Fridge running but food warm? LG and Samsung explain why and how to fix it
Refrigerator problems (photo: Styler)
A refrigerator may cool food less effectively due to overcrowded shelves, poorly sealed doors, or a temperature setting that is too high. These potential causes should be checked before contacting a service center.
Here are five reasons why cooling performance may deteriorate and what you should check.
1. Temperature set too high
LG explains that a setting of +5 or +6 degrees Celsius may be one of the reasons for insufficient cooling.
Check the current temperature setting and the procedure for changing it in the instruction manual for your specific model. If the control dial is marked with numbers rather than degrees, clarify their meaning in the manual.
According to recommendations from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the temperature in the refrigerator compartment should be no higher than +4°C, and in the freezer compartment, -18°C or lower.
Use a separate refrigerator thermometer to verify the temperature, as the control dial does not always reflect the actual internal temperature.
2. Overcrowded shelves and blocked air vents
An excessive amount of food and blocked ventilation openings hinder the circulation of cold air.
If your model has cold air supply vents, rearrange any packages or containers blocking them. Check their location in the model's instruction manual. Leave space between items rather than filling every available spot on the shelf.
3. Doors left open for long periods or not closed tightly
Samsung emphasizes that when doors are opened, some cold air escapes while warm air enters the unit.
Arrange products so that you can quickly find what you need without keeping the doors open for extended periods.
Also, ensure that the doors close completely. Improperly installed shelves or products protruding beyond the edge of the shelf may prevent this.
4. Dirty or damaged door seal (gasket)
Dirt on the seal can prevent the doors from closing tightly. Clean it with a damp cloth and a small amount of dish soap.
To check the seal, place a sheet of paper between the gasket and the refrigerator body, then close the door. When pulling the paper out, you should feel slight resistance. If the paper slides out easily, clean the seal and repeat the test.
If the paper still slides out easily after cleaning, or if the seal is damaged or deformed, contact a service technician.
5. Insufficient space for heat dissipation
The refrigerator dissipates heat outward. Installing it in a space that is too tight can hinder this process and worsen cooling performance.
Check the installation clearance requirements in the instruction manual for your specific model. Requirements for freestanding and built-in appliances may differ.
Also, avoid direct sunlight and placement near heat sources, such as an oven or cooktop.
What to do with food while the refrigerator is not cooling properly
During inspection and repair, move perishable foods to a functioning refrigerator that maintains a temperature of no more than +4°C. This applies specifically to meat, fish, dairy products, and prepared meals.
Changing the settings does not mean the interior has immediately become cold enough. Before returning the food, check the actual temperature with a separate thermometer.
The FDA warns that food may contain dangerous bacteria even without changes in smell or appearance. If it is unknown how long perishable foods have been exposed to temperatures above the safe limit, they should be discarded. Do not taste food to check its safety.
When to contact a technician
If, after checking the settings, product arrangement, and door closure, the refrigerator still does not maintain the required temperature, it is advisable to seek technical assistance.
