There’s nothing quite like the panic that sets in when you open your refrigerator and realize things aren’t as cold as they should be. But before you rush out to buy a new appliance, remember that many common refrigerator issues can be diagnosed and fixed by a refrigerator repair service professional.

At Mr. Appliance, we understand the frustration of a fridge on the fritz. This comprehensive guide features expert insights to help you understand common issues and when to request professional refrigerator repair.

• The Mystery of the Warm Refrigerator, Cold Freezer
• Why Is My Refrigerator Running Non-Stop?
• What Is the Dollar Bill Trick? Detecting Air Leaks
• Refrigerator Maintenance Checklist: Keep Your Cool
• When to Call the Pros for Refrigerator Repair
• Don’t Risk Spoiled Food—Trust the Refrigerator Repair Experts
• About the Refrigerator Repair Expert Stuart Pyburn
• FAQ About Refrigerator Repair

The Mystery of the Warm Refrigerator, Cold Freezer

Your freezer is humming along, keeping your ice cream perfectly solid, but the refrigerator section feels more like a cool pantry. What gives?

Stuart Pyburn, an expert at Mr. Appliance with 36 years of experience in the refrigerator repair industry, sheds light on this phenomenon: “In a basic refrigerator, the evaporator is in the freezer, and the air going through it is getting cold. There is then a damper and a fan that sends the cold air to the refrigerator as the thermostat calls for it. If any of these parts are not functioning properly, or if the refrigerator is overstuffed and to the point of blocking the airflow, your refrigerator will not cool properly.”

Common culprits that cause a warm refrigerator

Let’s break down the potential culprits that may require refrigerator repair:

• Evaporator fan: This fan circulates cold air from the freezer into the refrigerator compartment. If it’s not working, the cold air stays trapped.
• Damper control: The damper is a small door that opens and closes to regulate the amount of cold air flowing into the fridge. If it’s malfunctioning or stuck closed, your refrigerator won’t get the cold air it needs.
• Thermostat: The thermostat signals when the refrigerator needs more cold air. If it’s faulty, it might not be sending the right signals.
• Blocked air vents: Overstuffing your refrigerator can block the vents that allow cold air to circulate. 

Checklist: Troubleshooting a refrigerator that’s not cooling

• Check airflow: Ensure no food items are blocking the vents, which are typically located at the back of the refrigerator compartment or between the freezer and fridge.
• Listen for the fan: Open your freezer door and listen for the sound of the evaporator fan. If you don’t hear anything, the fan might be the problem.
• Inspect the damper: While more challenging, if you can locate the damper (often near the top of the refrigerator compartment), check if it appears to be stuck.
• Check thermostat settings: Make sure the thermostat hasn’t been accidentally turned down or set to a warmer temperature.

You should not attempt to fix your refrigerator on your own, as certain components can pose a safety hazard. After reviewing these troubleshooting steps, contact a qualified refrigerator repair provider near you.

Why Is My Refrigerator Running Non-Stop?

A refrigerator that runs constantly can be a major energy drain. If you hear the appliance humming more often than usual, or if the hum never seems to turn off, it may be a sign that something isn’t right.

According to Mr. Appliance refrigerator repair expert Stuart Pyburn, a refrigerator may be running constantly “because the thermostat is calling for colder air and it has not been satisfied yet.”