For most people, a mini fridge is essential for keeping their beverages cold, especially on a hot day. But if for some reason, the appliance is not cooling enough, it can be a really big annoyance.
Let’s take a look at some of the possible reasons for your fridge not working and how you can fix them.
Why Your Mini-Fridge Not Cooling & How To Fix Them
There are a lot of possible reasons for your mini fridge not cooling which includes an issue with the power cord, a problem with the circuit breaker, the power outlet not working, or an issue with the thermostat.
These are just some of the many possible reasons why a mini fridge isn’t cooling. Here we’ll go through all the possibilities so you can diagnose and possibly fix your mini fridge by yourself.
Issue with the Power Cord
IF your mini fridge does not have any lights on, the first thing which you need to check is if the appliance is getting any electricity or not. A lot of people tend to look over this factor because it seems pretty basic.
First double check if the power cord is connected properly or not. In a lot of older fridges, the power cord becomes loose due to vibrations. If the power cord fits loosely into the socket, try replacing the socket for a snugger fit.
Problem with the Circuit Breaker
If the power cord does not seem to be the problem, check another source of power. A lot of times, the circuit breaker might trip due to electricity overload. Make sure the breaker hasn’t tripped on your electrical panel.
The breaker will be in a ‘off’ position or different to the rest of the breakers. Unplug your fridge before flipping the breaker back on. If the fridge starts humming again, this means that the problem was due to lack of electricity.
Wait for a few hours for the fridge to cool.
Outlet Not Working
If both the circuit breaker and the power cord are not the issue and your fridge still does not have power, make sure the power outlet is providing electricity.
You can check this using a multimeter or receptacle tester. If there is no sign of electricity even with the circuit breaker on, you should call a professional electrician to get it checked out.
Read: Whirlpool Fridge Won’t Stop Making Ice
Problem With The Thermostat
If your mini fridge is getting electricity but its not cooling enough, check the level of the thermostat. A thermostat is responsible for regulating the temperature inside your fridge.
It is quite common for people to accidentally bump or turn their thermostat in the opposite direction. You can find it inside your fridge and make sure it is set to the right temperature.
If this was the issue, then wait for a couple of hours for your fridge to cool again.
If even after turning your thermostat, you don’t hear a humming or grunting sound from the fridge, then there is a chance that your thermostat may be broken or disconnected. This means that the thermostat is not being able to communicate with the fridge.
If you have experience with this, you can reconnect the wires or replace the thermostat yourself. Otherwise, it is recommended to call a professional.
Leakage Through the Door Seal
If your fridge door is not closing properly, this will let cold air out constantly and this in turn will make the compressor run nonstop trying to cool the fridge again. Make sure your fridge doors are sealed properly.
One way to check this is through the paper test. Put a piece of paper between the door of the fridge and try pulling it out. If you feel some tension on the paper, this means that the doors are properly sealed.
One easy way to solve this issue temporarily is by locking the fridge door if you have this feature. If there is some problem with the fridge doors itself, then contact a professional immediately.
Blocked Interior Vents
Interior vents are responsible for moving around the cold air which is coming from the compressor. If the vents are blocked due to frost or food items, cold air will be prevented from entering your fridge, increasing the interior temperature over time.
Remove everything from the fridge before inspecting the vents. If there is frost covering them, use a hair dryer to melt it off.
While putting the contents back inside, make sure to not block the vents by accident.
Read: Whirlpool Fridge Won’t Dispense Water Or Ice
Defective Condenser or Evaporator Fan
If the vents are not the issue, check another source of air flow which includes the evaporator fan and the condenser fan. If your mini fridge has condenser coils on the bottom, make sure the blades are moving. If not, you can remove the bottom panel using screws and replace the entire part yourself.
If the condenser fan seems okay, check the evaporator fan. This is responsible for bringing in cool air into the fridge. This is usually located at the back of the fridge and you will have to remove the back panel to access it. If any of the fan blades are damaged, you will have to replace the entire fan itself.
Issue with the Compressor
The compressor is one of the most important parts of your fridge. It is responsible for producing refrigerant which is pumped all over your fridge to cool it. This is one of the first components you should check for.
The first sign of the compressor not working is lack of sound. Get your ears closer to the back of the fridge and look for a humming sound. If there is no sound, then it might indicate a problem with the compressor.
To check if it is working or not, remove the back panel of the fridge using a screwdriver and check whether there is any electricity flowing through it using a multimeter. Place the probes on the pins located on the side of the compressor.
If there is no complete circuit, you will have to get the compressor checked by a professional and possibly even replace it.
Read: How Long After Plugging In A Fridge Can It Be Used?
Start Relay Not Working
Start relay works alongside the compressor. A defective start relay will not let your fridge cool properly. It is usually connected to the compressor unit. Check if it is working using a multimeter. If there is no continuity, you will have to replace it most probably.
Problem with the Condenser Coils
Over time, the condenser coils located at the back of the fridge can get dirty due to dust. Dirty coils have to work overtime to keep your fridge cool. But with long enough usage, this might not be enough and they won’t be able to keep your fridge cool.
Turn off the power to your fridge and pull it away from the walls. Remove the back panel after locating the coils. If they are covered in dust, clean them using a damp cloth.
Put the back panel back in place and turn the fridge on. Wait for a few hours to see if the fridge is cooling or not.
If none of the above problems seem to the issue, contact the customer support of the company to get the appliance properly checked.
Read: Refrigerator Won’t Cool But Freezer Works
Conclusion
Some of the possible reasons for your mini fridge is not cooling include an issue with the compressor or the condenser coils, the start relay not working, or an issue with the plug socket or the power cord.
It can also be the start relay not working, defective condenser or evaporator fan, blocked interior vents, the door not being sealed properly or an issue with the thermostat.
If any of the internal components have been damaged, they will most probably be replaced.
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