What to Do if Your Refrigerator is Warm

Proper storage conditions are essential in order to keep your food fresh and safe to eat. One of the most important factors in food storage is the temperature; refrigerated foods must be kept under 40°F in order to limit bacteria growth and prevent foodborne illnesses.

If you notice that the food in your fridge is constantly spoiling before its expiration date, it may not be the food's fault. Refrigerators are complex machines which require many different components to seamlessly work together; just one malfunctioning part can lead to a warm inside.

Here's what you can do if your refrigerator is warm:

Step 1: Turn Down the Thermostat

Most refrigerators come with adjustable thermostats which you can use to regulate the temperature. Some of these thermostats have precise degree indicators, while others just say “warmer” and “colder”. Turn down the thermostat in your refrigerator and wait 24 hours to see if it has cooled a sufficient amount. If not, move to the next step.

Step 2: Inspect the Gasket

The gasket is the rubber seal located around the refrigerator door and is responsible for keeping cold air in and warm air out. The gasket is usually one of the first refrigerator components to need replacing, so test yours to see if it is still performing at full strength. To test your gasket, close your refrigerator door on a dollar bill; if you can easily remove the bill or slide it up and down, it is time to buy a new gasket. Luckily, new gaskets are inexpensive and can be swapped out in just a few minutes.

Step 3: Call the Repairman

After turning down your thermostat and inspecting your gasket, you should call a local repair service if nothing has changed. The problem could be caused by your compressor, evaporator fan, electronic control board, or a number of other components. These problems are not easily identifiable, so it is best to let an expert handle the situation.

If you live on Long Island or New York City, you can call on the services of Speedy Subzero. For more than 75 years, we have provided New York with dependable refrigerator repairs at a reasonable price. We offer same-day appointments and complete most repairs within the comfort of your own home; give us a call today at 866-782-9376.