5 reasons why the refrigerator has stopped cooling and how to fix it

A refrigerator is an indispensable assistant in the kitchen

It keeps food fresh and allows us to save time and money. So when the refrigerator stops cooling, it is always unpleasant and can lead to food spoilage. In this article, we will analyze the 5 most common reasons why your refrigerator may lose cold and what you can do to fix it.

1. Clogged or broken condenser

The condenser is responsible for removing heat from the refrigerator. If it is contaminated with dust, animal hair, or grease, the warm air is not removed efficiently. As a result, the refrigerator stops cooling.

What to do:

• Unplug the refrigerator.
• Clean the condenser with a brush or vacuum cleaner.
• Make sure that it is not damaged and that there are no kinks in the tubes.

If the refrigerator does not start cooling after cleaning, the condenser or compressor may need to be replaced by a technician.

2. Problems with the thermostat

The thermostat controls the temperature inside the refrigerator. If it is faulty, no cold may be produced or produced unevenly.

Symptoms:

The temperature is constantly high, the refrigerator does not turn off or on.

What to do:

• Check the thermostat settings.
• If the settings are correct but the refrigerator does not cool, the thermostat may be broken and needs to be replaced.

3. The compressor is faulty

The compressor is the heart of the refrigerator. It pumps refrigerant through the system. If the compressor is not working, no cold is produced at all.

Symptoms:

The refrigerator makes no noise, the food is warm even with the correct settings.

What to do:

• Make sure that the refrigerator is plugged in and that there is voltage.
• If the connection is normal, but the compressor does not work, you need a diagnosis by a master. Often, compressor repair is not cheap, sometimes it is easier to replace the unit.

4. Refrigerant leakage

The refrigerator works thanks to freon or other refrigerant. If there is a leak in the system, refrigerant is lost and the refrigerator stops cooling.

Symptoms:

Partial operation of the refrigerator, unstable temperature, icy tubes.

What to do:

• It is usually impossible to fix the leak on your own.
• Contact a service center to recharge the refrigerant and repair the leak.

5. Clogged evaporator or fan problems

The evaporator is the element that removes heat from the refrigerator compartment. If it is covered with ice or dust, the cold is not distributed. Also, the fan that disperses the cold air may stop working.

Symptoms:

The freezer compartment works but the refrigerator compartment does not; food in the upper shelves is warm; you hear a fan noise or the fan does not work.

What to do:

• Defrost the refrigerator completely.
• Check the fan to see if it is rotating and if there is any dust or foreign objects.
• If the fan is broken, contact a technician for replacement.

Useful tips to avoid problems

• Do not place hot food directly into the refrigerator.
• Clean the condenser and evaporator regularly.
• Do not block the refrigerator with food - air must circulate.
• Check the temperature and thermostat settings once a month.
• Call a technician in time at the first sign of a breakdown.

Conclusion.

When the refrigerator stops cooling, it's time to check the condenser, thermostat, compressor, fan, and refrigerant. You can solve many problems yourself: clean the condenser, defrost the evaporator, or check the thermostat settings. If the refrigerator still doesn't work, don't take any chances - contact a certified technician. This will save food and extend the service life of the appliance.