Why is my LG refrigerator not cooling?
Fun fact: According to Coolest-Gadgets, LG is the most popular refrigerator brand, with 49% of usage share in 2023. If you own an LG refrigerator, you are one of many who may benefit from this article.
At Cinch Home Services, we understand that few things are more frustrating than when one of your beloved home appliances stops working. If your refrigerator suddenly isn’t cooling, this can be especially problematic since you depend on it to keep your food and beverages from spoiling. Not only can this prove to be expensive if you have to buy a new refrigerator, but replacing enough groceries for a few weeks can also be expensive. This is where a home warranty can come into play. A home warranty is a contract that covers repair or replacement services for the major appliances and systems within your home.
What to expect from your LG refrigerator
You should expect your refrigerator to last 9-13 years on average. However, it should be noted that some LG refrigerators may last a few years, while others may last up to 20 years.
Some common factors that can impact the lifespan of your refrigerator include:
The brand of your refrigerator
If you've ever shopped for a new refrigerator, you know there are many options. With popular brand names like LG, Bosch and Samsung and many different kinds of refrigerators on the market, it could be challenging to settle on the one you want. We advise that you research and choose a high-quality brand and model that may be more reliable.
Maintenance practices
Routine maintenance, such as cleaning your refrigerator coils and changing the filter every six months, may significantly extend the life of your fridge.
Overall usage
When you're bored and hungry, are you the kind of person who constantly opens and closes the refrigerator before deciding what to eat? If so, you're making the fridge's compressor work harder, which could lead to breakdowns and issues.
Common LG refrigerator problems and symptoms to keep an eye on
If your refrigerator isn’t cooling, here are some symptoms that you can expect:
- It’s warm inside: This one’s a no-brainer. If you open your fridge and it’s warm, you may have a problem.
- There’s some frost: A frost build-up on the refrigerator coils is a clear sign that something is wrong.
- You hear noises: If you suddenly hear buzzing or clicking that you never heard before, you may need to look into this.
- The temperature fluctuates: If you notice that sometimes the inside of your refrigerator is ice cold and other times lukewarm, you may want to get it checked to see what’s wrong.
- You see excess condensation: This could be troublesome if you notice a pool of water in front of your refrigerator.
Troubleshooting steps for your LG refrigerator
Once you recognize that your refrigerator is malfunctioning, you need to take steps to fix it and get it back up and running. We’ve compiled an 8-step troubleshooting process for you.
Step 1: Check the power supply
This is just a subtle reminder that if your refrigerator isn’t plugged in, it won't stay cool. Additionally, make sure that your circuit breakers and fuses are all working properly. A blown fuse can easily contribute to issues with the fridge staying cool.
Step 2: Assess the temperature settings
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends keeping refrigerators set at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, with the ideal temperature for a fridge falling between 35 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit.
Here’s how you can check the current temperature:
- Check the current temperature:
Use a refrigerator thermometer placed in the center of the fridge. Ideally, the temperature should be around 37°F (3°C) for the refrigerator and 0°F (-18°C) for the freezer. - Locate the temperature control:
Find the temperature control dial or digital display inside the fridge or on the front panel. - Adjust the settings:
For a dial: If you have a dial, it may be numbered (e.g., 1-5 or 1-10). Turn the dial to a higher number for colder temperatures or a lower number for warmer temperatures.
For a digital display: Press the buttons to increase or decrease the temperature settings according to your desired range. - Wait for stabilization:
After adjusting, give the refrigerator 24 hours to stabilize at the new temperature. - Recheck the temperature:
After 24 hours, use the thermometer again to ensure the temperature is at the desired level.
By following these steps, you can effectively check and adjust the temperature settings of your refrigerator for optimal food preservation.
Step 3: Inspect for blockages and obstructions
If your refrigerator is not cooling, inspecting for blockages and obstructions is important. It’s essential to have good airflow in your refrigerator for several reasons. For starters, good airflow distributes air evenly throughout the fridge, allowing the fridge to stay cool. Secondly, when the airflow is blocked, the refrigerator has to work harder to maintain its temperature – this can increase energy consumption and lead to higher electricity bills. Thirdly, proper airflow prevents moisture buildup. This is especially important for perishable items since moisture buildup can be a breeding ground for bacteria and mold.
Step 4: Examine the door seal
Next, inspect the door seals of your refrigerator for gaps or damage. Poor seals can allow warm air to enter, affecting cooling efficiency. If you need to replace your door seals, step-by-step instructions are available here.
