Fridge Too Cold? Here Are Tips to Fix It

Homeowners rely on their refrigerators to keep food fresh for longer, cutting down on waste and saving us money on our grocery bills. But sometimes these appliances do their job too well. For example, what if your fridge is too cold and what if your fridge is freezing your food? There’s usually an easy fix and in this article, we’ll run down some of the common reasons why your fridge is too cold so you can stop asking yourself, “Why is my fridge freezing things?!”.

Common Issues Why Fridge Is Too Cold

Air Inlet Damper Issues: This part controls the air coming from the evaporator fan in your refrigerator. You will often find it at the bottom of your fridge and it kind of looks like window blinds. The air inlet damper doesn’t control the temperature of your fridge, you’ll know this because its dial control doesn’t have an “off” option. Try turning the knob to open and close the valve. If it’s difficult to move, it might be letting in too much air and thus making your fridge way too cold!

Issues With Main Control Board: There is an electronic control board that oversees the operation of all parts in modern refrigerators. Be sure to check all other elements before investigating this particular component. If you think it’s the board, start by unplugging your fridge and then examine the board carefully for any signs of burning or bad connections. Anything like this could easily cause a malfunction and make your fridge too cold.

Temperature Control Issues: Your fridge has a thermostat that tells the appliance when to turn on the fans and compressors so they can start pumping in more cool air. Well, if your compressor and fans are functioning properly, but your fridge is still too cold, you might be dealing with a faulty temperature control device.

How To Fix the Problem

Air Inlet Replacement: As discussed earlier, if the air inlet is difficult to open and close, you are best off just replacing the part. Be careful not to damage the foam seal around the inlet while replacing. Also, be careful not to knock around your refrigerator’s temperature-sensing bulb, which must be positioned in just the right way.

Replace Main Control Board: If you notice damage while inspecting your control board, it’s time to replace it. Be sure to unplug the fridge while working on these types of refrigerator parts. This component is like your refrigerator’s brain, so you want to make sure it’s installed properly and safely.

Temperature Control Replacement and Repair: Not sure what temperature the fridge should be? This is an easy issue for any homeowner to diagnose. Start by unplugging your refrigerator and locating the component’s control knob. Turn it to the exact midway point and then plug your fridge back into the wall. This should get you to the recommended fridge temperature of about 3 degrees Celsius or 38 degrees Fahrenheit. After double-checking that your temperature sensor wire or bulb is properly placed and undamaged, plug your fridge back in. If your fridge still does not reach the desired temperature, it’s time to replace the component.

If your fridge is too cold even after trying out all of these tips, it might be time to call in a professional. The expert technicians at iFix Appliance Repair have combined decades of experience helping customers across the Greater Toronto Area. We have the tools and inventory to repair all makes and models of refrigerators—no matter how many years you’ve had them! Call us today for a free consultation and friendly service in a timely manner.