Help! My Whirlpool Refrigerator is Suddenly Not Cooling Properly
It can be incredibly frustrating when your refrigerator stops cooling properly. Food spoils, drinks don't get cold, and ice cream melts into a sticky mess. When a refrigerator stops cooling, it's usually a sign of an underlying problem.
If you have a Whirlpool refrigerator that is suddenly not cooling right, don't panic. In most cases, troubleshooting a few key components can get your fridge back to keeping food properly chilled in no time.
Check Power Supply and Electrical Connection
One of the first things to check if your Whirlpool refrigerator is not cooling is the power supply and electrical connection. An issue with the power being delivered to the refrigerator is often the culprit behind a cooling failure.
Start by unplugging the refrigerator from the outlet, waiting 10 seconds, and firmly plugging it back in. This resets the connection. Examine the cord to make sure it is not frayed or damaged. Plug in a small appliance like a lamp to confirm the outlet is providing power.
Check your home's circuit breaker or fuse box to see if a fuse has blown or the breaker has tripped for the refrigerator's circuit. Switch the breaker fully to the Off position and back to On if it has tripped. Replace any blown fuses.
Make sure the refrigerator's power cord is firmly inserted into the outlet all the way. Wiggling cords over time can loosen the connection. Poor connections can prevent the refrigerator from receiving consistent power.
If the cord or outlet shows signs of damage, it's possible there is a short in the power supply. Contact an electrician to inspect the wiring for any issues.
What to Do if the Power Supply Checks Out
If the outlet is functioning, fuse/breaker are okay, and cord connection is tight, then the electrical supply is likely not the reason for the cooling failure. Time to investigate other common trouble spots.
Inspect Door Seals and Alignment
In order for a refrigerator to maintain proper food-safe temperatures, cold air must be contained within the compartments. Door seals play a crucial role in this by closing off access when the doors are shut.
Carefully examine the rubber gaskets running around the perimeter of both fridge and freezer doors. Look for signs of cracking, tearing, brittleness or gaps in the seal. If the seal is damaged, torn or ripped away in spots, it will need to be replaced.
Run your fingers along the gaskets to feel for any gaps or areas where the seal may not be making tight contact with the body of the refrigerator. Even small gaps can allow cold air to leak out and warm air to seep in.
Perform a paper test by closing a sheet of paper inside the fridge and freezer doors. The paper should stay in place when you shut the door and not fall out. If it slides right out, the seal needs to be adjusted or replaced.
Check door hinge alignment as well. If hinges are loose or sagging, it can twist the door and prevent the gasket from making a tight seal. Realign any misaligned doors.
DIY Seal Replacement
Many Whirlpool refrigerator door gaskets can be easily replaced at home. Carefully detach the old seal and use a hairdryer to warm the adhesive on the new gasket. Then press it firmly in place along the door frame. Allow several hours for the adhesive to fully set before reopening the door.
Clean Condenser Coils
One of the most common reasons a Whirlpool refrigerator stops cooling properly is because of dirty condenser coils. The condenser is responsible for releasing heat from the refrigerant to the outside air.
On most Whirlpool models, the condenser coils are located on the bottom of the unit or behind a vented panel at the lower back. Over time, these coils accumulate dust, pet hair, dirt and debris. This prevents air from flowing freely through the coils.
Use a vacuum brush attachment and pipe cleaner to gently sweep and dislodge any built up grime from the coils. Then rinse them thoroughly with warm water mixed with a mild detergent. Allow the coils to fully dry before pushing the refrigerator back into position.
Condenser coils must be kept clean in order for the refrigerator to cool properly. Add coil cleaning to your routine maintenance schedule every 6 months to a year.
Professional Coil Cleaning
For severely dirty condenser coils, you may want to hire a professional cleaner. They have industrial vacuums and tools to deep clean even the dirtiest coils, restoring proper airflow and cooling performance.
Adjust Temperature Setting
Surprisingly, improper temperature settings can also be the culprit behind a Whirlpool refrigerator not cooling correctly. If the temperature is set too high, food may not stay chilled at safe temperatures.
