Help, My Refrigerator Is Not Cooling

By Donald Grummett

When your refrigerator stops cooling it can be frightening. As consumers we are usually unaware of what to do, or where to look for help.

If you have a regular appliance repairperson you need to contact them and get some advice. They will know your products and usually offer some suggestions. If you don’t use a regular service company then the following are some suggestions you may wish to try.

Firstly, don’t forget to check the overly obvious. Some of these suggestions are so crazy that people naturally overlook them in the rush to get the refrigerator fixed.

1) Is the refrigerator still plugged into the electricity? Open the door and if the light is on then that suggestion can be eliminated.

2) Has anyone moved it recently while housekeeping and left it unplugged? Ask your family members if anyone has moved the refrigerator. You wouldn’t be the first person to find the kids had moved it out without telling you so they could retrieve a lost toy.

3) Are the cooling controls turned on? The cold control may have been accidentally knocked while removing or replacing food.

4) Are the cooling controls set to normal?

5) Has the electricity in the house or neighborhood been erratic due to local construction? Has your power been going off and on, or have the lights in your house been dimming? If yes to either, this is a problem best resolved by an electrician or your local power company.

Next ask yourself whether the refrigerator stop cooling today, a few days ago, or a week ago?

If today, then use a thermometer to test the operating temperatures. Quickly place it on a middle shelf of refrigerator (not freezer) section and close the door. Place it such that a reading can be obtained within a few seconds of opening the door. Otherwise your reading will be inaccurate. Take three temperature readings, over a period of at least 30 to 60 minutes. Both refrigerator doors must remain closed between readings. Modern frost-free refrigerators operate between 36 and 40 Degrees Fahrenheit. Within this range your refrigerator is operating correctly.

If between 40 and 45 you should be concerned enough to retest the temperature reading in a few hours. Over 45 your refrigerator is showing symptoms of a cooling system that is starting to fail. Over 50 the cooling system has failed and you should be contacting your service company immediately.

If no thermometer, then check if the ice cubes in the freezer section are still frozen. Then check an item in the refrigerator section using your hand as a thermometer. Pick up something familiar to you, such as a bottle of beer or a can of soda pop. Since you pick up such items on a regular basis your brain will remember how cold they should feel. If the item feels refreshingly cold your refrigerator section is probably close to normal temperature.

If the refrigerator hasn’t been well for a few days then check the following. Is the fan in freezer section operating? You should hear the sound of air moving when freezer door is opened. Also check the fan switch operation. The freezer section may have a switch that stops the fan if the door is opened. To test, open the door and over-ride the switch by pushing it in with your finger. If no sounds heard then a service person will be required. Also, check the operation of all light switches. Open door and push light switch to check that the light is actually turning off when the door is closed. A broken light switch can leave it on and generate a lot of internal heat that makes the refrigerator erratic.

If the refrigerator has been unwell for more than a few days you will probably require a service person. Make the call now because it may take them a few days to get to you. Also, start making telephone calls to any friends, neighbors, or relatives who can take your food before it defrosts. Worry about the expensive foods first. Quickly wrap them in small containers and label with your name using a marker. A suggestion is to use plastic grocery bags as containers. Place one or two items in each, fold the bag, staple top, and write your name on outside of bag. Be organized. Just don’t arrive at someone’s house with an arm full of food.

Lastly, while waiting for the service company to telephone back check your owners manual for further suggestions. Many manufacturer will offer some great suggestions to help you in your time of need.

About the Author: Donald Grummett has been in the trade over 30 years as a technician, business owner, and technical trainer. Visit mgservices.ca to learn more invaluable information about your appliances.

Source: isnare.com

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