Refrigerators usually give subtle signs before a major issue appears. Most people expect the worst when cooling stops working. However, not every fridge issue comes from a failed compressor or broken thermostat. One overlooked and very common reason could be hidden deep behind the back panel. That problem is airflow disruption caused by a frosted-over evaporator coil. It sounds simple, but the effects can be serious if ignored.
Blocked Airflow Inside the Fridge
Many of us forget that cool air needs to circulate freely through the compartments. A common reason the fridge feels warm while the freezer stays cold is blocked airflow. This happens when frost or debris clogs the passage between the two areas. As a result, cold air from the freezer can’t reach the fridge properly.
We often find food packages pushed up against the vents. That can also restrict airflow. A quick check around the back walls or sides of your fridge’s interior might reveal blocked holes or frost buildup. Cleaning those vents or repositioning your food might solve the problem without deeper repair. If your unit still struggles, there may be internal blockage that needs more attention.
For more guidance on how to deal with this, we suggest exploring professional Calgary refrigerator repair services. You’ll find options for safe help when airflow issues cause repeated cooling problems.
Frosted Evaporator Coils
Another commonly ignored reason your fridge stops cooling properly is frost buildup on the evaporator coils. These coils are located behind a panel inside the freezer. They are responsible for removing heat from the fridge. However, when they get covered in frost, airflow stops, and the temperature rises.
This usually points to a defrost system failure. That includes the defrost timer, heater, or thermostat. Once the frost builds up, even the best cooling system won’t work. People often overlook this because the freezer may still appear cold. But the fridge section warms up slowly, leaving food at unsafe temperatures.
To test this, unplug the unit for several hours and leave the freezer door open. If the fridge cools better after restarting, you likely have a defrost-related problem. Our team at Freedom Appliances has dealt with these issues often. We know it’s easy to miss without checking inside the freezer panel.
If you’re unsure how to check, we recommend starting with a call to a trusted appliance repair in Calgary to inspect your defrost system.
Malfunctioning Condenser Fan
Most modern fridges rely on a fan to keep the compressor and condenser coils from overheating. This fan moves air across the coils, which helps to release heat outside the fridge. If the fan stops working, the entire cooling process slows down.
A broken condenser fan might still allow the freezer to stay somewhat cold. However, the fridge compartment will suffer first. You may also hear strange noises or notice the sides of the fridge getting unusually warm. That’s often a signal the fan motor is jammed or worn out.
Dust and pet hair around the fan blades can also slow it down. Cleaning the area gently with a vacuum may help, but if the blades don’t spin freely, the motor may need replacing. Most homeowners don’t think to check the rear fan because it’s tucked near the bottom.
This part of your fridge can also be blocked by furniture or walls. Try pulling the fridge away from the wall and checking the airflow space. If you hear rattling or feel heat with no fan sound, that may be the root of your cooling problem.
Failing Thermistor or Temperature Sensor
Temperature sensors, also known as thermistors, tell the control board when to cool. If the sensor sends the wrong reading, the fridge won’t activate its cooling cycle at the right time. That can result in long periods where the fridge stays warm even when the freezer works.
Thermistors are sensitive parts, and over time, they can lose accuracy. Heat, moisture, or age can cause them to misread the real temperature. This issue often causes inconsistent cooling. Some items feel cold while others spoil quickly. In other cases, the fridge cools too much, leading to frozen food in the fresh compartment.
Testing a thermistor requires electrical tools, so we usually advise against trying to diagnose this yourself unless you’re trained. However, knowing the symptoms helps you explain the problem better to a technician. Describing these issues saves time and avoids trial-and-error replacements.
If your fridge seems to ignore the dial setting or fluctuates oddly, it’s time to schedule a service. You can request help today by visiting our contact us page to book a service call with Freedom Appliances.
Dirty or Damaged Door Gasket
One part many people ignore is the rubber gasket that seals the fridge door. When it’s damaged or dirty, it can allow warm air to leak inside. This forces the compressor to work longer, which shortens the fridge’s lifespan. Over time, cooling becomes less effective.
Look closely at the edges of the fridge and freezer doors. If the seal appears cracked, loose, or sticky with grime, that may be the source of your problem. You can test the seal using a simple method. Close the door on a thin piece of paper and try pulling it out. If it slides easily, the gasket needs replacement.
We’ve seen many situations where people think the cooling system is broken, but the issue was a loose seal. Cleaning the gasket with mild soap and checking its shape once a month helps avoid future problems.
Ignoring this step often leads to energy waste and spoiled food, even if other parts are working well. New gaskets are affordable and can be installed without major tools, making this one of the simplest fixes that improves cooling.
Overfilled or Poorly Arranged Food Storage
Sometimes, the way we store food in the fridge causes the cooling issue. When the shelves are packed with items, especially around the air vents, airflow becomes uneven. Cold air needs open space to travel around. Blocking vents with food blocks that circulation.
Also, warm leftovers or uncovered liquids can increase humidity inside the fridge. That leads to condensation and forces the system to work harder. This kind of pressure can wear out sensors and overload the defrost system.
We always suggest organizing food so air can move freely. Leave space between the walls and your containers. Use closed containers to avoid extra moisture. These simple changes reduce strain on the cooling system and help it maintain a stable temperature.
Taking time to reorganize your shelves can save you from future repairs. If your fridge still isn’t performing well after adjusting storage, there may be a deeper mechanical issue needing professional diagnosis.
Control Board or Electrical Faults
Although less common, a faulty control board can disrupt how your fridge cools. This board receives sensor data and tells different components when to run. If it fails, the fridge may skip cooling cycles or run non-stop without reaching the correct temperature.
These issues often appear after power surges or during very humid seasons. You might also notice lights not working or buttons failing. Since the control board controls most functions, damage here can cause a range of unusual behavior.
Because replacing this board is expensive, we always suggest checking the simple things first. If other issues have been ruled out, this might be the next step. Most modern fridges include error codes that help identify a control board failure.
Documenting those codes or patterns before calling for help can make your service faster. If you need someone to review your fridge’s symptoms and inspect its electronics, Freedom Appliances can assist with reliable appliance repair in Calgary.
FAQs
What should I check first if my fridge isn’t cooling?
Start with airflow. Make sure vents aren’t blocked by food and that doors close tightly. Then check for frost in the freezer.
Is it safe to unplug my fridge to defrost it?
Yes. Leave it unplugged for at least 4 hours with the door open. That allows frost to melt if the evaporator coils are frozen.
How often should I clean the condenser coils?
Every 6 months. Dust and pet hair can build up quickly, especially behind or under the unit.
Can a faulty door gasket really cause cooling issues?
Absolutely. Even a small air leak forces the compressor to run longer, affecting temperature and efficiency.
When should I call a technician for fridge issues?
If you’ve checked airflow, cleaned parts, and the problem continues, it’s best to call for help. Unexpected noises, frost, or warm spots are signs of deeper problems.