The ideal refrigerator temperature is around 37degF. Freezer temperature should be set to 0degF. Check your owner's manual for the recommended temperature range for your specific Whirlpool model.
Turn the temperature dial down gradually if it is set too warm. Allow several hours for temperatures to stabilize before checking again. Avoid setting the temperature too cold, as that can actually hinder performance by freezing food and air circulation channels.
Dial In the Right Settings
Getting the temperature controls just right is key to ensuring proper airflow and cooling. Monitor temperatures with a thermometer and make small adjustments until reaching optimum food storage conditions.
Check for Blocked Vents and Airflow
In order for chilled air to circulate through the refrigerator and freezer compartments, there must be adequate airflow. Cooling vents and channels can become blocked, disrupting normal air circulation.
Make sure there is ample open space around the back and sides of the refrigerator. Pushing the unit too tightly against a wall can pinch vents and restrict airflow. Allow at least 2-3 inches of clearance.
Check the internal vents and channels inside the refrigerator and freezer as well. Remove any food packages or other items that may be obstructing fans or airways.
Use a brush attachment on your vacuum to remove dust buildup inside vents. Wipe down any debris with a damp cloth. Ensure back vents are not crammed with dust bunnies that reduce airflow.
Let It Breathe
Keeping all external and internal vents clear of obstructions enables robust airflow for proper food cooling. Avoid cramming shelves too tightly with items which can impede internal air channels.
Monitor for Excess Moisture and Frost
Too much humidity inside the refrigerator compartment can lead to excess frost building up on the evaporator coils. This is another common source of cooling issues.
As frost accumulates, it clogs airflow across the coils. This prevents proper heat transfer and circulation, leading to warm temperatures inside.
If you spot significant frost buildup, allow the refrigerator to fully defrost. Remove any food items, prop doors open and give it 24 hours. This allows time for all the frost to melt away.
For refrigerators with auto-defrost functions, ensure the settings are properly enabled. Auto-defrost automatically initiates a defrost cycle every 8-12 hours to clear away excess frost before it can build up.
Keep Humidity in Check
Monitoring refrigerator humidity and initiating manual defrost cycles helps keep ahead of frost issues. Allow your Whirlpool unit to defrost fully at least once every 3-4 months.
Contact Repair Professional
If you've thoroughly checked all of the troubleshooting tips described and your Whirlpool refrigerator still fails to cool properly, it's likely due to an underlying technical malfunction. Refrigerant leaks, compressor failure, and faulty control boards usually require the skills of a professional repair technician.
Call a refrigerator repair company and describe in detail the issues you are experiencing. Provide the full model number which is printed on a label inside the unit. This helps the technician diagnose the problem and bring the right tools and replacement parts.
Only experienced refrigeration repair technicians have the proper training, tools and expertise to diagnose and safely repair problems with refrigerant pressure, electrical components, compressors and sealed systems. Do not attempt makeshift fixes of your own.
Invest in Professional Maintenance
Technicians can perform diagnostic tests and detect issues before complete failure occurs. Proactively investing in professional maintenance and repairs extends the lifespan of your Whirlpool refrigerator.
Preventative Maintenance
While even well maintained appliances can eventually face problems, some easy preventative maintenance steps for your Whirlpool refrigerator can prevent premature failures.
Regularly vacuum dust from condenser coils every 3-6 months to maintain proper airflow. Visually check door gaskets for signs of wear, and replace seals if they appear cracked or loose.
Keep the refrigerator on a solid, level surface. Uneven floors can twist the body and prevent doors from sealing correctly.
Defrost freezer coils before frost exceeds 1/4 inch thickness to maintain proper air circulation.
Stop Issues Before They Start
By incorporating preventative maintenance into your regular appliance care routines, you can add years of life to your Whirlpool refrigerator and avoid many common cooling issues.
When a refrigerator stops keeping food properly chilled, it creates a real inconvenience. Thankfully, many common Whirlpool refrigerator cooling problems stem from a handful of issues like condenser coils, door seals and temperature settings.
