First consult the owner's manual to troubleshoot your refrigeration problem.
If your refrigerator isn't properly cooling your foods, one of several problems may be to blame. Consulting the owner's manual for your specific refrigerator model can often help to quickly troubleshoot operating problems. On the other hand, if you don't have the manual available, you can narrow down most refrigeration problems to just a few culprits.
Adjust the Thermostat
If you haven't had your refrigerator long and you aren't satisfied with how it cools, you may need to do nothing more than adjust the thermostat. If this is the case, you'll notice that the refrigerator's motor doesn't cycle on and off regularly. To remedy the relative warmth, simply turn up the refrigerator's thermostat one setting. Listen for the motor to start up. Once the motor does start, let the unit run for 24 hours at its new setting. After the 24 hours, its temperature should normalize to its new level.
Clean the Condenser Coils
If your refrigerator isn't keeping things cold, and the motor cycles on and off very regularly, the problem possibly lies among the condenser coils. The condenser coils, found at the foot or rear of the refrigerator, serve to expel heat as the coolant condenses into liquid. These coils also attract great amounts of dust, which, in excess, can interfere with the condensing process and the whole unit's efficiency. To remedy the situation, simply remove the grille from the bottom front of the refrigerator, and use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment to clean the coils of dust.
Make a Space
If your refrigerator is too crowded, boxed in by cabinets and walls, it won't operate successfully. To improve its cooling function, see that it has at least three inches of clearance on all sides for air to flow, which is especially important around the compressor coils, usually located at the bottom or back of the unit.
Check the Doors
If the door of your refrigerator or freezer isn't closing properly, the unit will fail to cool its contents. When checking the unit for possible problems, inspect all around the perimeter of each door, looking for warps or cracks in the doors' rubber gaskets. With a finger, trace the perimeter for any small gaps, feeling for any bursts of cool air. If you have a poorly closing door, contact the manufacturer or local repair companies for replacement parts and service.
Consider the Contents
If none of the other solutions solve your problem, check whether you've recently added any hot foods to your refrigerator. For example, setting a hot pot of soup into a cold refrigerator can significantly increase the internal temperature, causing difficulty for the unit to keep other foods cool. Avoid placing hot items directly in the refrigerator, first letting them cool slightly while sitting at room temperature.
Tags: your refrigerator, condenser coils, owner manual