Should my fridge be hot to the touch?

Author: Prof. Dion Adams  |  Last update: Friday, January 16, 2026

You may notice that the outside of your fridge feels warm. This is normal and is caused by the heat dissipated from the refrigeration process. If your fridge feels hot to the touch, it may be due to insufficient spacing between your fridge and it's surroundings.

How do you know if your refrigerator is overheating?

Determine if the compressor is overheating: While it is normal for a compressor to feel warm, if it is excessively hot or exhibits signs of overheating such as loud noises, faster food spoilage, increased energy bills, or a constantly warm or hot interior of the refrigerator, it may indicate a problem (2).

Why is my refrigerator hot to touch?

The reason why the space between the doors gets hot is because the copper tubing that connects to the compressor is running through the unit and is embedded within it. As a result, when the compressor overheats, the copper tubes also heat up. This causes the sides and space between the doors to become hot to the touch.

Is it normal for the body of a fridge to be hot?

Definitely normal. Refrigerant gets pressurized, which also heats it up. It then sheds the heat, and then gets depressurized. This then cools the refrigerant more which is what keeps your fridge cold. Hotter temperatures mean it has to work hard which will make it warmer.

Is it normal for a fridge to get hot on the outside?

Ok. This is normal. A refrigerator works by removing the heat from the items inside and then releasing that heat to the outside of the unit. It will happen occasionally for as long as you have this refrigerator. It is especially warm now because it it working hard initially.

Why are the walls in my refrigerator to hot to touch?

How do I know if my fridge is too hot?

If the fridge is too warm, it could mean that the motor fan is broken and not functioning properly. You can replace a motor fan — but it can be pricey.

What do I do if my fridge is too hot?

Unplug your fridge, then locate the evaporator fan—you can typically find it behind the freezer wall. Take off the fan cover and check for any clogs due to debris or ice. You should also check for any damage or looseness in the evaporator fan blades. Manually spin the fan to see if the motor shaft turns properly.

Is refrigerator supposed to be hot?

The warmth is normal and the area can certainly feel hot when the Fridge has to run a lot like on hot, humid Summer days. However, older models may have exposed condenser coils on the back or underneath the Fridge. These coils can collect dust and dirt.

What is the problem if the refrigerator is not cooling?

If your fridge is not cooling, the air vents may be blocked. Blocked air vents can prevent cool air from filtering inside the appliance. Check the vents inside your refrigerator and freezer and remove any items that may be blocking them.

Should a refrigerator compressor be hot to the touch?

As it continues its journey past the exposed coil and into the fridge, it cools down and, in turn, cools down the fridge's interior. As the compressor heating up is a normal step in cooling down a fridge, you should expect it to get warm but not scalding hot.

Can a fridge stop working if it's too hot?

Refrigerators are sensitive to heat and may struggle to cool if they are in an environment too hot (or too cold). We all need a little help to stay cool in the summer, and refrigerators are no different! Luckily, you can do a few simple things to help your fridge run optimally.

What happens if a fridge compressor overheats?

This will cause loss of capacity and also cause the piston to “slap” the valve plate causing a loud knocking noise. The cylinder overheating will cause the gudgeon pin plastic caps to melt allowing the pin to grind into the cylinder wall cutting a deep elongated slot, thereby making the machine useless.

Should the back of my fridge be hot?

It is normal for the back wall or side walls to get hot around the drainage channel. This is because the heating element for automatic defrosting is located there. As long as there are no visible signs of scorching and the temperature in the refrigerator is normal, there is no cause for concern.

How do you know when a refrigerator is going bad?

Your refrigerator starts making strange noises. A gentle hum is normal as the fan motors inside your refrigerator do their job. Unusual sounds like grinding, scraping, knocking, or rattling are signs of bigger issues. You should also check your ice maker if you hear strange noises coming from your fridge.

Is it normal for sides of refrigerator to be hot reddit?

It's not actually a heater, per se. It's a clever engineering trick to use heat generated as part of the refrigeration process to double as condensation prevention.

How long do I unplug my fridge to reset it?

Reset your refrigerator: First, unplug it (or turn off the power at the circuit breaker), and then wait about five minutes for the electrical charge to clear out of it. Then, power it back on again.

Why is my fridge hot on the outside?

You may notice that the outside of your fridge feels warm. This is normal and is caused by the heat dissipated from the refrigeration process. If your fridge feels hot to the touch, it may be due to insufficient spacing between your fridge and it's surroundings.

How do I get my fridge to start cooling again?

Check the breakers and electrical connections: Ensure the refrigerator is properly plugged in, and inspect electrical connections for any issues. Clean the condenser coils: Dust and debris can accumulate on the condenser coils, reducing cooling efficiency.

How to tell if a refrigerator compressor is bad?

What Are the Signs of a Bad Refrigerator Compressor?
  1. Your Refrigerator is Constantly Running. Does it seem like your refrigerator is running all the time? ...
  2. Your Energy Bill is Rising. ...
  3. It Doesn't Stay Cold. ...
  4. You Hear More Noise than Usual. ...
  5. The Circuit Breaker Trips. ...
  6. You Notice a Burning Smell. ...
  7. Refrigerator Problems?

Why is my fridge hot instead of cold?

Check temperature settings: Ensure your fridge is set to the recommended temperature range. Inspect and clear vents: Make sure there's no food or containers blocking the air vents. A clear path for air flow is crucial. Clean condenser coils: Dirty coils can't release heat properly.

Why is my refrigerator running but not cooling?

If you can hear the compressor running but the fridge isn't cooling, the problem is most likely either frost-clogged evaporator coils or a stuck or broken evaporator fan. Evaporator fans often squeal or chirp when they start to go bad.

How long do refrigerators last?

Most refrigerators are designed to last between 10 and 20 years. If you're having any other problems on this list and the fridge is over ten years old, you'll probably save more money in the long run by simply replacing it. Otherwise, you could sink money into repairs for a fridge already on its way out.

What is the first thing to check when a refrigerator stops working?

The first thing you should do is check if the power supply to your refrigerator is working properly. Make sure that none of the plugs or wiring are loose or damaged, and check that the power outlet is still functional. If everything looks fine on that front, then it could be a problem with the refrigerator itself.

Why is my fridge compressor hot to touch?

Poor air circulation is one of the main reasons why the compressor on your fridge is hot. When there isn't enough airflow around the part, it won't be able to cool itself down properly and will begin to overheat.

What is the longest lasting refrigerator brand?

Some of the most long-lasting refrigerator brands come from GE, LG, and Bosch. These refrigerators come at different price points, whether you are looking for a standard model or high-end appliance.

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