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Why Is My Freezer Working But The Fridge Isn’t? Here’s The Shocking Truth!

Quick notes

  • If the freezer is working but the refrigerator is not, it could be due to a problem with the cooling system.
  • If the freezer and refrigerator are both not cooling properly, it could be due to an electrical issue or a problem with the thermostat.
  • A refrigerator that is not cooling can be a major inconvenience, but there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue and potentially fix the problem.

Freezers, the unsung heroes of the appliance world, work tirelessly day and night to keep their contents frozen solid. But what happens when they stop working? In this informative blog post, we’ll explore the reasons why your freezer might not be cooling properly and offer some troubleshooting tips to help you get it back in tip-top shape. So whether you’re a seasoned appliance repair pro or just looking for a little guidance on freezer maintenance, read on for some valuable insights into the wonderful world of freezers!

Why Freezer Working But Not Fridge?

Freezers and refrigerators are both essential appliances for preserving food, but they work in different ways.

Freezers work by cooling the air inside the unit to below freezing temperatures. This cold air helps to freeze the food, which slows down the growth of bacteria and keeps it fresh for longer periods of time. Freezers use a variety of methods to cool the air, including the use of refrigerants, fans, and coils.

Refrigerators, on the other hand, work by cooling the air inside the unit to just above freezing temperatures. This cold air helps to keep the food fresh, but it doesn’t freeze the food. Refrigerators use a variety of methods to cool the air, including the use of refrigerants, fans, and coils.

If your freezer is working but not your refrigerator, there could be a few reasons for this. One possibility is that the refrigerator is not getting enough power. This could be caused by a tripped circuit breaker or a blown fuse, or by a problem with the power cord.

Another possibility is that the refrigerator’s cooling system is not working effectively. This could be caused by a refrigerant leak, a problem with the compressor, or a problem with the evaporator coils.

It’s also possible that the problem is with the refrigerator’s thermostat. If the thermostat is not working correctly, it may not allow the refrigerator to cool properly.

If you’re having trouble with your refrigerator, it’s a good idea to check the power cord first to make sure it’s plugged in and that it’s getting power. If the power cord is not the problem, you may need to call a repair technician to diagnose and fix the problem.

What Are The Most Common Reasons A Freezer Works But The Fridge Doesn’t?

  • 1. Freezer and refrigerator have different cooling mechanisms.
  • 2. Freezers use a coolant called refrigerant, which circulates through coils and absorbs heat as it changes from a liquid to a gas.
  • 3. The refrigerator uses a similar process, but uses a fan to circulate cold air throughout the compartment to keep food cold.
  • 4. If the freezer is working but the refrigerator is not, it could be due to a problem with the cooling system.
  • 5. If the freezer and refrigerator are both not cooling properly, it could be due to an electrical issue or a problem with the thermostat.

How Do You Troubleshoot A Refrigerator That Is Not Cooling?

A refrigerator that is not cooling can be a major inconvenience, but there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue and potentially fix the problem. Here are some steps you can follow to troubleshoot a refrigerator that is not cooling:

1. Check the temperature setting: Make sure that the temperature setting on the refrigerator is set to a low enough temperature. If the temperature is set too high, the refrigerator will not be able to cool properly.

2. Check the power source: Make sure that the refrigerator is plugged in and that the outlet is working. If the refrigerator is not getting power, it will not cool.

3. Check the condenser coils: The condenser coils are responsible for cooling the refrigerant in the refrigerator. If the condenser coils are dirty, they may not cool properly. To clean the condenser coils, unplug the refrigerator and use a vacuum cleaner or brush to remove any dust or debris.

4. Check the evaporator fan: The evaporator fan is responsible for circulating cold air throughout the refrigerator. If the evaporator fan is not working properly, the refrigerator will not be able to cool properly. To check if the evaporator fan is working, unplug the refrigerator and use a multimeter to test the fan motor.

5. Check the ice maker: If the ice maker is not working properly, the refrigerator may not be able to cool properly. To check if the ice maker is working, unplug the refrigerator and use a multimeter to test the ice maker motor.

6. Check the seals: The door seals are responsible for keeping the cold air inside the refrigerator. If the seals are loose or damaged, the cold air will escape and the refrigerator will not be able to cool properly. To check the seals, close the door of the refrigerator and feel for cold air escaping.

7. Check the refrigerant: If the refrigerator is not cooling properly, you may need to check the refrigerant level. If the refrigerant is low, the refrigerator will not be able to cool properly. To check if the refrigerant is low, unplug the refrigerator and use a multimeter to test the refrigerant level.

