5 Reasons Why Your Refrigerator Feels Warmer Than Normal
Ready to toss all of the food in the fridge in fear that it will soon go bad? Ready to wheel that large appliance to the curb because it no longer seems to be getting cold? Browsing the web to find the best deals on new refrigerators to replace the one you have? Not so fast! There are a few simple solutions you can try in order to get your refrigerator up and running again, before you resort to any of the options previously mentioned.
1 – It’s Not Receiving Power
While this one may sound obvious, there’s a good chance it’s not receiving power anymore. This could be due to the fact that the power cord has come loose or disconnected from the outlet or that the breaker was flipped at the electrical control panel.
To check whether or not the refrigerator is receiving power, open the door and make sure the light comes on. If it does, something else is wrong with the appliance. If the fridge remains dark, check the power cord as well as the breaker.
2 – The Vents Are Blocked
Every refrigerator has vents and they serve an important purpose. They allow cool air to circulate back and forth between the freezer compartment and the refrigerator compartment and if these vents are blocked, it could affect the temperature in both areas.
Frost buildup in the freezer is one of the main culprits for blocked vents, but food packed too tightly in one area can also cause inconsistent temperatures. Make sure the vents are clear to allow for adequate airflow throughout the appliance.
3 – Broken Or Damaged Seals
There are rubber gaskets that line the inside of a refrigerator door and this helps keep cold air inside while preventing warm air from entering. If the seal has failed, cold air can leak out leaving the refrigerator warmer than normal. The same holds true if refrigerator doors are opened frequently or if they are left open for extended periods of time.
4 – The Thermostat Is Not On The Right Setting
Did you know the optimal temperature to keep foods from perishing is between 35 and 37 degrees Fahrenheit? For this reason, most refrigerators come pre-set to these temperatures, but this is not always the case.
Your refrigerator should have a thermostat (either a dial you can turn manually or an actual temperature control) that you can set and adjust if need be. Check the setting and lower it a few degrees if the fridge feels unreasonably warm.
5 – The Condenser Coils Are Dirty
The condenser coils in a refrigerator is where the refrigerant is housed. The coils are generally not closed off and can therefore get covered in dust and other debris. When they get dirty, it can affect how effectively they work so it’s a good idea to clean them off a few times per year. All you need to do is locate the coils (usually behind or near the bottom of the appliance) and clean them off with a vacuum.
Still experiencing warm refrigerator temperatures even after trying the solutions above? It may be time to call in an expert!
Refrigerator Repairs In Nassau County
At Universe Home Services, we have been proudly serving our local community with outstanding refrigerator repairs throughout Nassau County & Suffolk County. Our appliance repair technicians are highly trained in everything from simple, straightforward repairs to complex refrigerator problems. No matter the issues you’re dealing with, you can trust our team to provide you with the fast repairs you need. Call us today at (516) 473-0202.