Step 5: Clean the condenser coils
The condenser coils are usually located at the back or bottom of the fridge. Dust and dirt can accumulate on these coils, causing the appliance to overheat. Clean them with a vacuum or brush. Keeping these coils clean is an excellent way to troubleshoot and get your refrigerator back up and running.
Step 6: Inspect the evaporator fan motor
Have you heard of the evaporator fan motor? If not, there’s no need to panic. This is a pivotal part of every refrigerator that keeps it cool.
Here’s how it works:
- Air circulation: The evaporator fan motor circulates air over the evaporator coils located inside the refrigerator and freezer compartments. These coils absorb heat from the refrigerator's air, which is essential for keeping the interior cool.
- Even cooling: By continuously circulating the cold air, the fan helps to distribute the cool air evenly throughout the refrigerator and freezer, ensuring consistent temperatures in all areas.
- Condensation prevention: The fan also helps prevent condensation buildup on the evaporator coils by maintaining proper airflow and running the refrigerator's cooling system efficiently.
Step 7: Check the condenser
The condenser's primary function is to release heat absorbed from inside the fridge to the outside environment. First, the condenser compresses refrigerant gas, increasing its pressure and temperature. This high-pressure, hot gas then flows into the condenser coils. Next, it conducts a release of heat. As the hot refrigerant gas flows through the condenser coils, it cools down by releasing heat into the surrounding air. The heat is transferred from the refrigerant to the surrounding environment. In essence, the condenser helps expel the heat taken from inside the fridge and maintains the cycle that keeps the refrigerator working efficiently. Without the condenser, the refrigeration system wouldn’t be able to release the heat, causing the fridge to overheat and stop cooling properly.
Step 8: Evaluate the electronic control board
The electronic control board acts as your refrigerator's brain. Essentially, it gathers information from various sensors throughout the fridge and helps regulate everything. If your refrigerator isn’t cooling or making ice, this could be the culprit. The refrigerator control board is typically located at the back of the fridge. Follow these steps to evaluate yours and change it if necessary.
- Disconnect the power: Safety first. Your fridge will likely be without power for about half an hour while you do this.
- Remove the cover on the board. You should be able to do this with a Phillips screwdriver.
- Look at the wires and fuses. If something is detached or looks out of place, this could be the reason why your refrigerator isn’t cooling.
- Remove the wires. Make sure you take a digital picture to know what wire goes where.
- Insert a new control board. Ensure that wires are in the correct places.
- Put the cover back on using the screwdriver and then reconnect the power.
How to reset your LG refrigerator
LG refrigerators typically do not have a reset button. However, there are two simple ways you can perform a reset. One option is to simply unplug the refrigerator and wait 30 seconds before plugging it back in. Another option is to turn off the circuit breaker in the breaker panel on the wall and wait for 30 seconds before turning it back on. If you notice error codes that aren’t making sense or your refrigerator is making unexpected noises, performing a reset may fix it. However, if you have issues with a door seal, excessive condensation or many of the problems we covered above, a hard reset may not do the job.
What to do If your LG refrigerator still isn't cooling
If you take these steps to fix your refrigerator and it doesn’t work, it may be time to hire professional help. There are two very distinct ways that you can approach refrigerator repairs. On the one hand, you can ask friends and family for a referral and hope to find a technician to fix your fridge quickly. However, this may be expensive, and you may have to buy a brand-new refrigerator out of pocket.
On the other hand, you can rely on your home warranty plan if you have one and file a claim to get your refrigerator fixed.
With a home warranty company like Cinch Home Services, you can purchase a plan that will cover refrigerator repairs. With both our Appliances Plan and our Complete Home Plan, you get peace of mind knowing that if something goes wrong with your refrigerator, you can protect your budget and get it back up and running fast.
Preventive maintenance tips to keep your LG fridge cooling for years to come
While it’s certainly helpful to have the proper troubleshooting tips if your refrigerator isn't cooling, some steps may prevent these issues.
- Clean the coils
- Check and replace the door seals
- Level the refrigerator
- Clean the Interior to prevent bacterial growth
- Check the temperature settings
By following these maintenance steps, you can keep your refrigerator running well all year long.
The information in this article is intended to provide guidance on the proper maintenance and care of systems and appliances in the home. Not all of the topics mentioned are covered by our home warranty or maintenance plans. Please review your home warranty contract carefully to understand your coverage.
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