Whirlpool Refrigerator Running But Not Cooling? Fix It Now Without A Technician
It's every homeowner's nightmare - you go to grab the milk for your morning coffee and find it's warm. Upon inspection, your Whirlpool refrigerator is running but failing to keep your food cold. Before you panic and call an expensive appliance technician, there are several easy fixes you can try yourself to get your fridge cooling again.
With a few simple tools and some easy troubleshooting, you can have your fridge back to chilling your food in no time.
Potential Causes of a Whirlpool Refrigerator Not Cooling
When a Whirlpool refrigerator stops cooling properly, the problem typically stems from one of the following common issues:
Dirty or Clogged Condenser Coils
The condenser coils are part of your refrigerator's cooling system located on the back of the unit. As hot compressed refrigerant passes through these coils, heat is released into the surrounding air, causing the refrigerant to condense into a liquid. However, if dirt, dust or other debris builds up on these coils, the heat transfer process becomes less efficient, preventing your fridge from cooling properly.
To check for dirty condenser coils, unplug the refrigerator and pull it away from the wall. Use a flashlight to inspect the coils for any visible dirt or dust accumulation. Another sign that the condenser coils are clogged is if the rear of the refrigerator feels warm to the touch while the inside is not cooling.
Fixing dirty condenser coils is an easy DIY job. Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to gently clean off any debris from the coils. For stubborn dirt, use a coil condenser cleaning brush or a plastic scraper to gently loosen the grime before vacuuming. After cleaning, plug the refrigerator back in and give it some time to get back down to temperature.
Refrigerator Door Seal Issues
In order for a refrigerator to cool properly, cold air must be contained within the insulated cavity. The door gasket forms a tight seal around the perimeter of each door to prevent cold air from escaping. If the door seal is cracked, ripped, or otherwise compromised, it can result in loss of cold air and cooling failure.
Carefully inspect the gasket around the refrigerator and freezer doors for any signs of damage. Check for rips, tears, and sections that look worn or flattened. Also check for proper adhesion - a gasket that is detached from the door can allow air to pass through the gap. If the seal is damaged but still intact, try cleaning it thoroughly with warm soapy water then applying Vaseline or glycerin to rejuvenate the rubber.
If the gasket is too badly damaged, replacement is necessary. Whirlpool refrigerators use a universal gasket size that can easily be replaced without technicians. Measure the old gasket, order a new one of the same length, and follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation.
Thermostat and Temperature Settings
The thermostat controls the internal temperature settings in your Whirlpool refrigerator. If it gets bumped or changed accidentally, it could prevent the unit from cooling properly. Thermostat settings can be tricky - if set too warm, cooling issues arise, but if set too cold, the compressor may freeze up.
Check the current temperature setting on the control panel inside the refrigerator. For most Whirlpool models, ideal fridge temperature is between 36-38degF and the freezer should be set between 0-5degF. If unsure of the proper temperatures, refer to your owner's manual or the Whirlpool website for your specific model's settings. Adjust the thermostat accordingly and give it some time to stabilize before rechecking the interior temperatures.
Power Supply Problems
Like all appliances, refrigerators require electricity to operate. If power to your Whirlpool unit is interrupted, it can lead to the refrigerator not cooling adequately.
Start troubleshooting by unplugging then re-plugging the refrigerator's cord back into the electrical outlet. Make sure it is plugged in snugly. Next, check for any damage to the power cord itself - exposed wires, cracking, fraying, or cuts in the insulation can disrupt power flow. Also inspect the wall outlet, looking for signs of damage or loose connections.
Use a multimeter to test the voltage of the outlet, checking for between 110 to 120 volts. If outlet power is suspect, plug the refrigerator into a known working outlet. Also check the circuit breaker or fuse controlling the refrigerator and reset or replace if tripped or blown.
Defrost System Issues
Whirlpool refrigerators use an automatic defrost system to periodically melt away any ice buildup on the evaporator coils. If this defrost system fails, ice can accumulate and prevent cold airflow, resulting in cooling failure.
Signs of defrost problems include excessive frost and ice buildup in the freezer compartment and on interior walls. Food also may freeze more solidly due to colder freezer temperatures. If you suspect defrost system failure, manually defrosting the freezer can provide a temporary fix.
To manually defrost, unplug the refrigerator and remove all food from the freezer. Use towels to soak up melting ice and frost. Aim a fan into the freezer compartment to speed melting. Once fully defrosted, clean any remaining water and debris before plugging back in and returning food.
Advanced Troubleshooting and When to Call a Repair Person
If you've checked all the common DIY fixes but your Whirlpool refrigerator still refuses to cool, the issue may require advanced troubleshooting or repair by an appliance technician. Here are some signs a professional may be needed:
- The compressor is not running - The compressor pumps refrigerant through the system, so if it's not working, cooling fails. Replacing a compressor often requires an appliance tech.
- The evaporator fan is not working - This internal fan circulates cold air. If faulty, it causes uneven cooling.
- The condenser fan is not working - This fan cools the condenser coils; failure can mimic dirty coils.
- The defrost timer or control board is faulty - An appliance pro can diagnose if these defrost components have failed.
- Refrigerant leaks - Only technicians can safely check refrigerant pressures to diagnose leaks.
In the end, if you are unsure of how to safely diagnose and repair an issue, don't hesitate to call a Whirlpool service technician. Continuing to use a malfunctioning refrigerator can lead to spoiled food, ruined appliances down the line, and possible health hazards.
Having your Whirlpool refrigerator stop cooling properly can be stressful. But armed with the right knowledge, you can troubleshoot and fix many common issues yourself without waiting days for an appliance repair appointment.
Start by checking condenser coils for dirt, cleaning door gaskets for seals, adjusting the thermostat, and ruling out power supply problems. If needed, manually defrost the unit to resolve any evaporator coil icing issues. With simple solutions like these, you can save the hassle and cost of professional repairs.
Don't hesitate to call in a technician for any repairs you are unsure of how to diagnose or fix safely. But otherwise, have confidence in your DIY skills - and soon you'll have your Whirlpool refrigerator running cool again.