It can be frustrating to open your refrigerator door and discover that your milk is expired or that the chicken you cooked the day before is gone. These are signs that your refrigerator is not cooling and your food is not being stored at the right temperature.
But before you rush out and buy one, best refrigerators Or coolers To prevent your food from spoiling, it may be worth checking the condition of your refrigerator to see if there is a simple solution to fix it. It could be as simple as a seal problem or a thermostat set too high.
We asked experts for advice to find out the most common problems and how to solve them.
How to Tell if Your Refrigerator Isn't Cold Enough
There are several ways to tell if your refrigerator isn't cold enough, although one of the main indications is a strong odor that you'll smell as soon as you open the door.
Matthew Glynn, Product Marketing Manager at Hisense, says: “You may notice that food in your fridge is spoiling faster than usual or that there are more odours coming from the fridge than before. Both of these are signs that the temperature is incorrect.”
Gino Grossi, brand and marketing manager for home appliances at Samsung Electronics UK, agrees: “If leftovers seem to go bad after the first day, or ice cream is only fresh the first time you open the carton, it’s a clear sign that your fridge and freezer temperatures need adjusting.”
There are also a few other signs to look out for, like Glynn recommending checking for condensation on food. “This can be a sign that your fridge isn't cooling properly or isn't at the right temperature,” he says.
What is the cause of the problem and how to solve it
Besides mechanical issues, the location of your appliance and how you store your food can affect its performance.
1. Mechanical malfunctions
“Problems with your refrigerator and its temperature are usually caused by mechanical issues such as dirty condenser coils, which help the refrigerator cool properly, or clogged air vents, which prevent cool air from filtering inside the unit,” Glynn says.
The condenser coils are located at the back of your appliance and can be cleaned every few months to prevent dust from causing a malfunction. The ideal time to do this is when you deep clean your refrigerator or defrost your freezer — just take one handheld vacuum cleaner and cleans the dust.
Glynn also adds that the gaskets, which trap cold air inside the refrigerator and prevent it from getting dirty, damaged or worn out, could also be a problem, because when they're damaged, they can let warm air in.
“If you notice dirty gaskets or frost buildup around the gasket, clean them immediately and wait up to 24 hours for your refrigerator to return to the proper temperature,” advises Grossi.
2. Location, location, location
Another common issue is the location of your appliance. Glynn explains, “Installation location can also sometimes affect the appliance’s ability to maintain its cool temperature.”
To solve this problem, Grossi suggests following what he calls the “2-inch rule.” Leaving 2 inches of space between the outside of your refrigerator and the walls will help keep your appliance cool. It's also important to avoid storing items on top of it. “The refrigerator radiates heat to cool, so if the refrigerator is in a tight space, the heat won't be able to escape, which will keep the refrigerator warmer than it needs to be. A 2-inch gap on the top, back, and sides is enough to allow for circulation.”
The air inside also needs to circulate. To do this, the vents at the back should be clear of any obstructions. Again, a 2-inch clearance allows heat to escape.
3. Overloading your refrigerator
It may be tempting to stuff your fridge to the max to maximize space, but this doesn't improve the cooling process. “Overloaded or cluttered fridges can have a hard time regulating cooling temperatures because unorganized food can prevent air from circulating inside the unit,” Glynn says.
It’s also a leading cause of refrigerator performance issues reported by Samsung’s customer support team. For this reason, it recommends filling your refrigerator no more than two-thirds full to promote air circulation. “Overfilling your shelves can block the vents that keep your refrigerator cool, which can lead to costly repairs over time.”
If your home needs more storage but you're limited on space, Grossi recommends looking for refrigerators with thinner walls but better insulation, as these features will create more space inside.
4. Food too hot to handle
In addition to overloading your fridge, the cooling process can be hampered if you put warm leftovers in it. “Warm food interferes with your fridge’s temperature control, and it will try to compensate for that,” Grossi says. “When warmer air combines with excessive cooling, condensation can create ice in the back of the fridge and unintentionally freeze your food.”
The solution is simple: just cover your food on your work surface and let it reach room temperature before storing it in your refrigerator.
What is the best temperature for a refrigerator?
The temperature setting recommended by the UK Food Standards Agency and the USDA is slightly different, although this figure only applies to refrigerators rather than freezers.
“According to the UK Food Standards Agency, chilled food should be stored below 8°C and frozen food below -18°C to ensure freshness,” says Grossi. “However, some models may have different recommendations on the control panel, so always check your user manual if you are unsure.”
The USDA recommends a slightly lower temperature for refrigerators, stating that when operating properly, they should be at 40°F (4.4°C) or lower and a freezer at 0°F (-17.8°C) or lower.
The USDA recommends that refrigerated foods are safe to store if the power is not disconnected for more than 4 hours. However, it does say that any perishable food (meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and leftovers) that has been exposed to temperatures above 40°F (4.4°C) for 2 hours should be discarded.
Should I replace my refrigerator?
If you've followed all of the tips above and your refrigerator still isn't keeping cool, it's probably time to call a professional or replace it altogether. It's also helpful to know that depending on StatisticsThe average lifespan of a refrigerator is 14 years, so if you've had your appliance for longer than that, it's because it's well made.