Troubleshooting: Determining the Cause of your Whirlpool Refrigerator Not Cooling
One of the most common issues faced by homeowners is a refrigerator that has stopped cooling. A Whirlpool refrigerator not cooling can be frustrating, but before you panic and call a repairman, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot and potentially fix the problem yourself.
The first step to fixing your Whirlpool refrigerator is to determine the cause of the issue. By doing so, you can eliminate any unnecessary repairs and save time and money in the process. Here are some possible causes of a Whirlpool refrigerator not cooling:
Blocked Air Vents
One of the most common causes of a Whirlpool refrigerator not cooling is blocked air vents. If the air vents that allow cold air to circulate throughout the fridge and freezer are blocked by food or other items, the cold air can’t reach the areas where it’s needed. This can cause the temperature in the fridge to rise, making it seem like the fridge is not cooling.
To fix this issue, remove any items that are blocking the air vents. Ensure that they are not too close to the sides of the fridge, as this can also restrict airflow. Check the freezer as well, as the blockage could be in the freezer vents.
Dirty Condenser Coils
The condenser coils are responsible for dissipating heat from the fridge’s compressor. If these coils are dirty, they can’t do their job effectively, causing the compressor to work harder than it needs to. This can lead to a breakdown in the cooling process and result in a Whirlpool refrigerator not cooling.
To clean the condenser coils, unplug the fridge and locate the coils on the back or bottom of the unit. Use a brush or vacuum to remove any dust or debris that has accumulated. Make sure that the coils are not damaged as you clean them, and replace them if necessary.
Faulty Thermometer
The thermometer in your Whirlpool refrigerator controls the temperature inside the unit. If the thermometer is faulty, it can’t accurately read the temperature, causing the fridge to run too cold or too warm.
You can test the thermometer by placing a thermometer inside the fridge and comparing the readings. If the readings are significantly different, the thermometer needs to be replaced. Refer to your owner’s manual for instructions on how to access and replace the thermometer.
Faulty Evaporator Fan
The evaporator fan is responsible for circulating air throughout the fridge and freezer. If the fan becomes faulty, it can’t move the cold air around, causing the temperature inside the fridge to rise.
You can check if the evaporator fan is working by listening for a humming noise when the door is open. If you don’t hear any noise, the fan may be faulty and needs to be replaced. Refer to your owner’s manual for instructions on how to access and replace the evaporator fan.
By following these troubleshooting steps, you can determine the cause of your Whirlpool refrigerator not cooling and potentially fix the issue yourself. If none of these solutions work, you may need to call a professional repairman to diagnose and fix the problem.
Checking the Door Seals
One of the major causes of inefficient cooling in a Whirlpool refrigerator is poor door seals. Over time, door gaskets can wear out and become brittle, allowing cool air to escape. A refrigerator with a faulty door seal would work twice harder to maintain the internal temperature, leading to high energy consumption, and higher electricity bills. Follow these simple steps to check your door gaskets and fix any issues:
- Open the refrigerator door and visually inspect the gaskets for any signs of wear and tear. Ensure that both the refrigerator and freezer doors are closing properly with no gaps.
- To check the quality of the seal, insert a dollar bill or a piece of paper between the door seal and cabinet of the refrigerator. If the paper or bill can easily be removed, it indicates a lousy gasket should be replaced.
- Using a soft cloth, clean the gasket and the surrounding areas of your refrigerator doors’ inner edges. Ensure there is no dirt or debris buildup around the gasket that may prevent proper sealing.
- Wipe the gasket lightly with petroleum jelly. This will help the seal to form an air-tight connection with the fridge cabinet.
- Keeping the door seal clean and soft is essential to ensure fridge efficiency. Repeat this routine regularly and change the seal if needed.
With proper care, door gaskets can last up to six years without any significant problems. Suppose the problem persists after conducting all the above steps. In that case, you may need to contact a professional to examine and fix the issue and ensure your fridge’s proper functioning.
Keep the Coils Clean for Optimal Cooling
One of the most crucial refrigerator maintenance tasks you need to do to keep your Whirlpool refrigerator operating efficiently is to clean the coils regularly. The coils on the back or underneath your fridge helps to dissipate heat away from the fridge and keep it cool. However, with daily use, dust, debris, and pet hair can accumulate on these coils, obstructing airflow and impeding proper heat dissipation from the refrigerator. This can lead to the compressor overworking and eventually getting damaged.
You can clean your refrigerator’s coils using a stiff brush or a vacuum cleaner. Turn off the appliance and unplug it from the power source. If your coils are located at the back of the fridge, pull it away from the wall to access the coils. If your coils are at the bottom, remove the front grill to expose them. Gently brush or vacuum the dirt and dust from the coils. Avoid using a wet cloth or any moisture, as this could create a short circuit.
If your fridge comes with a condenser coil fan, ensure it’s functioning properly. The condenser coil fan keeps the coils cool by drawing cool air across them. If it’s not working, it could cause the compressor to overheating.
