“Why is my mini-fridge not getting cold?” You might ask. Well, your problem is owed to various possibly malfunctioning components or a simple case of forgetfulness. Anyway, that’s why this article is perfect for you! This will help you determine which one is which and perform the necessary action to get your fridge back into action again.
Mini fridges are well, fridges that are small, which are suited as storage for drinks and snacks where you could place in your room. But other than the size, there are not a lot of differences between the two.
Normal refrigerators have a higher maximum capacity, while mini-fridges are minimized versions made for smaller accommodation. That is why problems would sometimes occur that are easy to deal with, thanks to their manageable size.
Why Your Mini-Fridge Is Not Getting Cold
Why is my mini-fridge not getting cold? Various things can cause this situation. It can be as simple as forgetting to turn the power on or as severe as a broken compressor. Nevertheless, severe or not, they all require immediate action for your small appliance to start working again.
#1. Faulty compressor, evaporator, or condenser fan
These parts are responsible for the smooth flow of heat and cool air in and out of the gadget. If there is a temperature issue, these are the first ones to check. Here might be issued on each of them or combined damage in all three!
Some parts can be ineffective due to problems in the machine itself.
That is why you need to make sure of its power capacity before buying. Compressors, condensers, and evaporators may not be good enough or not even working at all. The wires may not be attached securely to establish a smooth work between them. Try attaching them and securing them firmly and securely.
It can also be an issue of time. Over the years, the parts may start malfunctioning after being used for a long period of time. For example, the wires may have been busted open, or the components just aren’t working anymore. Consult an electrician and have them replaced or buy a new fridge.
#2. Broken control knobs
A malfunction in the temperature can be caused by the control settings that set it. For example, you may be setting it at the perfect temperature, but it isn’t responding because it’s broken. Try rebooting the thermostat by resetting the levels. Come back after a few hours and turn it on again. If this is ineffective, have the controls replaced by a professional or the wires reattached and tightened.
#3. Clogged filter
A filter is responsible for the easy coming and going off-air. This is the main passageway of the temperature inside the mini-fridge.
If anything was to block it, it will completely disrupt the flow between the gadget and the external environment.
Check if something is blocking the filter. If nothing is obvious, dust the filter off. Dirt accumulating in between the filters can also be a reason. Remove them gently with a clean cloth. If nothing is working, it may not be an issue with the filter. Move on to other possibilities.
#4. Ice buildup
Due to few instances of too low-temperature settings, this can also be possible. When ice begins forming abnormally in your fridge, it may begin to pose a threat to the continuous airflow. The ice can clog various components. If this happens, all you have to do is defrost the gadget.
Once completely defrosted, please take out the excess water, wipe the entire appliance dry, and restart it. As much as possible, avoid letting ice overgrow because some places are hard to defrost and may ruin your internal hardware in the long run. On the other hand, ice buildup could also occur in your air conditioner, so here’s why window air conditioner usually freezes up.
#5. Uncleaned dust on coils
Coils are located in either the bottom of the back part. Either way, it is still hard to have access to these places. Therefore, dust accumulation is more prone to happen in these places. Try to maintain a regular cleaning schedule for the coils, no matter how difficult. This is to prevent the dust from getting stuck and preventing hot air from escaping your appliance. Otherwise, it will get stuck and make your mini-refrigerator stuffy and hot.
#6. Dirty vents
Vents serve as an exit for hot air to come out. This keeps the appliance from gathering heat and preventing cold air from existing in the internal atmosphere. It would help if you cleaned dirty vents either manually with a clean cloth or with a vacuum. On the other hand, there are other situations of vents clogged by objects and not dust. Something can unintentionally bar the exit and hinder the heat from being exhausted. Make sure the ventilation is free of obstacles to ensure continuous flow.
#7. Too low setting level
Although simple, you cannot completely rule out the possibility of forgetfulness. Sometimes, the answer to our biggest dilemmas is right under our noses. For example, is your temperature not as low as you want it to be? Simple, you forgot to set it in the first place! When checking issues in temperature settings, your first instinct should be to look at the controls. If that’s the case, turn it up!
#8. Power outlet issues
Again, another basic yet possible reason. The power outlet is the main source of energy for the mini-fridge. Without a source of electricity, it would not be possible for your machine to work. Check if the gadget is plugged into the socket. Is the main switch on? Make sure they are attached securely.
#9. Ineffective door seal
A gasket is the thin lining on the outline of your door whose purpose is to keep the cold air from escaping the refrigerator through the small cracks of the door.
It acts as a double safety feature to ensure the cold is tightly packed where you want it to be.
You may have issues because of the gasket not being attached firmly. It may also be broken and no longer serving its purpose. In these cases, consult the help of a professional. Read how to replace your fridge gasket if you do need to change yours.
Conclusion
So, those are the answers to your question, “Why is my mini-fridge not getting cold?” Once again, it is due to the faulty components inside, so you will need to inspect the unit inside out. Now that you can identify the cause, you can make the necessary decisions for your appliance. To improve your knowledge of fridges, here are some tips on fixing the seal on your fridge. Try it out!