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Expert Guidance
If you find your refrigerator is not cooling effectively, there are a number of steps to diagnose and fix it. Before you call out your refrigerator repairer, give our easy troubleshooting tips a try.
Safety first! Always switch off the power if you are investigating internal components of your fridge.
Check the power
It may seem simple but a power cord that has come loose or a tripped circuit breaker can shut down your fridge in an instant. Open your fridge door and if the light is still on, your power is intact. Is the light off? Make sure your power cord is plugged in firmly. If that doesn’t do the trick, check your circuit breaker and flick the switch back on if required.
Don’t overload your fridge
Keep your fridge well stocked but do not overload it. Your fridge needs proper air circulation to work best. Overloading your fridge will block the airflow. Likewise, a refrigerator with not enough items can also fail to function efficiently. Stack your fridge accordingly and ensure items are clear from vents. Check out our blog guide for handy organising tips.
Check your vents
Sometimes food and items may be blocking your vents, causing obstruction. In turn, cold air will be unable to circulate through your fridge. Try re-organising your fridge to ensure airflow is not restricted.
Set your thermostat temperature control to the right range
To keep perishable foods safe, set your temperature to an optimal range. The Australian Standard for fridges uses a fresh food compartment average temperature of 3°C.
Your freezer should be set close to -18°C. Temperature controls (also known as thermostats) can be easily bumped by food items. Exterior digital controls can easily be changed by inquisitive little fingers! (It is a good idea to lock the settings to prevent this from happening). Reset the temperature to the correct range.
Check your fridge door seal
The seal (also called a gasket) around your refrigerator or freezer door seals cold air in. This ensures your food stays fresh and maintains safe temperatures. Be sure to wipe down the seal regularly with warm soapy water and a sponge. You can also give it a light scrub using an old toothbrush before wiping down with a damp cloth.
Regularly check your seal for any signs of wear and tear or damage. A defective seal will allow cool air from the fridge to escape. Replacing a door seal is simple. You can find the right fridge door seal for your fridge here.
Clean your condenser coils
Clean your condenser coils (located underneath or behind your refrigerator). The life span and performance of your fridge can be impacted by coils that are clogged with debris and dust. To clean your coils, first unplug the fridge from the power source. Using a vacuum with a narrow attachment, vacuum any dust from around the coils. Its a good idea to do this once or twice a year to keep your fridge cooling properly.
Make sure the fridge is level
When your fridge is level, you are able to shut and seal the doors properly. To check your fridge is level, grab a spirit level and test the top of the fridge. You can then make slight adjustments to the feet of your fridge until the bubble on your spirit level is centred.
Have you tried our troubleshooting tips and are still experiencing issues? Call in a refrigerator repairer to professionally diagnose your problem. There could be a bigger issue that requires attention, such as a coolant leak or faulty compressor.
Need fridge spare parts?
Looking for refrigerator spare parts? Statewide Appliance Spares have Australia’s biggest range of fridge and freezer spare parts and accessories for leading brands Electrolux, Fisher & Paykel, Kelvinator, LG, Westinghouse, Samsung and more.
We ensure our most popular fridge and freezer spare parts are always in stock – including thermostats, door gaskets, shelves, PCB’s, hinges and drawers. Shop online or reach out to our expert team on 1800 005 220.