Your refrigerator is supposed to keep things cool, so it can be jarring when a section of it suddenly becomes hot. A common problem with side-by-side refrigerators, particularly older models, is that the area between the two-compartment doors becomes warm.
Why Is My Fridge Hot Between The Doors?
If you have a refrigerator hot between doors, the problem could be caused by a loose connection between the door panel and the body of the refrigerator.
Corrosion is usually to blame. To fix this issue, remove the screws holding the door panel to the body of the refrigerator and disconnect the wires from the door panel.
Then, carefully pull off the door panel. Once the door panel is removed, clean the area where the wires connect to the door panel. After cleaning, reconnect the wires to the door panel using new connectors. Finally, replace the door panel back into place.
Also, fridge doors are typically made of plastic, and if they become warm to the touch, it may indicate that something is wrong with the refrigerator.
It could be a compressor issue, but it could also be a sign of a leaking seal. To see if the seal is leaking, try slightly opening the door and seeing if any air comes out. If it does, you’ve got a leak somewhere.
If the seal remains hot after opening the door, it may indicate that the compressor is running too fast, causing the seal to wear out faster. This is why it is critical to replace the filter every three months.
What Are Possible Root Causes For Heat Between Fridge Doors?
It is perfectly normal for the area around and between the refrigerator case’s doors to feel warm or even hot. To help prevent condensation on the outside of the refrigerator, the sealed system circulates warm liquid around the front edge of the freezer and fresh food compartment.
When the compressor has to run for longer than usual, this area will always be warmer, if not hot.
The warmth is normal, and the area can certainly feel hot when the refrigerator has to run frequently, as on hot. Older models, on the other hand, may have exposed condenser coils on the back or underneath the fridge.
Dust and dirt can accumulate on these coils. Cleaning these coils and increasing airflow around the refrigerator can help to reduce the heat generated in this area.
Why Does A New Fridge Feel Warm?
Most kitchen appliances become warm to the touch at some point during their lifetime. During the first few hours of use, new refrigerators, in particular, usually feel warm, if not hot.
To dispel the heat and get cold air flowing through the appliance, a new fridge or a room temperature refrigerator that has just been turned on typically works harder than an old fridge with an ice maker.
It takes a lot of energy to keep the refrigerator and freezer compartments cool and ice cold. As a result, a new refrigerator will almost certainly feel hot.
The concern arises when the heat persists, even in a new refrigerator. If something is wrong with the refrigerator’s internal organs, it frequently manifests itself as overheating on the outside.
Concerning Factors
Heat on the outside of a standard or counter depth refrigerator can be a warning sign. If the area between the doors feels hot, your refrigerator may be having some issues.
Heat is usually caused by an airflow problem. The condenser coils in your refrigerator are responsible for moving hot air from the appliance, and when they clog, heat accumulates in your refrigerator.
Even a tough stainless-steel fridge can have airflow issues. If there are any issues with the coils or the condenser fan, the refrigerator will most likely be very hot to the touch.
If the coils become clogged or the fan fails, your refrigerator will overheat. When this happens, there is a chance that your fridge will be permanently damaged.
A faulty refrigerator could also cause a fire. When the compressor overheats, it can cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire in your home.
Paying attention to a warning sign, such as heat between the doors of a side-by-side refrigerator, could save you money on repairs and even property damage.
Why Is The Inside Of The Refrigerator So Hot To The Touch?
Refrigerator compressors are built to run indefinitely. The fan will continue to circulate air around the coils as long as the compressor is running. This prevents the coils from becoming too hot and burning out. However, if the compressor is not properly cooled, the coils may become extremely hot.
This could result in a fire or even damage to the compressor. In order to prevent this from happening, you should check the temperature gauge on the back of the unit every day.
If the temperature rises too high, immediately turn off the power. You should also clean the condenser coil on a regular basis to remove any debris that could clog the airflow.
How To Fix Refrigerator From Overheating?
Refrigerators are designed to keep food cold. No matter how frequently we clean our refrigerator, if it gets too hot, it will stop working properly. Refrigerator coils get warm because of the way they are constructed. The coils are linked together by copper wires.
As the coils heat up, the copper wire expands and contracts, allowing the refrigerant to escape. This leads to the compressor running continuously. To avoid this, the coils should be cleaned on a regular basis.
Related Questions
Is it normal for the sides of a refrigerator to be warm?
It is normal for the side walls of most refrigerators to become hot within the first few hours of use. When a refrigerator is new, the compressor has to work harder to dispel heat from the inside. However, if the walls are extremely hot, it is possible that the condenser fan has failed and must be replaced.
Is it possible for my refrigerator to catch fire?
Yes, your refrigerator has the potential to catch fire and explode. Capacitor failure is a common cause, and gas leakage combined with a faulty power supply is a dangerous combination. Our 15 safety tips for installation and use will help you avoid disaster. When purchasing a refrigerator, consider the star rating.
Conclusion
In short, when your refrigerator becomes unusually warm, even hot to the touch, it may indicate a problem. Even if the entire refrigerator does not feel warm, hot spots on the outside of the refrigerator may alert you to a potential problem.
