Your refrigerator and freezer are one unit. This leads many to believe that if one is working, the other should be working. However, that is simply not the case. 

There are a few reasons why your popsicles are still frozen though your juice is warm. And while sometimes it may mean calling in the professionals, other times it could be something as simple as un-stuffing your appliance. 

If your freezer is cold but your fridge is warm, here is what could be happening. 

Check Your Temperature Control Settings

Because they maintain two different degrees of cold, your refrigerator is going to have two temperature control settings — one for your fridge and one for your freezer. If it gets bumped in one direction or the other, you will see a change in temperature. And depending on where the control settings are located, this can be easy to do without even realizing it. 

When your freezer seems to be working just fine but your refrigerator is struggling, this is a simple and easy thing to check first. Make sure your fridge setting is right where it is supposed to be. 

Are Your Air Vents Blocked? 

It is recommended that you only keep each section of your refrigerator no more than ¾ full at all times. Just because you have a lot of space in your freezer and fridge does not mean you have to use every last bit of it. In fact, you shouldn’t — or you can block the flow of air. 

The cold air from your freezer flows into your refrigerator. If you have an overstuffed freezer, you may have the vents blocked, limiting the airflow into the fridge. In the same way, an overstuffed refrigerator may have the vents blocked so that they cannot receive the air. 

If you are sure that the vents are not blocked, check to make sure they are not clogged. Every now and then, it is common for ice to build up over the vent, preventing air from flowing through. You will need to remove this ice. 

It May Be Time to Defrost Your Freezer

If your refrigerator is warm but your freezer is cold, your evaporator coils may be frosted over. Located in the back of the freezer, these coils help to move the cold air— but when they get frozen, they are unable to do so. As a result, it will keep the cold air from reaching the refrigerator. 

These coils are located inside the unit. Take a peek to see if they are frosted over. If so, then you will need to defrost them by unplugging your refrigerator and letting the ice melt. Before plugging it back in, use a soft cloth to clean the coils to restore proper functioning. 

Dirty Condenser Coils

The condenser coils are located on the back of the unit, or even on the bottom depending on the make and model of the refrigerator. And they are in the perfect position to get covered in dust. 

When they get too dirty or too caked in dust, it can impact the circulation of airflow within the unit. 

You can easily clean them by unplugging the unit and pulling it away from the wall. Using a vacuum attachment or a can of compressed air, clean the dust off these coils. Plug the appliance back in and see if it cools. 

It is always a good idea to do this every couple of months to reduce dust buildup and keep your refrigerator running efficiently. Of course, it also reduces the chance of finding yourself in this situation in the first place.  

Time to Call an Appliance Repair Technician

If you have tried the above and your refrigerator is still warm, it is time to call in the professionals. A few other reasons that could cause this issue – 

  • A faulty evaporator fan motor 
  • A leaky gasket around the door
  • A stuck damper control assembly
  • A compressor issue

There is a great chance that these will require parts to be replaced once the correct issue is diagnosed. All of this is best handled by an appliance repair technician.

Warm Fridge? Call America’s Appliance

If your fridge is warm – your perishable food is at risk. Leave the refrigerator doors closed and seek the help of professionals. At America’s Appliance, we service all major brands and will be there right when you need us.  

Contact us today.