Opening your refrigerator only to find frozen lettuce, rock-hard berries, and icy milk can be frustrating not to mention wasteful. A refrigerator’s job is to keep your food cool, not frozen. If you’re dealing with this issue, you are not alone. Many homeowners experience refrigerators that run too cold, and the root cause can be anything from a simple setting adjustment to a failing component. Aviv Appliances would like to share some of the most common reasons your refrigerator is freezing your food and what you can do about it.
Incorrect Temperature Settings
One of the simplest causes is a temperature setting that is too low. Most refrigerators should be set between 37°F and 40°F for proper cooling. If the thermostat is set lower, your fridge may run colder than necessary, causing items especially those near the air vents to freeze. Adjust the temperature to the recommended range and wait 24 hours to see if the issue improves. If the freezing continues, the problem may lie elsewhere.
Blocked or Misplaced Air Vents
Modern refrigerators rely on circulating cold air. If air vents are blocked by containers, food packages, or storage bins, cold air can become trapped in one area, freezing everything in its path. Organize your fridge so air can move freely. Avoid placing items directly in front of vents, especially sensitive foods like produce and dairy.
Faulty Thermostat or Temperature Control Board
A malfunctioning thermostat may send incorrect signals to the cooling system, causing your refrigerator to overcool. Or a failing control board can send inaccurate instructions to internal components. If temperature adjustments don’t fix the issue, you may need a technician to test or replace these parts.
Broken Damper Control
The damper regulates how much cold air from the freezer enters the refrigerator compartment. If it gets stuck open, too much cold air flows in freezing your food in the process. A stuck damper usually needs professional inspection and replacement.
Low or Leaking Refrigerant
It may seem counter-productive, but low refrigerant levels can actually cause freezing. When refrigerant levels are off, the evaporator coils may become too cold, leading to freezing temperatures inside the refrigerator. Refrigerant issues always require a certified technician. Attempting DIY refrigerant repairs can be dangerous and illegal in many areas.
Faulty Temperature Sensor
Some refrigerators use thermistors which are small sensors that measure temperature inside the fridge. If a thermistor fails or gives inaccurate readings, the cooling system may run continuously, causing overcooling and freezing. A professional can test the sensor’s resistance and replace it if needed.
Overstuffing the Refrigerator
When the refrigerator is overly full, cold air cannot circulate properly. This can cause cold pockets that freeze certain items while leaving other areas too warm. Keep your fridge about ¾ full for ideal circulation. If you need more storage, consider reorganizing or decluttering expired items.
When to Call a Professional Appliance Repair Company
If you have checked the temperature settings, cleared the vents, and confirmed that your fridge is not overloaded yet freezing continues, it is likely a mechanical issue. Components like dampers, control boards, sensors, and refrigerant lines require expert attention.
Appliance Repair from Pompano Beach to Jupiter, FL Including Pembroke Pines, Hollywood, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Delray Beach and Greater Boynton Beach, Florida
A qualified refrigerator repair technician can accurately diagnose the problem and restore your fridge to proper performance, saving you from spoiled produce and unexpected ice crystals. For appliance repair services, contact Aviv Appliances today.
