Having your fridge freezer too hot or too cold is a common issue with any brand. Where some fixes may be quite simple, others will likely require a professional service.
If your Samsung fridge freezer has ice build up, or is not maintaining a cool temperature, you should check that both the door seal and thermostat are in working order. Make sure that the fridge has adequate ventilation and that nothing is being blocked, and that there are no issues with the plug or outlet.
In this article we will discuss common causes behind your fridge freezer issues and what you can do to fix them.
Why Is Your Samsung Fridge Freezer Freezing Up?
There are a few reasons that you might see ice build up inside your fridge. If your door is not fully closed or the ventilation is blocked, ice will build up from a lack of proper circulation. Similarly, if the fridge is located too close to the wall, it won’t be able to dissipate heat, or the filter can become clogged with dust.
What You Can Do
The first thing to check when your fridge is freezing up is the temperature regulator. Often found at the top, this is an adjustable dial to set the temperature of your fridge. In many cases, ice build up is due to the temperature being set too low.
Most fridges have a dial with numbers between zero and six. In this case, you should select the number five, or “medium” if you are given the option. However, newer models will allow you to set a specific temperature. The recommended temperature is 40°F (4°C).
Check the Door
Your fridge needs cool air circulating in order to work. If your door is left ajar, or not closing, the cool air will meet the warm air from outside the fridge and form frost. You can check the seal a couple of ways:
- Run your hand around the door and feel for cool air. If you can feel cool air coming from the fridge, there is an issue with the seal and it will need to be replaced.
- Put a piece of paper in the door and seal it in place. If you can pull the paper free without any resistance, the seal will need to be replaced.
The video below shows you how to go about replacing a damaged seal:
Another way to check your door is to ensure nothing is obstructing the seal inside. Things in the door, or items too big for the shelves can prevent the door from closing properly. Check the seal by firmly closing the door and immediately trying to open it again. The seal should make it difficult to reopen so soon. If the door opens with ease, something is likely blocking it.
Check the Ventilation
Take a look at how close your fridge freezer is to the wall. In many cases, there is not enough room for the fridge to properly dissipate the heat created by the compressor. This may cause it to work too hard, overcompensating and forcing too much cold air into the fridge.
Another common issue is dirty or obstructed vents clogging up the air flow. Vents inside the fridge can become blocked by overfilling, or by ice if it is given enough time to build up. In addition, many refrigerators have coils on the back which are designed to allow the flow of coolant. If this gets dirty, which can happen over time with a build up on dust and kitchen residue, your fridge will have to work harder to maintain temperature.
You can remedy these issues by ensuring your fridge is not too close to the wall, and by not over filling your fridge. Locate the vents and be sure they are kept clear. The coils in the back should be cleaned twice a year, per the instructions in the user manual.
Check the Thermostat
If you are sure that the temperature hasn’t been changed, it is possible that there is a fault in the thermostat or with the temperature sensor. You can check the temperature by purchasing a simple refrigerator thermometer and monitoring the reading. If the thermostat is faulty, the readings won’t comply with your settings.
In some cases, it can be that the temperature sensor has been damaged and is not giving accurate information to the thermostat. The sensor is a small plastic device that registers the internal temperature of your fridge and relays that information to the thermostat. The thermostat then adjusts the temperature depending on those readings.
In the video below, you can see how to test if your temperature sensor is working:
In the event the sensor is working correctly, the issue is more likely to be a fault in the thermostat itself, which will need to be replaced. If you have some prior knowledge, you can order a model specific thermostat replacement and change it out yourself. However, it is advised to call a professional when dealing with electronic repairs.
Why Is Your Samsung Fridge Freezer Not Cooling
There are a few common causes behind your fridge not cooling:
- A faulty outlet, or plug can cause a disruption in the circuit, leaving the fridge to cool intermittently.
- The fridge could be too close to the wall, not allowing for enough air flow.
- Your fridge could be located in a warmer spot in your home and will need to be set at a cooler temperature.
- The thermostat might be set too high.
- The temperature sensor could be blocked or damaged.
Most of these are easy fixes and do not require a professional. However, in some cases the issue could be internal and will probably require the help of a repairman. Such issues include:
- Defective internal fan
- Defective start relay
- Faulty thermostat
- Defective temperature control board
- Broken compressor
If you think that the issue lies in one of these parts, it is safer to hire a professional, as most fixes here would require taking the fridge apart.
What You Can Do
Checking the plug and outlet is the first step when you notice that your fridge is not cooling correctly. Safely unplug the unit and inspect the plug for any damage. Try plugging another appliance into the outlet to check it is working.
If you notice that your fridge is located in a hot spot in your home, such as near a window that provides a lot of sunlight, you may find that you need to adjust the temperature in the fridge to account for the warmer air outside.
In the same way you would have checked the sensor and thermostat in the event of ice build up follow the same steps to ensure everything is working as it should be. A faulty thermostat can cause both too much cool air and not enough.
Similarly, you will need to check the temperature hasn’t accidentally been changed, and that the door seal is working.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is located in the back of your fridge and is responsible for pushing gas into the coolant coils. It will absorb heat created by your fridge, keeping the system working. If the freezer is in working order, it is likely an issue with the start relay.
Buying and testing a new relay will allow you to test the unit with an inexpensive part. If the compressor starts to work again, the relay was the issue. However, if the unit is still not functioning properly, the whole compressor may need to be changed.
This will involve disconnecting it and its lines from the fridge and installing a new unit, which may need to be welded in place. This is a job for a repairman.
Check the Fans
There should be a condenser fan in the bottom and an evaporator fan on the back wall of your fridge. Both of these are used to help air circulate and to keep the fridge from overheating. If one fails, you will probably see your fridge struggle to keep cool.
Both fans can be found behind panels, on the bottom and in the back of your fridge. Ensure the unit is switched off and check that the fans are working. Move them manually to check for any obstructions. If you feel resistance, it may be that something is blocking, such as dust or ice. These fans can be replaced if you see damage.
Final Thoughts
A few simple checks can help solve most common fridge issues. Making sure that the unit is plugged in properly and that the outlet is working, along with a check on the thermostat and door seal, will fix smaller problems.
Though in some cases, you may need to unplug the unit and look closer. Damaged temperature sensors, faulty fans, and defective control boards can all affect how your fridge functions. For these kinds of issues, it is better to call a repairman than potentially cause more damage.
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