Fridge and freezer issues can ruin food and waste energy

When the fridge is too warm or too cold, the issue could lie with the air damper, baffle or diffuser. What this does is that it balances the air flow from the evaporator fan housing. It also controls the amount of cold air which enters the fresh food compartment. A higher or lower than average fridge temperature could be because the baffle has been damaged.<br /><br />The baffle is usually located where cold air enters the refrigerator’s fresh food compartment and is encased in plastic, with a Styrofoam lining to prevent air leakage.<br /><br />Once located, ensure that air is flowing freely and that the airflow is not blocked or restricted. Some refrigerators have a temperature sensing bulb to adjust changes in the interior temperature. If this bulb is in an incorrect position or damaged, adjust or replace this bulb to resume normal operation.

This could mean that there is a problem with the condenser fan. The condenser fan circulates air (i) throughout the condenser coil to remove heat and (ii) over the drain pan to evaporate and defrost water.<br /><br />After disconnecting the power and removing the rear access panel, ensure that there is no trash or obstruction that is preventing air flow. In addition, the fan motor and fan blade can be likewise checked for signs of wear and tear and replaced if necessary.

When the fridge has frost in the freezer, this is the result of warm, moist air that had become trapped in the unit when the fridge door opens and closes. An amount of frost in the freezer is a common occurrence but too much frost could damage the refrigerator.<br /><br />Excessive frost within the freezer indicates a possible problem of a damaged freezer door or a lid gasket. A faulty freezer door or lid gasket may let warm air in when the freezer is closed, allowing frost to happen. Another possibility could be a faulty freezer defrost sensor, heating element or defrost timer.