Why is My Fridge Freezing Everything?
May 03, 2022
It’s the middle of summer — and your fridge is freezing everything! You might be wondering why this is happening, and what you can do about it. In this article, we’ll explore some possible reasons why your fridge is freezing, and we’ll give you some tips on what you should do when you notice this issue.
Four Reasons Your Fridge is Freezing
There are many reasons why your fridge might be freezing everything, but here are four common ones you might run into.
1. The temperature is too low.
One reason your fridge might be freezing everything is that the temperature is set too low. Your fridge has a thermostat that controls how cold it gets, and if the thermostat is set too low, it can cause your fridge to get too cold and freeze everything inside.
2. The door isn't closing properly.
Another reason your fridge might be freezing everything is that the door isn't closing properly. If the door isn't sealing correctly, cold air can escape and warm air can enter. This can cause the temperature inside the fridge to fluctuate, causing the refrigerator to work extra hard and eventually freeze everything inside.
3. The fridge is too full.
A third reason your fridge might be freezing everything is that it's too full. If there's not enough room for air to circulate, the cold air can get trapped and cause things to freeze.
4. Your fridge’s parts are broken or not functioning properly.
A fourth reason why your fridge might be freezing everything is that something inside may be broken or not functioning properly. The most common culprits are the evaporator coils, condenser coils and compressors. If any of these parts are damaged or not working correctly, it can cause your fridge to freeze everything inside.
Make sure to keep these reasons in mind as you investigate what might be causing your fridge to freeze everything and are potentially considering if you need to shop for a new fridge. Here at Acima Leasing we want to make sure you know how to take care of your fridge and where to go if you do happen to need or want a new appliance.
How to Prevent Your Fridge from Freezing
Prevention is the first line of defense against a fridge that freezes everything. If your fridge has a temperature-control setting, make sure it's set to the warmest setting that will still keep your food chilled and safe to eat. Make sure that you’re regularly monitoring your fridge's temperature and making sure things aren't getting too cold.
If your fridge has an automatic defrost cycle, make sure that it’s working properly. If it doesn't, then you’ll need to manually defrost your fridge on a regular basis, in order to ensure that everything is working at peak performance.
Six Things to Do When Your Fridge Freezes
If your fridge freezes everything — don't worry! There are a number of things you can do to fix the problem and prevent it from happening again. Here are six ideas to try when you notice that your fridge is freezing food.
1. Check the temperature settings.
First and foremost, check your fridge's temperature settings. It's possible that someone in your household inadvertently turned the fridge's temperature to a colder setting than what it should be. This will cause everything inside the fridge to become frozen.
If you find that the temperature settings are too low, turn them up to a higher setting. This will help thaw out the food that's already frozen and prevent any more food from freezing. You’ll also want to make sure that any food in the fridge during this time is still good to eat.
2. Make sure the door is closing properly.
You’ll also want to check to see if the fridge door is closing properly. If it's not, then that could be the reason why everything in the fridge is freezing over. If your fridge is kept in an unheated area like a garage, cold air could be coming into the fridge and causing everything to freeze. Alternatively, the lack of a seal on the fridge door could be causing the fridge to work overtime by trying to keep everything cool , if the fridge is kept in a garage during the heat of the summer.
If you find that the fridge door isn't closing properly, try adjusting it or see if there is something blocking the door from closing all the way. You may also need to replace the door seal if it's not sealing properly.
3. Clean the coils and condenser fan.
Another reason your fridge may be freezing everything could be because the coils and condenser fan are dirty. If these aren't cleaned on a regular basis, they can start to cause problems with the fridge. The coils help to regulate the temperature in the fridge, and the condenser fan helps to circulate the air. If either of these are dirty, it can make the fridge work harder than it needs to, causing the temperature inside to fluctuate. This can lead to everything in the fridge freezing over.
4. Defrost the fridge/freezer.
If you have a fridge and freezer combo, then it's possible that the freezer is the reason why everything in the fridge is freezing. If the freezer is full of ice, it can cause the air to circulate differently and cause the fridge to get too cold.
To fix this, you’ll need to defrost the freezer. This can be done by unplugging the fridge and removing all the food from the fridge and freezer. Then, you’ll need to use a hairdryer or a heat lamp to melt the ice. Once the ice is melted, you can clean out the freezer and plug the fridge back in.
5. Add insulation to the door.
If your fridge is still freezing everything, even after you've tried all these other ideas, then you may need to add insulation to the door. This will help keep the cold air from escaping and will help keep the fridge at a consistent temperature. To add insulation, you can use weatherstripping or foam tape to seal up any gaps around the door. You may also need to add a new door seal if the old one is worn out.
6. Get a new fridge.
If you've tried all the other tips and nothing seems to be working, then it may be time to get a new refrigerator! A fridge that’s too old can start to have problems. It's also possible that your fridge is too small for your needs, and that's why everything is freezing.
If you think it's time for a new fridge, then start shopping around for one that will fit your needs. You may also want to talk to a professional to see if they think a new fridge is the best option.
How Can Acima Leasing Help?
If your fridge is on its last leg and needs to be replaced, Acima Leasing can help. We offer an alternative to financing for new appliances, so you can get the fridge you need without using credit. We also allow smaller manageable lease renewal payment options*— so you can get the fridge you need without having to worry about a difficult approval process. If you make the number of payments defined under your lease or exercise an option to purchase it early at a discount, it’s yours! If you find out that you no longer need the fridge, you can simply return it in good condition at any time without further requirements. If you have more questions check out further details on how Acima Leasing works here and on our FAQ page.
Common Questions About Refrigerators
How long should a refrigerator last?
Typically, a refrigerator should last around 10 to 12 years. However, this can vary depending on the type of fridge and how well it's been maintained.
Do older refrigerators last longer than new ones?
With the advent of new technologies and hardware updates, newer fridges may not last as long as some older ones. This is because the newer fridges are not necessarily built to last as long as the older fridges, and they may not have the same quality of construction. Additionally, new technologies and updates can put a lot of stress on a fridge and cause it to break down sooner.
How should I organize my fridge?
While there is no right or wrong way to organize your fridge, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you should put the food you use the most at eye level so that it's easy to grab. Second, you should put the food that expires first in the front of the fridge so that you can use it up before it goes bad. Finally, you should try to keep your fridge decluttered as much as possible so that air can circulate properly.
Does a fridge-depth measurement include the handles?
No. The depth of a fridge is measured from the front of the door to the back wall of the fridge, and it does not include the handles.
What temperature should a fridge be?
Ideally, a fridge should be between 34 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything lower than 34 degrees Fahrenheit can cause food to freeze, and anything higher than 40 degrees Fahrenheit can cause food to spoil.
Looking for more Fridge Advice?
Are you enjoying our appliance related content? We’ve got you covered! Check out these similar articles as you upkeep the appliances in your home.