When it comes to your home appliances, the problem you never want to face is your Whirlpool refrigerator not cooling but freezer is fine. Before you panic and think that you’re going to lose all of your food, know that there may be a simple solution to this puzzling problem.
Troubleshooting Guide: Whirlpool Refrigerator Not Cooling but Freezer is Fine
It may be tempting to call for a refrigerator repair Edmond technician right away when you find your Whirlpool refrigerator not cooling but freezer is fine. Instead, follow these troubleshooting tips our team put together:
Refrigerator is Overstuffed
When you find your refrigerator not cooling but freezer works, one common culprit is an overstuffed refrigerator. Proper airflow can be blocked if there is too much food in the refrigeration compartment. Without proper circulation of cold air, your food will be warmer than it should be.
So how full is too full? Anything more than 3/4 full will obstruct airflow in your unit. If your refrigerator won’t get cold but freezer will, it may be time to clean and organize your unit. Try these tips from our experts:
- Throw away expired food, drinks, and condiments
- Clean shelves and drawers with warm, soapy water
- Use mason jars, baskets, and bins to organize food
Whirlpool Refrigerator Door Seal is Dirty or Damaged
It’s a good idea to inspect the door seals when your Whirlpool refrigerator not cooling but freezer is fine. This can be often overlooked, but if the seal is dirty, cracked, or ripped, the door won’t close properly and cold air can seep out.
It’s easy to test the integrity of your refrigerator door gasket at home. Here’s how:
- Grab a dollar bill or piece of paper that’s roughly the same size.
- Open your refrigerator door and hold the dollar about half-way inside the door.
- Close the door and try to pull out the bill. If it can be pulled out with little force, then the door gasket isn’t working properly.
Clean the door gasket with a cloth and warm, soapy water. Look for damage along the seal while you do so. If you notice a crack or tear, it will need to be replaced.
Condenser Coils Need Cleaning
Another common cause for a Whirlpool refrigerator not cooling are dirty condenser coils. Refrigerator coils release heat to maintain the interior temperature. When they get covered in dust, dirt, and debris, the heat can’t be released efficiently, and you’ll notice your refrigerator is warm.
We generally recommend you clean the condenser coils at least every 6 months to keep your refrigerator running efficiently. Just follow these simple steps:
- Unplug your refrigerator and located the coils using the user manual
- Use a long hose attachment to vacuum away dust and debris from the coils
- Remove hard-to-reach dirt with an appliance brush
- Vacuum the condenser coils again.
- Reconnect your refrigerator and allow it at least 24 hours to reach temperature settings
Defrost System Failure
If none of the solutions above helped and you’re still wondering, “why is my fridge isn’t cold but the freezer is?” there may be an issue with the defrost system. Frost can accumulate on the evaporator coils if this system fails, and your refrigerator will struggle to stay cold.
If any of these parts fail, a professional will need to replace them:
- Defrost Timer: turns the heater or off at certain intervals throughout the day to remove frost from the coils.
- Defrost Control Board: the control board determines when to turn on the defrost cycle.
- Defrost Thermostat: measures the evaporator coils’ temperature and signals to the defrost system when to turn on the heater.
Let the experts at AlphaTek Appliance Repair help with your Whirlpool refrigerator nor cooling but freezer is fine issue if these DIY resolutions don’t work or you suspect a defrost system failure.
