Cold Storage Problems – What’s Going Wrong and How to Fix It

If your fridge stops keeping food cold, makes weird sounds, or leaks water, you’re probably dealing with a cold storage problem. The good news is most issues are simple enough to diagnose yourself before you call a technician. In this guide we’ll walk through the most common signs, quick DIY checks, and the point where it’s smarter to let a pro step in.

Typical Signs Your Cold Storage Is Failing

First, notice the symptoms. A fridge that feels warm on the inside, frost building up in the freezer, or a constant humming noise usually means the cooling system isn’t working right. Other red flags include water pooling at the bottom, a bad odor, or the door not sealing properly. Keep a notebook of what you see – it helps the repair person know where to look.

When you see any of these, start with the basics. Check that the fridge is plugged in and the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped. Make sure the temperature dial is set to the recommended level (usually 37‑40°F for the fridge and 0°F for the freezer). Sometimes the simple act of moving the knob back to the middle solves the problem.

Quick DIY Checks Before Calling a Technician

Clear out old food and wipe the interior with warm, soapy water. A dirty coil can make the compressor work harder and overheat. Locate the condenser coils (usually behind or beneath the fridge) and vacuum any dust. While you’re at it, inspect the door gasket for cracks or gaps – a leaky seal lets warm air in, forcing the unit to run nonstop.

Next, listen for the compressor. It should make a low‑grumble sound every few minutes; if it’s silent or clicks repeatedly, the start relay or overload protector could be faulty. These parts are inexpensive, and swapping them out can bring a dead fridge back to life. If you’re comfortable with a screwdriver, unplug the fridge, remove the back panel, and locate the relay (it looks like a small rectangle with metal tabs). Replace it with an identical part and test.

If the fridge still isn’t cooling, the problem might be the evaporator fan. Open the freezer door and listen – you should hear a soft whirring. No sound? The fan motor may have burned out, which usually requires a professional to replace because it’s inside the sealed system.

Lastly, check for a blocked defrost drain. Water that can’t escape will pool at the bottom and eventually freeze, causing frost buildup. Use a pipe cleaner or a small brush to clear the drain hole, usually found at the back of the freezer compartment.

When you’ve tried these steps and the fridge still won’t chill, it’s time to call an expert. Cold storage problems can involve sealed‑system components that need special tools and refrigerant handling. Trusting a certified technician will save you from costly mistakes and keep your warranty intact.

At Wells Appliance Repairs we specialize in fridge and freezer issues of all sizes. Whether it’s a simple coil clean‑up or a full compressor replacement, we’ll get your cold storage working again fast and affordably. Give us a call, describe the symptoms, and we’ll send a skilled technician to sort it out.