What to Do if Freezer Is Cold But Refrigerator Is Warm?

Why Is My Freezer Cold But Refrigerator Warm

If your freezer is cold, but the refrigerator section is not cooling, several potential culprits exist to consider. The typical problems include a jam-packed freezer, blocked condenser coils, challenges with the evaporator fan motor, and a faulty thermistor.

If the fridge is not cold but the freezer is, it might be necessary to tidy up the condenser coils. These coils, situated either at the back or bottom of the refrigerator, can accumulate dust, pet hair, and various debris over time. A congested condition impedes their proper functioning, causing the refrigerator to lose its cooling efficiency.

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Have You Overpacked the Freezer?

Excessively stuffed freezers are a widespread issue that frequently escapes homeowners’ notice. Many homeowners think it makes sense—if there’s space in the freezer, why not cram it full?

The hitch with this approach is that the freezer has air vents designed to facilitate the flow of cold air. When these vents get obstructed due to an abundance of items crammed into the freezer, it hinders the airflow from reaching the refrigerator. In this scenario, the freezer might seem okay, but the refrigerator ends up being too warm.  So, overfilling can potentially block cold air circulation.

Refrigerator Evaporator Fan Motor Voltage Testing

It’s typical to discover that most fridges employ a fan to circulate the cold air from the freezer to the evaporator. Subsequently, this chilled air is directed into the refrigerator section to maintain a cool temperature. If this fan malfunctions, your freezer might appear fine, but your refrigerator could end up feeling warmer than it should.

Using a multimeter, we must determine if an evaporator fan motor in a refrigerator receives the proper voltage. If the voltage is correct, but the motor is not spinning, the fan is faulty and needs to be replaced. If the voltage is not proper, it is probably an issue with the refrigerator control board.

Is It Time to Defrost?

You wanted the area inside your freezer to be below freezing temperatures, but you did not want those temperatures anywhere else in your system. If your freezer begins to create ice in the wrong places, such as in the vents or on the evaporator coils, this can mean a freezer at the right temperature but a too-warm refrigerator.

The Refrigerator Is Not Cooling, But Freezer Is Fine: How to Prevent Problem

The issue of a freezer working but not the fridge can be frustrating because it simply does not seem like that should ever be a problem. So, when diagnosing the issue, it is always best to start with the simplest problem and work up from there.

Make Space For the Air to Flow

Take a look at how you arrange the items in your freezer. Do not “pack” your freezer full, and ensure none of the freezer vents are blocked. It is a common misconception among homeowners that if the door to the freezer still closes, you have not over-packed your freezer. Take a second look to ensure that no items are packed too closely together anywhere in the freezer, as you want to ensure that air can flow freely throughout the freezer compartment.

Make Sure Your Evaporator Fan Is Working Properly

In broad terms, the evaporator fan is typically situated behind the rear wall of the freezer section. Take a peek behind your fridge, and you’ll find this fan. Check if the fan can rotate freely, making sure no dust or debris is causing any hindrance. Often, a straightforward cleanup in this region can resolve the issue. If that doesn’t do the trick, you might find your refrigerator not cooling while the freezer continues to operate. In this case, you may consider bringing in a professional technician to replace the evaporator fan motor to get it working properly and get your refrigerator back to the proper temperature.

Is Your Defrost System Working

Chances are, your fridge is equipped with a defrost thermostat system, complete with a defrost timer that triggers the system to operate multiple times throughout the day. The primary goal of this system is to eliminate frost buildup in areas that could potentially lead to problems in both your refrigerator and freezer. If you observe frost accumulating in your freezer or anywhere on the rear of your refrigerator and freezer, it’s likely there’s an issue with your defrost system. This is precisely the kind of problem that requires the attention of a skilled technician with the knowledge and necessary components to swiftly resolve the issue. As we said earlier, this problem may not seem obvious at first. If frost is building up anywhere on your system, your freezer should still work properly, but your refrigerator will get warm.

Warm Refrigerator and Cold Freezer: Time to Call Appliance Repair Service

If you’ve tried the above steps and your refrigerator is still not cooling, it may be time to seek the expertise of a professional fridge repair service at Spark Service PRO. Trained technicians have the knowledge and tools to diagnose and fix complex refrigerator issues. They can efficiently identify problems such as compressor issues, refrigerant leaks, or electrical malfunctions that may require specialized attention.

Professional Repair Service Checklist:

1. Compressor Inspection. Professionals can assess the functionality of your refrigerator’s compressor, identifying and addressing any issues affecting its performance.
2. Refrigerant Leak Detection. Trained technicians have the tools to detect and repair refrigerant leaks, ensuring optimal cooling efficiency.
3. Electrical System Evaluation. Experts can examine the electrical components, identifying and fixing any malfunctions that may be causing cooling problems.
4. Comprehensive Diagnosis. A thorough examination allows professionals to pinpoint the root cause of the cooling issue and recommend appropriate solutions.

Hiring a professional ensures a thorough and accurate assessment of the problem, increasing the likelihood of a successful repair and extending the lifespan of your appliance.

Addressing issues with the freezer being cold and the fridge being warm can range from simple fixes, like optimizing airflow and cleaning coils, to more complex problems that may necessitate professional intervention. Regular maintenance and timely attention to these matters can prolong the life of your refrigerator and ensure it continues to function efficiently. If all else fails, Spark Service provides professional appliance repair in Toronto, with the expertise needed to diagnose and resolve intricate problems, saving you time and ensuring your appliance functions at its best.