One of the most common problems reported for refrigerators is, “My refrigerator doesn’t get cold enough!”
When your refrigeration unit isn’t getting down to temperature, it pretty much defeats the purpose of having a refrigerator in the first place. Not only are you at risk for serving potentially spoiled and unsafe product (making diners sick and costing you in fines), but how much is that wasted product going to hurt your bottom line?
Here are four common reasons your refrigerator might not be getting as cold as it’s supposed to:
Leave your refrigerator on to diagnose issues, but be sure to unplug your refrigerator before you begin any hands-on work!
First things first—put your ear to the compressor and see if you hear a humming sound or other steady noise. The compressor is typically located at the bottom of the refrigerator and accessed from the back of the unit. If you do, not hear a sound that is the first indication that something is wrong with the compressor. If you do in fact hear a steady humming, this indicates that your compressor motor is running and it could be another component that works in conjunction with the compressor to cool your refrigerator.
FIRST – UNPLUG your refrigerator prior to proceeding with any work on it.
Look up the make and model of your refrigerator and purchase the proper compressor for your unit. Unplug the current compressor by detaching the wiring and valves and uninstall the mounting hardware. Install a new compressor with the proper wiring code. Ensure your refrigerator has the proper refrigerant present for your unit in order to get the new compressor up and running.
FIRST – UNPLUG your refrigerator prior to proceeding with any work on it.
Cleaning your condenser coils is easy and doesn’t require a technician. Use a vacuum to remove loose dust. A duster may help remove dust from the coils as well. If you find that neither a vacuum nor duster is removing the grime entirely, try a damp rag soaked in soapy water. Be sure to wipe the coils and allow them to dry completely before plugging your refrigerator back in. Regularly clean your condenser coils for maintenance.
FIRST – UNPLUG your refrigerator prior to proceeding with any work on it.
Check your motor by first turning the fan blade by hand. If the motor’s shaft is hard to turn, it might be gummed up with dirt. If the fan turns freely, continue by checking the wiring connections. Disconnect, and search for the appropriate evaporator fan motor for your unit before reconnecting again.
FIRST – UNPLUG your refrigerator prior to proceeding with any work on it.
If you suspect something is wrong with the temperature control thermostat, pull the control knob off and set aside. Remove the screws that secure the control housing and carefully lower the control housing as much as you can. Once you release the support brackets, disconnect the wires (it helps to snap a picture beforehand so you can wire it back into place afterwards). Remove your existing unit and replace with a new temperature control thermostat.
Is your refrigerator acting up? Contact us online or give us a call at 888-388-6372.