Introduction: Understanding Seasonal Fridge Cooling Issues
When summer heat rises, one of the most irritating issues homeowners face is a fridge not cooling properly. Nothing is worse than opening the fridge and finding heated milk, spoiled leftovers, or melted ice cream. While refrigerators are constructed to maintain a regular temperature, hot climates place extra strain on the cooling system. Understanding why your fridge struggles in summer and the way to restore it can help you keep away from luxurious meals, waste, and needless repair payments.
In this manual, we’ll cover the top reasons your refrigerator won’t cool in summertime, clean troubleshooting recommendations, preventive renovation habits, and unnecessary repair bills.
Top Reasons Your Refrigerator Struggles in Hot Weather
1. Thermostat Calibration Problems
If your refrigerator is not cooling enough, the thermostat might be incorrectly set or malfunctioning. During the summer season, a mild miscalibration can save the compressor from running long enough to hold bloodless temperatures.
Fix: Make positive the thermostat is set between 37°F and 40°F for the refrigerator and 0°F for the freezer. If adjustments don’t assist, the thermostat may additionally need professional repair or replacement.
2. Dirty or Clogged Condenser Coils
Your fridge’s condenser coils release warmth. When they get blanketed in dust, dust, or pet hair, they can’t function correctly, especially in hot climates. This makes the compressor work harder, leading to poor cooling.
Fix: Unplug the fridge and use a coil brush or vacuum to clean the coils (normally positioned on the back or bottom). Experts suggest cleaning coils every 6 months and more regularly when you have pets.
3. Inadequate Ventilation Around the Unit
Refrigerators need the right airflow to use to dissipate heat. If your fridge is pushed too close to the wall or surrounded by shelves, it won’t cool effectively in the summer season.
Fix: Keep a minimum of 2-3 inches of area between the fridge and the wall. Avoid placing it near stoves, dishwashers, or direct sunlight.
4. Excessive Food Load and Poor Air Circulation
Overstuffing the fridge restricts airflow, while keeping it almost empty makes it more difficult to preserve regular cooling. Both situations can worsen in summer while the unit is already running more difficultly.
Fix: Store food in a balanced manner. Don’t block air vents inside the fridge. Use storage boxes or organizers to keep airflow.
How to Identify the Cause of Poor Cooling:
If your refrigerator is not cooling, right here are some brief checks:
- Listen for unusual sounds (a humming compressor or clicking relay).
- Check the seals across the door for leaks.
- Feel the coils; if they’re particularly warm, airflow can be blocked.
- Look for frost buildup in the freezer; that can affect cooling.
Identifying the cause early allows you to restore minor troubles earlier than they turn into highly priced maintenance.
Practical Fixes You Can Try at Home:
Before calling a technician, try these easy troubleshooting steps:
- Reset the thermostat to endorsed settings.
- Clean condenser coils very well.
- Ensure the fridge has enough air flow space.
- Reorganize meal objects to permit right airflow.
- Inspect door seals and replace them if damaged.
If the refrigerator still isn’t cooling after these steps, the trouble may additionally involve the compressor, begin relay, or refrigerant degrees, which require expert service.
Maintenance Habits That Keep Your Fridge Running Efficiently
Preventive care goes a long way in warding off cooling problems, in particular in summer.
1. Regular Cleaning and Coil Care
Dusty coils pressure your refrigerator to overwork over time. Clean them two times a year to lessen power use and extend the equipment’s lifespan.
2. Optimal Temperature Settings
Never set the thermostat too cold, thinking it will “assist.” Keeping it inside the recommended degrees prevents strain at the compressor.
3. Correct Placement for Airflow
Your refrigerator must be in a cool, shaded area of the kitchen, away from direct sunlight and home equipment that generates heat.
Signs It’s Time to Call a Professional Technician
Sometimes DIY fixes aren’t enough. Call an expert in case you notice:
- The fridge is running constantly but no longer cooling.
- Loud humming, clicking, or knocking sounds.
- Water leaking from the lowest.
- A burning smell close to the compressor.
- Frozen food in the refrigerator phase but warm air inside the freezer.
These are signs and symptoms of deeper mechanical troubles that an authorized equipment repair technician can solve.
Estimated Repair Costs for Cooling Issues
Repair costs depend on the issue:
Thermostat replacement: $100 – $250
Condenser coil cleaning by a pro: $80 – $150
Compressor replacement: $500 – $1,000
Refrigerant recharge: $200 – $400
While some small issues can be fixed at home, serious repairs may be more expensive than replacing an older unit.
Conclusion: Ensuring Reliable Fridge Performance Year-Round
If your refrigerator isn’t cooling in summer, don’t panic. Many issues, from dirty coils to thermostat miscalibration, are easy to fix with the right care. By following protection behavior like cleaning coils, adjusting thermostat settings, and making sure the right airflow, you could keep your fridge running successfully even at some stages on the hottest days.
However, if DIY steps don’t solve the problem, call an expert appliance repair provider right away. Timely repair keeps your food, decreases electricity bills, and extends the existence of your refrigerator.
Contact Us for Expert Refrigerator Repair
If your fridge still isn’t cooling after trying these fixes, don’t wait until your food spoils. At Home Appliance Care, we provide fast and reliable refrigerator repair services across Alexandria, Arlington, McLean, and surrounding Virginia areas.
Call us today at: (571) 200-1953
Or request a service online at: https://homeappliancecare.us/schedule-service/
Our certified technicians are available to handle all cooling issues, big or small, so your fridge runs smoothly again.
Don’t stress over a warm fridge; let our experts bring back the cool!