Using the troubleshooting tips outlined in this guide can help isolate and resolve a number of faults. But when all efforts fail to restore cooling, rely on a professional refrigerator repair technician to get your Whirlpool unit back up and running.
With some basic maintenance and care, a quality Whirlpool refrigerator should provide many years of reliable performance. But at the first sign of cooling trouble, be prepared to take action to restore food-safe temperatures.
Has your Whirlpool refrigerator stopped cooling properly recently? Let us know in the comments below if these troubleshooting tips solved the problem! And don't forget to share this guide with any other Whirlpool owners who may need help.
Check the temperature sensor
The temperature sensor inside the refrigerator measures the interior temperature and relays this data to the control board. If the sensor is faulty or damaged, it may provide inaccurate temperature readings to the control board, leading to improper cooling inside the refrigerator and freezer compartments.
To check the temperature sensor, first unplug the refrigerator for safety. Then locate the sensor inside the fridge compartment. It is typically mounted to the rear wall. Inspect the sensor for any visible damage, corrosion, or debris. Use a soft cloth to gently clean the sensor if needed.
If no physical damage is present, use a multimeter to check the sensor's electrical continuity. Refer to the specific resistance range for the sensor in your Whirlpool's service manual. If out of spec, the sensor will need to be replaced.
Inspect the defrost drain
The defrost drain carries water away from the evaporator coils when the refrigerator goes into defrost mode. If the drain becomes clogged with debris, ice, or mold, melted frost can overflow and drip into the fridge and freezer compartments instead.
To inspect the defrost drain, first remove any food from the freezer and fridge. Then remove the drain pan cover underneath the evaporator coils, using a screwdriver if necessary. Check for any ice, sludge, or mold buildup in the drain tube. Use a stiff wire or pipe cleaner brush to clear any clogs.
Also pour 1-2 cups of boiling water down the drain tube to melt any remaining ice or residue. Wipe any excess moisture with towels. Monitor drainage for several defrost cycles to ensure the drain is clear.
Check the evaporator fan motor
The evaporator fan is critical for proper air circulation and cooling performance. It blows air over the chilled evaporator coils and circulates it throughout the refrigerator and freezer compartments.
If the evaporator fan motor malfunctions or seizes up, the airflow will be disrupted, leading to uneven cooling and warm spots. Locate the motor housing and listen closely for any abnormal noises like squealing, grinding or buzzing.
Remove the evaporator cover to inspect the fan blades for obstructions. Try rotating the fan by hand - it should spin freely with little resistance. If any issues are found, replacing the evaporator fan motor should restore normal airflow.
Examine the compressor
The compressor pumps refrigerant through the sealed system to absorb and release heat. Problems with the compressor are a common reason for poor refrigerator cooling.
Listen closely to the compressor while the refrigerator is running. Healthy compressors should make only a soft hum. Unusual noises like screeching, knocking or loud grinding may indicate compressor damage.
Feel the side of the compressor with your hand. If severely hot to the touch, the internal components may be worn out. Contact a technician - attempting to repair or replace a compressor yourself can be dangerous if not trained.
Inspect the condenser fan motor
Just like the evaporator fan, the condenser fan plays a key role in refrigerator cooling. This fan pulls air over the hot condenser coils to dissipate heat.
A faulty condenser fan motor may fail to provide adequate airflow over the coils. Listen for abnormal noises coming from the motor. Use a brush or vacuum to clear away any dust or debris from the fan blades.
Condenser fan motors are typically more accessible for DIY replacement than evaporator motors. Turn off power before attempting any repairs. Reinstall blades properly to avoid imbalance.
The door gaskets form a tight seal between the fridge/freezer doors and the cabinet. If the gaskets become cracked or loose, warm air can leak into the compartments, leading to poor cooling performance.
Inspect the gaskets closely for signs of wear, damage, gaps, brittleness or detachment from the frame. Run your fingers along the seals to feel for imperfections.
If any issues are found, try cleaning the gaskets first to remove debris. For more significant damage, replacement of the gaskets may be required to restore a proper door seal.