, you may need a new motor for the fan.

Evaporator Fan

The evaporator fan has the crucial job of blowing air across the evaporator coil for it to be cooled and sent back into the fridge. If your evaporator fan doesn't do its job properly, you'll notice the temperature rising.

• Location: The evaporator fan is located at the back of the freezer. In some units, you'll need to empty the freezer to gain access to the fan.
• Possible Fixes: Most of the time, you'll need a new motor for your evaporator fan. Our professional team can take on repairs for you, but some DIYers may be able to complete the task themselves. Simply remove the evaporator panel, mounting clip, and fan blade, then take off the wire harness. Insert a new motor into the housing, then reassemble the wire harness, blades, clips, and panels. Your evaporator fan should be ready to blow cool air again!

Air Damper

The air damper controls the amount of cold air circulating in the refrigerator and freezer. But if the air damper can't open and close, you may start to see problems with your appliance's temperature.

• Location: The air damper is usually located in the upper left corner between the fresh food compartment and freezer.
• Possible Fixes: In most cases, a broken air damper will need to be fully replaced. To start the process, unscrew the cover and remove the thermostat sensor. You'll also need to take out the ice bucket, motor, and rear duct panel. Once you have access to the air damper, remove the old unit and insert the new one. Reassemble the other components and check for improved function.

What to Do When There's No Quick Fix

If your refrigerator still isn't cold enough after checking all of the above components, you may need more extensive repairs. Fortunately, the team at Mr. Appliance of Melbourne is experienced with all kinds of refrigerator issues and can narrow down the problem. Repairing kitchen appliances can quickly become complicated, and it's a good idea to have a seasoned technician on your side. Let us take care of the hard work for you!

The Refrigerator's Not Cold Enough? Call Us!

A faulty refrigerator is more than just an annoyance—it puts all your perishable foods at risk of spoiling. Don't make do with a refrigerator that's not cold enough. Get in touch with our Melbourne, FL team to discuss potential repairs and get a cost estimate. Mr. Appliance of Melbourne is proud to have helped so many customers in the region.