Why is my fridge and freezer hot?

Author: Holly Wisozk  |  Last update: Sunday, June 29, 2025

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.

Is it normal for a fridge freezer to get 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.

Why is my fridge and freezer warming up?

The thermostat is in the refrigerator and turns on the cooling system and a fan which circulates the cold air into the refrigerator. If the fan stops working, the freezer section stays cold because the thermostat is on, but the cold air is not being moved into the refrigerator compartment and it warms up.

Why is my refrigerator hot between the freezer and refrigerator?

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.

What should I do if my fridge is 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.

What causes a refrigerator compressor to get hot?

How do you know if your refrigerator is overheating?

Unusual noises coming from your refrigerator can also be a sign of overheating. If you hear loud buzzing or humming sounds more frequently than before, it could imply that the compressor is working harder than necessary to maintain proper cooling.

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.

Should my fridge be hot to the touch?

This is normal and is caused by the heat dissipated from the refrigeration process.

Why is my fridge getting hot on the sides?

Sides of a refrigerator might appear hot as heat generated by the compressor is drawn to the sides to prevent condensation and improve adhesion of the door seal. 1. Compressor generates heat as it runs. Heat is not given off when it stops.

How do you fix a refrigerator compressor that overheats?

Refrigerator Compressor Too Hot? Here's What To Do
  1. Step 1 – Make sure your refrigerator is in a good location. ...
  2. Step 2 – Clean the condenser coils. ...
  3. Step 3 – Test the condenser fan. ...
  4. Step 4 – Test the temperature control thermostat. ...
  5. Step 5 – Inspect the compressor.

Why is my fridge and freezer suddenly not cooling?

There are several causes for a refrigerator that doesn't cool, including dirty condenser coils, poor ventilation, improper installation, faulty or dirty gasket seals, unorganized food storage, appliance location and malfunctioning internal parts.

What number should a fridge be on?

Fridge temperature settings are generally numbered from 1 to 5, with 5 being the coldest. A fully stocked fridge may need to be set to a higher setting (around 3 or 4), whereas one with more space is best suited to temperature setting 2 or 3.

Why is my freezer frozen and fridge warm?

Why Is My Freezer Cold But Refrigerator Warm. If your freezer is cold, but the refrigerator section is not cooling, several potential culprits exist to consider. The typical problems include a jam-packed freezer, blocked condenser coils, challenges with the evaporator fan motor, and a faulty thermistor.

Can a faulty fridge freezer cause a fire?

Analysis of the data collected from these fires suggests that, once ignition occurs, fires started by faults in fridge/freezers are more likely to spread beyond both the appliance and the room of origin, and tend to cause more damage than fires started by the other types of white goods appliance (washing machine, ...

How do you know if your refrigerator freezer is going bad?

Food that won't stay frozen may be an obvious sign of a faulty freezer, but signs like excessive frost build-up on the walls or freezer-burnt food can also indicate unstable freezer temperatures. You may also notice your freezer making unusually loud humming, clicking or buzzing noises as parts struggle to operate.

What happens if your fridge is 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 does it mean if the side of your freezer is hot?

The condenser fan circulates air across the condenser coils, helping cool hot refrigerant coming from the compressor. If the fan fails to run when activated, the temperature of the refrigerant will rise and the outside walls may feel extremely hot to the touch.

How to fix a refrigerator that is hot between the doors?

However, older models may have exposed condenser coils on the back or underneath the Fridge. These coils can collect dust and dirt. Cleaning these coils as well as improving air flow around the Refrigerator can reduce the heat created in this area.

Should a fridge get hot on the sides?

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 I reset a refrigerator compressor?

Shutting off the power to the refrigerator will give all of its systems—including the compressor—time to reset. Power down your refrigerator by unplugging it from the wall or shutting off the circuit breaker connected to the fridge. Leave the unit unplugged for five to ten minutes.

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.

Will unplugging a fridge reset it?

Reset your refrigerator

Follow the instructions below depending on your model and what you would like to reset: 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 both my fridge and freezer not cooling?

Be sure the vents on the back of the freezer compartment aren't blocked by boxes of ice cream or frozen vegetables— the vents have to be clear for cold air to circulate. Vacuum the coils under or behind the fridge. Clogged coils can cause poor cooling.

Why is my refrigerator hot on the outside?

At times, the refrigerator exterior may feel even warmer than usual, especially where the gaskets meet the frame, which are the mullion and cabinet flanges. This heat is generated by a heat loop located within the refrigerator walls near the gasket areas.

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