Refrigerator not cooling? What to check first

A warm fridge is sometimes a simple setting or airflow problem, and sometimes it needs service. These checks come from Whirlpool's and Samsung's own support pages, easiest first. Stop when it cools.

First, is it just settling? Samsung says it can take up to 4 hours for the control panel to show the temperature you set and up to 28 hours for the fridge to reach it (if the doors are not opened), and to allow that long before considering it a problem. Whirlpool says to allow 24 hours for the freezer to reach proper temperatures after installation, and to wait at least 24 hours between temperature adjustments before rechecking. Whirlpool also notes that a large amount of food or drink added at once can take several hours to stabilize. Sources: Samsung, Cooling issues with refrigerator or freezer and Whirlpool, Not Cooling - Both Sections.

What to check, easiest first

1. Is it on, and did the power go out? Samsung: unless the fridge is in Sabbath mode, the lights should come on when you open the door. Whirlpool: some refrigerators need to be turned back on manually after a power outage or surge, and the cooling can be switched off by accident during cleaning. How to turn cooling on and off depends on your model, so see your owner's manual.
2. Look for a display or demo mode. Whirlpool: in "showroom" or demo mode (some models) the lights come on but the fridge and freezer will not cool. On some models, for example Samsung: if the display shows OF OF, OFF OFF or scrolling temperature bars, the fridge is in Cooling Off Mode, which Samsung says is sometimes called Demo or Shop mode, and it will cool again once the mode is turned off. The steps to exit differ by model; see your manual.
3. Check the temperature settings. Whirlpool says the controls are preset at the factory to the mid setting, which should suit normal household use. To make it colder, move one setting at a time and wait at least 24 hours before rechecking. On models that have it, Samsung says to use Power Cool for extra cooling.
4. Give it air. Whirlpool: when items are crowded against the back and side walls they can block the vents that distribute chilled air, and if the return air vents are blocked by bulky items the cycle is broken and the fridge compartment can get warm. Leave small gaps between containers and avoid stacking items too high. Samsung adds: leave 2 inches clearance at the back, top and sides of the fridge, keep food 2 inches clear of the interior vents, and keep it away from heat sources such as an oven, cooktop or direct sunlight.
5. Check the door seals. Samsung: close a piece of paper or a dollar bill halfway in the door and pull it out. A slight resistance means the seal is working. If it slips out easily, clean the seal all around with dish soap and a damp cloth and test again; if the paper test still fails after cleaning, Samsung advises requesting service. Make sure packaging, or items in a bin or drawer, are not keeping a door from closing fully (Whirlpool).
6. Think about the room. Whirlpool: the refrigerator is for indoor use in a location from 55°F (13°C) to 110°F (43°C), and outside that range it may not hold proper temperatures. The motor runs more in warm rooms, and the fridge will warm when the door is opened often and for long periods.
7. Condenser coils. Whirlpool says there is typically no need for routine cleaning in a normal home, but in a greasy or dusty home, or with significant pet traffic, the condenser should be cleaned every 2 to 3 months. Some models do not need it, and others can only be cleaned by a certified technician, so check your owner's manual for your model. Unplug the refrigerator before cleaning the coils, and if your manual says only a technician should do it, book one.
8. Power cycle. Samsung: unplug the refrigerator or turn off power at the circuit breaker, wait two minutes, and then restore power. In most cases three hours is enough time to see the temperature go down.

When to book service. Samsung says that if the problem continues after the power cycle (two hours with Power Cool on), or if the display shows an error code, to request service. Whirlpool says to contact them or schedule service if the steps do not solve it. Do not open panels or electrical parts yourself.

The exact steps and menus differ by brand and model, so follow your owner's manual. Not sure of your model? See how to find your model number and how to find the manual.

Whirlpool and Samsung are trademarks of their respective owners. HomeGear isn't affiliated with or endorsed by them.

Common questions

• Why are the lights on but nothing is cold? Both manufacturers list a display or demo mode (Whirlpool: showroom mode; Samsung: Cooling Off Mode) in which the lights work but the fridge does not cool.
• How long until a new fridge is cold? Whirlpool says to allow 24 hours for the freezer. Samsung says up to 28 hours for the fridge to reach the temperature you set.
• Do I need to clean the coils? Not routinely, per Whirlpool, unless the home is dusty or greasy or has pets. Check your manual first.