Whirlpool Refrigerator Inadequate Cooling

There are several causes for a refrigerator that doesn’t cool, including dirty condenser coils, poor ventilation, improper installation, faulty or dirty gasket seals, unorganized food storage, appliance location and malfunctioning internal parts. Understanding the cause of a refrigerator that’s not cooling properly is the first step to fixing the problem. Some of these causes can be discovered and resolved with a little elbow grease, while others may require the help of a licensed technician.

Troubleshooting Guide: Whirlpool Refrigerator Not Cooling

Our clients will sometimes ask, “Why is my Whirlpool fridge not cooling?” We advise initial Whirlpool refrigerator troubleshooting before we send in the big guns – our experts in refrigerator repair.

Possible Cause #1: Dirty Condenser Coils

Dirty condenser coils are the most common cause for a Whirlpool refrigerator not cooling. Condenser coils dissipate heat as the refrigerant passes through them. If the coils are clogged in dirt and debris, they can’t release the heat properly. You may have even noticed your refrigerator is noisy, which can be due to your fridge working harder to maintain a proper temperature.

Clean the Condenser Coils

• Pull fridge away from the wall – allows better access to the back and underneath of unit. The coils are snake-like in shape and often located under the refrigerator. You may also have a toe guard at the bottom front of the fridge that can be removed for better cleaning.
• Vacuum – use a narrow hose attachment to vacuum all the coils and external hardware on the refrigerator.
• Use a Dryer Brush – scrub the coils with a dry brush to remove stubborn debris. These brushes can be purchased on Amazon or your local grocery/hardware store.
• Vacuum – give one more vacuum to remove all remaining dirt.

Possible Cause #2: Door Seal is Loose

The second most common cause for a Whirlpool refrigerator not cool is a defective door seal. If the door seal is loose or damaged, your fridge won’t cool properly. The door seal ensures the cold air inside the refrigerator is locked inside rather than leaking into your kitchen. Check the door seal for damage, gaps, or other defects. If you don’t have a tight door seal, replace it.

Possible Cause #3: Temperature isn’t Set Properly

Is your Whirlpool refrigerator not cooling but freezer is working? Check your temperature setting. Refer to your owner’s manual for the optimal temperature setting for your particular model.

Possible Cause #4: Power Failure

In the event of power failure:

• Check the cord – ensure it is snugly connected to the power outlet.
• Inspect the cord – look for signs of damage. Replace cord if damaged or showing signs of wear and tear.
• Check circuit breaker – check to make sure you didn’t blow a fuse, and if so, flip it back on.