A warm refrigerator is stressful, especially in the Texas heat. Before you call for service, a few quick checks can sometimes solve the problem, or at least help your technician diagnose it faster.
1. Check the power and thermostat
Make sure the fridge is plugged in, the breaker has not tripped and the temperature setting was not bumped. The fridge should be set around 37°F and the freezer at 0°F.
2. Give it room to breathe
Refrigerators need airflow around the condenser. Pull it a few inches from the wall and make sure nothing is blocking the vents at the bottom front.
3. Clean the condenser coils
Dusty coils make the compressor work harder and cool less. Unplug the fridge and vacuum the coils behind the kick plate or at the back.
4. Check the door seals
Close the door on a dollar bill. If it slides out easily, the gasket may not be sealing and warm air is getting in.
5. Do not overpack it
Cold air needs to circulate. Blocked vents inside the fridge or freezer cause warm spots.
6. Listen for the fans
If you do not hear a fan running when the door is closed, or the freezer is cold but the fridge is warm, a fan motor or the defrost system may have failed.
When to call: if these checks do not help, the fridge is noisy, or you see frost building up on the back wall of the freezer, book a technician before food spoils.
