Freezer Is Cold But The Refrigerator Is Warm? Here’s What To Do

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DanMarc
October 3, 2022
Refrigerator Repair

If you’ve ever opened your refrigerator to find your milk is warm while your ice cream is still frozen, you know the frustration that can bring. But don’t worry, you’re not alone. This is a very common problem that has a few different causes and solutions. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most common reasons why your fridge is warm but your freezer is still cold, and how you can fix the problem.

1. Temperature control settings are incorrect 

One of the most common reasons for this issue is that the temperature control settings for your fridge and freezer have gotten switched by accident. If your fridge is set too low, it can cause your fridge to be warm. To fix this problem, simply check the settings on your fridge and make sure that they’re where they’re supposed to be. 

2. The fridge is not level 

Another possible reason why this might be happening is that your refrigerator is not level. If it’s not level, the doors might not seal properly, which can cause cold air to escape from the fridge and warm air to enter. To fix this problem, you’ll need to level out your fridge using a spirit level. Once it’s leveled out, check the doors to see if they’re sealing properly. If not, adjust them until they do. 

3. The gasket around the door needs to be replaced 

If the gasket (the strip of rubber or plastic that goes around the door) is old or damaged, it might not be sealing properly, which can lead to warm air entering the fridge. To fix this problem, you’ll need to replace the gasket. This is something that you can either do yourself or hire a professional appliance repair person to do for you. 

4. Fridge is too full 

Another possible reason why your refrigerator might be warm is that the fridge is too full—this can block airflow and prevent cool air from circulating properly throughout the appliance. To fix this issue, simply remove some items from your fridge until there’s adequate airflow around them. It’s also important to be sure to keep your fridge from getting too full in the future.

5. The condenser coils are dirty 

If the condenser coils on your fridge (located at the back or bottom, depending on the model) are dirty or covered in dust, it can impede airflow and prevent cool air from circulating properly throughout the appliance, leading to warm air in the refrigerator. To clean them, simply unplug your refrigerator, move it away from the wall, and vacuum them with a soft-bristled brush attachment. Once they’re clean, move the fridge back into place and plug your fridge back in. 

6. The damper control is stuck

Another reason why this problem might be occurring is that the damper control assembly is stuck closed. The damper control assembly is located between the fridge and freezer compartments, and regulates the amount of cool air that flows from one compartment to the other. If it’s stuck closed, it won’t allow enough cold air into the fridge, which can cause the temperature inside to rise. To fix this problem, place your hand in front of the vent and see if the air is flowing. If there is no airflow, you may need to call a professional to help repair the damper.

7. The evaporator coils are frozen over

Finally, another reason is that the evaporator coils in the freezer are frosted over. The coils are located in the back of the freezer, and they help remove the cold air inside the appliance. When they get covered in ice, the cold air can’t flow to the fridge, which can cause the temperature inside the fridge to rise.If you notice that your evaporator coils are frosted over, unplug your appliance and let the ice melt. Then, clean the coils with a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner attachment (make sure not to damage them!). Once they’re clean, plug your appliance back in and check to see if the temperature has gone back to normal. If not, keep reading for more possible solutions. 

8. Check the evaporator fan motor

If your fridge is warm, another thing you can check is the evaporator fan motor. This part circulates air over the evaporator coils, which helps to cool the air inside the fridge. To see if your evaporator fan motor is working, first, locate it at the back of your fridge (it will look like a small black box). Then, open your fridge door and listen to the sound of the motor running. If you don’t hear anything, this may mean that the motor is not working.

To test the motor further, you’ll need a multimeter. First, make sure that your multimeter is turned to the “ohms” setting. Then, touch one of the multimeter leads to one of the terminals on the evaporator fan motor. Touch the other lead to the other terminal. If you see a reading on the multimeter, this means that there is continuity and the motor is working. If you don’t see a reading, this means that there is no continuity and the motor is not working.

9. The thermostat is faulty

One last reason why this problem might be occurring is that there’s an issue with your appliance’s thermostat. If the thermostat isn’t working properly, it won’t send power to the compressor (which helps circulate coolant throughout your appliance), which can cause freezer temperatures to rise while refrigerator temperatures stay low. If you think this might be causing your problem, try resetting your appliance’s thermostat according to the directions in your user manual. Wait 24 hours before checking to see if this has fixed your problem; if not, you’ll need to call a technician for service. 

Still having trouble?

There you have it! These are some of the most common reasons why your freezer might be cold but your refrigerator is warm—and what you can do about it. If you’re still having trouble, call a professional appliance repair person for help.

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