Top Thanksgiving fridge problems & quick fixes

Thanksgiving is a time for celebration, family gatherings, and, of course, a huge feast. But nothing can ruin the holiday spirit quite like a misbehaving refrigerator. As the hardest working appliance in your kitchen during Thanksgiving, your fridge can encounter several issues that need your immediate attention. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the most common refrigerator problems you might face around Thanksgiving and how you can solve them, so your food stays fresh and your holiday runs smoothly.

Note: While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, the information in this article may differ from your specific appliance model. Variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model before beginning any testing or repairs.

Refrigerator not cooling properly

One of the most common issues homeowners face during Thanksgiving is a refrigerator that isn’t cooling properly. With all the dishes, ingredients, and leftovers that need to stay fresh, you need your fridge at peak performance.

Common reasons:

• Overstuffed refrigerator: Packing your refrigerator to the brim can block air vents, restricting airflow. The cooling mechanism requires a good flow of air to maintain the right temperature. When airflow is restricted, certain areas of the fridge will get warmer.
• Faulty evaporator fan: The evaporator fan is responsible for circulating cold air throughout the fridge. If it’s not functioning properly, you may notice uneven cooling or warm spots in the fridge.
• Dirty condenser coils: The condenser coils release heat from your fridge. When these coils are covered in dust and debris, it makes it harder for the fridge to cool effectively.

How to solve it:

• Reorganize the contents of your fridge to ensure there’s enough space for air to circulate freely.
• Inspect the evaporator fan for signs of damage. If you hear unusual noises or notice inconsistent cooling, it may be time to replace it. You can find more detailed guidance on troubleshooting evaporator fan issues here.
• Clean the condenser coils with a coil brush or vacuum to improve cooling performance. Check out our guide on how to clean refrigerator coils.

Fridge making unusual noises

Your refrigerator may make more noise than usual during the holidays, particularly when it’s working overtime to keep everything cool. However, strange or loud noises could indicate a more serious issue.

Common reasons:

• Faulty fan motor: If the evaporator or condenser fan motor is malfunctioning, it may create a loud buzzing or humming noise.
• Vibrating coils: If the refrigerator’s coils are loose, they can create rattling sounds as they vibrate during operation.

How to solve it:

• Unplug the fridge and check the fan motor for damage. If it’s broken, consider replacing it. You can learn more about how to troubleshoot noisy fan issues in this troubleshooting guide.
• Check to see if the condenser coils are loose and tighten them if necessary.

Fridge door not closing properly

The door seal is crucial for maintaining a consistent temperature inside your fridge. If the door isn’t closing properly, it could lead to food spoilage or a spike in energy usage.

Common reasons:

• Worn-out door gasket: The door gasket can wear out over time, leading to gaps between the door and the fridge body.
• Obstruction in the door path: Sometimes the refrigerator is too full, or certain items might obstruct the door from closing completely.

How to solve it:

• Check the door gasket for signs of wear or cracks. If it’s damaged, replacing the gasket is a straightforward DIY job. See our step-by-step guide on how to replace a fridge door gasket.
• Make sure no large items are blocking the door from closing properly. Reorganize your fridge if necessary.

Water leaking from refrigerator

A puddle of water around your refrigerator is not only an inconvenience, but it can also be a safety hazard.

Common reasons:

• Clogged defrost drain: The defrost drain helps manage the excess moisture generated during the defrost cycle. If it becomes clogged with food particles or ice, water can leak out.
• Faulty water inlet valve: If your fridge has an ice maker or water dispenser, a malfunctioning water inlet valve could cause leaks.

How to solve it:

• Unclog the defrost drain by using warm water and a pipe cleaner to dislodge any buildup. Our troubleshooting guide on how to fix a leaking refrigerator has more details.
• If the water inlet valve is leaking, replacing it might be the best solution. You can find the right replacement part using your fridge’s model number at AppliancePartsPros.com.

Refrigerator temperature fluctuating

Keeping a steady temperature in your fridge is essential for food safety, especially with all the ingredients you’ll need for your Thanksgiving feast.

Common reasons:

• Thermostat issues: If the temperature control thermostat is faulty, it may cause temperature fluctuations.
• Frequent door opening: During Thanksgiving preparations, the fridge door is often opened and closed multiple times. This can lead to fluctuating temperatures and cause stress on the cooling system.

How to solve it:

• Test the temperature control thermostat with a multimeter to check for continuity. If it’s defective, replacing it is usually the best option. Learn how to do this with our thermostat replacement guide.
• Try to minimize door openings as much as possible. Consider grouping items so you can quickly grab everything you need in one go.

People also ask

Why is my refrigerator not cold enough?

If your refrigerator isn’t cooling, check to see if the condenser coils are clean and make sure the evaporator fan is running. An overstuffed fridge can also restrict airflow, leading to cooling issues.

How do I stop my fridge from making noise?

First, determine if the noise is coming from the fan motor or vibrating coils. Tightening loose coils or replacing a faulty fan motor can help reduce unwanted noise.

What causes water to leak from my refrigerator?

A clogged defrost drain or faulty water inlet valve are common reasons for water leakage. Unclogging the defrost drain or replacing the valve can solve this problem.

How can I fix a fridge door that won’t close properly?

Check the door gasket for wear and tear, and make sure nothing is obstructing the door’s path. If necessary, replace the door gasket for a tight seal.

Why does my refrigerator’s temperature keep changing?

Frequent door opening or a faulty thermostat can cause temperature fluctuations. Testing the thermostat and reducing the number of times the door is opened can help stabilize the temperature.

Wrapping up

Thanks for joining us! No matter what appliance part you need, just stop by AppliancePartsPros.com to search your model number, and we’ll take it from there! Most parts arrive in just two days, and we have tons of free resources including videos, wiring diagrams and blog articles to make repairs the easiest they’ve ever been.

Got questions? You’ve got options! Call our team at 1-877-477-7278, chat with a pro online, or dive into our how-to videos on YouTube. And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram for more DIY tips!