If there was an award for hardest-working appliance your refrigerator should be a front-runner for keeping food fresh and cool. But what do you do if your Whirlpool refrigerator isn’t getting cold anymore? We’ll review common reasons why from an incorrect temperature to the need for refrigerator coil cleaning.

Simple Solutions When a Whirlpool Refrigerator Isn’t Getting Cold

While there are instances when your refrigerator needs a repair, there are often simple solutions when your Whirlpool refrigerator isn’t getting cold. These easy fixes can help both you and your refrigerator maintain your cool.

#1. Refrigerator Temperature Not Set Correctly

When your refrigerator isn’t cooling appropriately, first check the temperature settings. It’s generally recommended that you keep your Whirlpool refrigerator temperature at 37°F and the freezer at 0°F to best preserve food. Your owner’s manual may have specific recommendations for your model refrigerator.

If your refrigerator is set at the correct temperature but still feels warmer, place a refrigerator thermometer inside the fridge. If it registers higher than what the refrigerator reports, lower the temperature until the thermometer registers 37°F.

#2. Condenser Coils Need Cleaning

A refrigerator’s condenser coils help cool refrigerant by condensing it into a high pressure gas. If the coils are covered in dirt and dust, they may not adequately cool the refrigerant and your refrigerator’s interior may feel warmer.

Cleaning the refrigerator coils every 6-12 months will ensure that dust and dirt don’t hamper their function. Here’s how to clean Whirlpool refrigerator coils quickly and easily:

1. Disconnect the refrigerator’s power.
2. Remove the base grille by pushing it in at the top and pulling up on the bottom.
3. Vacuum the grille, condenser coils and the area around the coils with a soft brush vacuum attachment.
4. Replace the grille by lining up the support tabs and metal clips and pushing it firmly in place.
5. Reconnect the refrigerator’s power.

#3. Storing Too Many Items

Did you know your Whirlpool refrigerator doesn’t get cold if it’s overfilled? Storing too many items in a refrigerator can lessen the airflow and circulation between items that’s needed to keep them cool. In addition, if the refrigerator’s air vents are blocked with too much food, cool air won’t flow to the interior.

For optimal airflow keep your refrigerator no more than ¾ of the way full. When storing items in the refrigerator, place them away from the air vents to ensure that cool air flows freely into the fridge.

#4. Faulty Refrigerator Door Gaskets

The rubber gasket on your refrigerator door provides a tight seal when the door is closed, keeping cold air inside. A Whirlpool refrigerator not cooling may have a dirty or damaged gasket that leaks cold air, warming the refrigerator’s interior.

Inspect the door gasket for damage, using a cloth dipped in warm water to clean away any dirt and debris. If the gasket is ripped or broken it will need to be professionally replaced.

#5. Broken Refrigerator Component

If your Whirlpool refrigerator isn’t getting cold even after these interventions, it’s possible a broken component is the reason. These parts are often responsible for cooling issues:

Broken fan motor: the fan motor draws cool air over the condenser coils and compressor to cool refrigerant. If the fan’s blades aren’t obstructed, spin freely, and the fan motor shows no continuity with multimeter testing, it requires replacement

Faulty thermistor: a thermistor monitors the refrigerator’s temperature, signaling for cooler air when the temperature rises. Incorrect temperature readings won’t signal cooler air when needed, warming the refrigerator. A faulty thermistor requires replacement.

Defective start relay: this component starts the compressor to create cool air as needed. When the start relay malfunctions, it won’t properly signal the compressor. If it has no continuity the start relay is defective and needs replacement.

St. Augustine’s best refrigerator repair service is here to help when your Whirlpool refrigerator isn’t getting cold. Call us to schedule an appointment!