When your freezer is cold, but the fridge portion is warm, there are several potential reasons for this issue. Below are some common causes:
Blocked or restricted airflow: Most refrigerators have a fan that circulates cold air from the freezer to the refrigerator section. If this fan is not working correctly or if there's any obstruction in the airflow path, the refrigerator won't receive enough cold air, leading to a warm fridge. Check the fan and make sure there are no items blocking the vents inside the refrigerator section.
Defective evaporator fan: The evaporator fan, located in the freezer, is responsible for circulating cold air throughout both the freezer and refrigerator compartments. If the fan is not working, the freezer may stay cold, but the fridge won't receive the necessary cold air. A faulty fan may need to be replaced.
Frosted or iced-up evaporator coils: Over time, the evaporator coils in the freezer can get covered with frost or ice, reducing their ability to cool the fridge properly. This can happen if the automatic defrost system fails or if the door is frequently left open, causing excess moisture to build up. Manually defrosting the freezer can help resolve this issue.
Faulty defrost system: If the automatic defrost system (including defrost timer, defrost heater, or defrost thermostat) malfunctions, it can lead to excessive frost buildup on the evaporator coils. This frost prevents proper cooling and can result in a warm fridge. A technician should diagnose and repair any defrost system issues.
Damaged door gasket: The rubber seal or gasket around the fridge and freezer doors helps maintain a proper seal when closed. If the gasket is damaged, worn out, or not sealing correctly, warm air from outside can enter the refrigerator, causing it to warm up. Check the gaskets for any defects and replace them if necessary.
Faulty temperature control or thermostat: If the temperature control or thermostat that regulates the fridge's cooling is faulty, it may not signal the compressor to run, leading to inadequate cooling in the refrigerator section. A defective temperature control should be replaced by a professional.
Low refrigerant level: If the refrigerator's refrigerant (coolant) level is low, it can impact the cooling capacity of both the freezer and the fridge. This issue requires a licensed technician to diagnose and repair, as handling refrigerants is regulated and should only be done by professionals.
If you're not comfortable diagnosing or fixing the problem yourself, it's best to contact a qualified appliance repair technician to identify the issue and carry out the necessary repairs. They will have the expertise and tools to pinpoint the exact cause of the problem and get your refrigerator back to its proper cooling functionality.