Fridge not cool enough

Last Updated:
Feb 26th, 2021 3:12 pm

Tags:

SCORE

Reply to ThreadReply

Search this thread

Search this thread

Feb 23rd, 2021 2:52 pm

titeo1106 [OP]: Jr. Member; Aug 1, 2016; 116 posts; 31 upvotes

Feb 23rd, 2021 2:52 pm

Fridge not cool enough

Hi I have french door whirpool fridge, it is not cool as before (both freezer and cool compartments). About a month ago I cleaned up behind the freezer where a bunch of ice clogging). I had no issues after that but now the entire fridge not cool as usual. I’m sure I didn’t damage anything.
Fridge is 2010 model. Been running non stop, never serviced except for the icing clean up as mention above
Everything is running as normal, just not as cold as before
What can I check? Thanks

8 replies

Feb 23rd, 2021 2:56 pm

Quentin5: Deal Expert; Feb 8, 2014; 30419 posts; 14063 upvotes; Socially Distanced

Feb 23rd, 2021 2:56 pm

You can add to the coolness factor by buying some Type R fridge magnets

It sounds like a possible refrigerant loss issue if the ICE is on the outside. Thats not something you can repair DIY.

In fact in Rand McNally they wear hats on their feet and hamburgers eat people

+2

Feb 24th, 2021 1:38 am

rocking23nf: Deal Guru; May 29, 2006; 10815 posts; 3550 upvotes

Feb 24th, 2021 1:38 am

these fridges have a single fan behind the inside back wall usually. that area gets filled with ice and stops cooling, you have to open the insides and get the ice out, and ensure the fan is operating.

i took mine apart last summer when it was barely cooling, there was a slab of ice the size of a small pillow inside it. took like 3 hours with a hair dryer just to get it cleaned up.

if you have the ability to take everything out and defrost for 3-4 days, thats an option also.

Feb 24th, 2021 8:15 pm

Rokkin: Sr. Member; Jan 3, 2005; 714 posts; 159 upvotes

Feb 24th, 2021 8:15 pm

Make sure the condenser coil fins are not clogged with layers of dust. Newer fridges have them hidden underneath the fridge with access via the front kick plate. I neglected vacuuming mine on a yearly basis and ended up replacing the fridge. It was a tough lesson. The symptoms of poor cooling was the same as yours. They sell special brushes to get underneath if you can't reach with a vac attachment. See link below.

See demo here

+1

Feb 24th, 2021 8:49 pm

insertname2020: Deal Addict; Oct 19, 2020; 1047 posts; 674 upvotes; GTA

Feb 24th, 2021 8:49 pm

There should not be ice accumulation at the back of the freezer that prevents proper cooling.

The coil is supposed to automatically defrost.

A block drain tube can prevent the defrost water existing the freezer - the defrost mechanism can work, but the water just sits there and refreezes. Check that.

Bad defrost timer, heater or thermostat can prevent it from defrosting in the first place.

Just over-filling the freezer can also cause insufficient cooling too.

Hvac advice warning - inaccurate information on forum, vested interests in selling builder's equipment. Selling dealer-only brands without being authorized is a red flag. Report to CRA if offered no tax cash-deal. If it's 2 good to b tru, it is.

Feb 24th, 2021 11:24 pm

woof: Deal Fanatic; Mar 21, 2002; 6777 posts; 1448 upvotes

Feb 24th, 2021 11:24 pm

Rokkin wrote: ↑ Make sure the condenser coil fins are not clogged with layers of dust. Newer fridges have them hidden underneath the fridge with access via the front kick plate. I neglected vacuuming mine on a yearly basis and ended up replacing the fridge. It was a tough lesson. The symptoms of poor cooling was the same as yours. They sell special brushes to get underneath if you can't reach with a vac attachment. [/url]

+1
Whirlpool makes it extremely difficult to clean the dust from the bottom. There's just not much space there at the bottom of the fridge. I have a cat so that adds to my dust problem.

Feb 24th, 2021 11:26 pm

thriftshopper: Deal Fanatic; Jul 7, 2017; 9695 posts; 5100 upvotes; SW corner of the cou…

Feb 24th, 2021 11:26 pm

Rokkin wrote: ↑ They sell special brushes to get underneath if you can't reach with a vac attachment.

Have the problem with a Kenmore. Where does one get these brushes from?

I smile when I see container ships sailing past my house laden with stuff made in China

Feb 25th, 2021 7:35 pm

Rokkin: Sr. Member; Jan 3, 2005; 714 posts; 159 upvotes

Feb 25th, 2021 7:35 pm

thriftshopper wrote: ↑ Have the problem with a Kenmore. Where does one get these brushes from?

They sell at various retailers. Home Depot sells them. They look like this. I've also seen them at Princess Auto, Amre Supply and I'm sure you can get them at any appliance parts stores.

I had a very thick layer of dust clogging my fins which led to poor cooling and ultimately, fridge replacement.

Feb 26th, 2021 3:12 pm

Samwfive: Deal Addict; Nov 21, 2007; 3370 posts; 1320 upvotes; Scarborough

Feb 26th, 2021 3:12 pm

titeo1106 wrote: ↑ ....About a month ago I cleaned up behind the freezer where a bunch of ice clogging). I had no issues after that but now the entire fridge not cool as usual. I’m sure I didn’t damage anything.....

I'm speculating that you have NOT cleared the drain hole situated at the bottom when you de-ice a month ago. Now the same occurred. Try with a wire hanger perhaps to open up and use a hair dryer to hasten the melt. Good luck.

Reply to Thread

Top

Thread Information

There is currently 1 user viewing this thread. (0 members and 1 guest)