Cleaning your refrigerator’s coils is not an exciting chore, but it’s a vital part of maintaining and keeping your fridge in working order for prolonged periods. Ensure you clean the coils every six months or whenever they show signs of dust buildup.
The Importance of Proper Ventilation: How Your Refrigerator’s Location Can Affect Its Cooling Ability
When it comes to fixing a Whirlpool refrigerator that is not cooling, one very important aspect that needs to be checked is the ventilation. Proper ventilation is crucial for your refrigerator’s efficient functioning. It is because without proper ventilation, the heat generated by the refrigerator cannot escape, thus, making it difficult for your Whirlpool refrigerator to cool down effectively.
To determine if your refrigerator is ventilating properly, check to see if there is enough space between the fridge and the wall. Make sure that the refrigerator is not placed too close to the other appliances or to the wall. Ideally, there should be a gap of about two to three inches between the refrigerator and the wall. Additionally, ensure that the space above the refrigerator is also free of any obstruction. This space should be clear of any cabinets, shelves or other objects that could block the air flow.
Another factor to keep in mind is the room temperature. It is advisable that the room temperature is not too hot or humid, as this can affect the cooling ability of your Whirlpool refrigerator. It is recommended that your refrigerator is placed in a room with a temperature range of 60°F to 72°F. Anything higher can cause the refrigerator to overwork and cannot effectively cool the items inside.
Moreover, it is crucial to place your refrigerator on a level surface. An uneven floor can cause the refrigerator to shake or vibrate, leading to damage to its components. In addition, leveling the refrigerator helps in ensuring that the doors are closing correctly and the gasket is sealing with the body, thus, not letting the cool air escape. It is important to use a leveling tool to confirm that all sides of your refrigerator are at the same level.
Clogged vents can also affect your refrigerator’s cooling performance. Check the vents at the back of the refrigerator and make sure they are free of any dust or debris. Using a vacuum cleaner or a brush can help you clear any dust or debris that may have accumulated behind the refrigerator. Inspect the door gasket, which should be clean and in good condition so that the cool air does not escape by forming gaps. If you find any dirt or cracks in the door gasket, cleaning or replacing it can solve the problem.
In summary, many factors can affect the performance of your Whirlpool refrigerator and its ability to cool down effectively. Proper ventilation is vital to the efficient functioning of your refrigerator since it allows the heat generated by the refrigerator to escape. Therefore, ensure that the refrigerator is placed in an appropriate location, far from any obstruction and with enough space for air flow. By following these simple steps, you can significantly improve the performance of your refrigerator.
When to Call a Professional: Signs that Your Whirlpool Refrigerator Needs Expert Attention
Dealing with a broken refrigerator can be stressful, especially when you have a lot of groceries to store. While some malfunctions can be fixed by troubleshooting, there are some signs that your Whirlpool refrigerator needs expert attention.
Knowing when to call a professional can save you from spending money on repairs that won’t fix the problem or risking damaging the unit further. Here are five signs that you need to call an expert:
1. The Fridge is Not Cooling Despite the Power Being On
If your fridge doesn’t cool despite the power being turned on, it’s time to call an expert technician. A lack of cooling could mean that there’s a problem with the compressor or the refrigerant levels are low. These problems require specialized tools and knowledge to fix, which is why you should leave this task to the experts.
2. Pools of Water Inside the Fridge or the Freezer
If you notice pools of water inside your fridge or freezer, it could be a sign that the defrost drain is clogged, or the water inlet valve is damaged. Repairing these issues requires specialized tools and skills, so you need to call an expert.
3. The Fridge is Making Loud Noises or Strange Sounds
Frantic noises or banging sounds coming from your fridge could mean that there’s a problem with the fans or underlying components. The noises could also suggest a blockage in the evaporator fan or blade, making it difficult for your fridge to work correctly. If you notice these sounds, it’s best to contact an experienced technician to diagnose and fix the issue.
4. The Door Seal is Broken
The refrigerator door seal ensures that the cool air from the fridge stays inside and warm air doesn’t get in. If you notice that the seal is broken, it’s essential to get an expert to repair or replace it. Damaged door seals cause your fridge to work harder to maintain its temperature, leading to energy wastage and higher utility bills.
5. The Fridge is Over a Decade Old
As your fridge ages, it’s advisable to keep a sharp eye on its performance. If your fridge is over ten years old and requires frequent repairs, it may be time to consider replacing it with a new one. It can be expensive to repair multiple issues in an old fridge, and the fridge’s inefficiency in that state means it could be costing you more money than it’s worth.
If you experience any of these issues, it’s best to contact an experienced technician immediately. Attempting repairs on your own can be risky, and you might end up causing more damage than good. An expert can diagnose the problem and provide a suitable solution, ensuring that your fridge functions correctly again. Don’t hesitate to call someone who can help with your Whirlpool refrigerator repair needs.