A broken refrigerator can wreak havoc in your kitchen, especially if it comes with a freezer compartment as well. Just one malfunction can cause foods to go bad or to develop an unpleasant odour. The high temperatures promote bacteria growth in your food, and eating such food can cause serious illnesses. So if you find that your fridge is not cooling as expected, it is important to take immediate measures to prevent bacteria growth and protect your food from going bad. Below are some of the reasons why your refrigerator is not cooling and what you can do about the problem.

High internal temperatures

Most refrigerators come with a setting that allows you to regulate the internal temperatures in the appliance. If you set the heat too high, it means that your fridge won't be cooling enough. This can happen accidentally, especially if you or another person doesn't know the role of the temperature knob. Most models will recommend the optimal setting to ensure that food remains cool as expected. Adhere to this instruction and make sure that your kids don't keep on rotating the temperature knob. 

Damaged door seal

Your refrigerator's door seal ensures that the door is properly closed and prevents cold air from escaping the appliance. However, over time, the seal may wear out due to age or physical abuse. When this happens, the appliance will be losing air, and this means that it won't keep the food cold. Check your door seal and make sure that it is in excellent condition. Test it by placing a currency note halfway in the door. Close the door and try to pull out the bill. If you can get it out, it means that your seal is damaged and should be replaced.

Note that placing the fridge at an angle can also cause the door to fail to close properly. Make sure that your refrigerator is situated on level ground so that the door can close correctly. Also, check the feet and ensure that they have been adjusted to the same level.

Damaged evaporator fan

The evaporator fan is the component that supplies cold air inside the fridge. If it is not working, it means that your fridge will be running, but cold air won't be able to circulate. You may find that one portion of the refrigerator is cold while another is not. The evaporator fan may develop faults due to ice buildup in your appliance. Try defrosting the fridge, and listen for the fan. If it doesn't start up, you should contact a professional.

Don't attempt to carry out DIY repairs on your refrigerator. Contact an electrician for professional help with electrical appliance repair.

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