Is It Normal For A Freezer To Freeze And A Refrigerator To Cool?

Yes, it is normal for a freezer to freeze and a refrigerator to cool.

A freezer is designed to maintain a temperature below freezing, typically around 0°F (-18°C). It does this by using refrigeration, which involves compressing a gas, typically freon, and then expanding it, which causes a drop in temperature. A refrigerator, on the other hand, is designed to maintain a temperature just above freezing, typically around 35–40°F (2–4°C). It does this by using refrigeration, which involves compressing a gas, typically freon, and then expanding it, which causes a drop in temperature.

So, it is normal for a freezer to freeze and a refrigerator to cool. However, if you notice that your freezer is not freezing or your fridge is not cooling properly, there may be a problem with the cooling system or with the unit itself. You should check the thermostat settings, make sure that the unit is plugged in and that the power cord is in good condition, and check the condenser coils for any dirt or debris that could prevent the unit from working properly. If the problem persists, you may need to call a service technician to diagnose and fix the problem.

Can A Faulty Thermostat Cause A Freezer To Work But Not A Refrigerator?

Yes, a faulty thermostat can cause a freezer to work but not a refrigerator. The thermostat is responsible for regulating the temperature inside the refrigerator and freezer compartments. If it becomes faulty, it may not send the correct signals to the appliance’s cooling system, causing the freezer to cool properly but the refrigerator to remain warm.

There are several reasons why a thermostat may become faulty. One possibility is that the electrical contacts within the thermostat have become corroded or damaged, preventing the signals from being sent. Another possibility is that the temperature sensing element in the thermostat is no longer functioning properly, causing it to send incorrect signals.

If you suspect that your thermostat is faulty, it is important to replace it as soon as possible. A faulty thermostat can cause the appliance to work harder than necessary, leading to increased energy consumption and wear and tear on the cooling system. Additionally, a faulty thermostat can pose a safety risk, as it can lead to the food in the refrigerator spoiling and becoming a breeding ground for bacteria.

If you suspect that your thermostat is faulty, you should contact a qualified appliance repair technician for assistance. They will be able to diagnose the problem and replace the faulty thermostat if necessary.

What Are The Differences Between A Freezer And A Refrigerator?

A refrigerator and a freezer are both appliances that keep food fresh, but they have some key differences. Here are the primary differences between a freezer and a fridge:

Temperature:

The temperature range in a refrigerator is typically between 35 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit. This is low enough to slow down the growth of bacteria, mold, and yeast, but not low enough to freeze food. On the other hand, a freezer’s temperature range is usually between 0 and 10 degrees Fahrenheit. This extremely low temperature slows down the freezing process, allowing food to be stored safely for longer periods.

Types of Food:

Refrigerators are primarily used for storing and keeping food fresh. They can be used to refrigerate fruits, vegetables, dairy products, meats, and leftovers. Freezers, on the other hand, are primarily used for storing frozen foods. They can be used to refrigerate frozen fruits, vegetables, meats, ice cream, and other frozen items.

Energy Saving:

Refrigerators use less energy than freezers because they only need to be cooled to a lower temperature. Freezers use more energy because they are constantly freezing food.

Humidity:

Refrigerators maintain high humidity levels to prevent food from drying out. Freezers have lower humidity levels to prevent food from freezing together.

Noise:

Refrigerators make more noise than freezers because they use fans and compressors to cool the air inside the appliance. Freezers make less noise because they use fans and compressors less frequently.

Space:

Refrigerators are larger than freezers because they need to be large enough to store food that needs to be kept fresh. Freezers are smaller because they only need to be large enough to store frozen food.

Temperature Control:

Refrigerators typically have a thermostat that allows the user to set the desired temperature. Freezers typically have a thermostat that allows the user to set the desired temperature.

Summary

In conclusion, while it may seem counterintuitive, there could be a number of reasons why your freezer is working but not your fridge. From faulty thermostats to clogged coils, it’s important to have your refrigerator checked by a professional to get to the bottom of the issue. In the meantime, you can try unplugging your refrigerator and plugging it back in to see if that resolves the problem. If the problem persists, it’s best to call a professional to ensure your refrigerator is back up and running as soon as possible.

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About the Author
Chelsea Monroe is the Test Kitchen Director for Chop'n Prep magazine. With 15 years in the culinary industry, Chelsea has worked as a chef at acclaimed restaurants in New York and San Francisco. She now oversees recipe development and product testing for the magazine. Chelsea specializes in discovering the best...