Kenmore Fridge Is Warm But Your Freezer Is Cold? How To Fix It

Have you ever opened your Kenmore fridge and found that your food is not as cold as it should be, while your freezer is still working fine? If so, you are not alone. This is a common problem that many Kenmore fridge owners face at some point. But don’t worry, it’s not the end of the world. There are some simple and easy ways to fix this issue and get your fridge back to normal.

The main reason why your Kenmore fridge is warm but your freezer is cold is because of a blocked or faulty air vent, fan, or thermostat that prevents the cold air from circulating properly between the two compartments.

In this post, we will explain how these parts work, how to check them for problems, and how to fix or replace them if needed. We will also cover some other possible causes and solutions for this issue. By the end of this post, you will have a better understanding of how your Kenmore fridge works and how to keep it cool and fresh.

How Your Kenmore Fridge Cools Down

Your Kenmore fridge has two separate cooling systems: one for the freezer and one for the fridge. The freezer system uses a compressor, a condenser, and an evaporator to create cold air that is blown into the freezer compartment by a fan. The fridge system uses a damper or an air vent to allow some of the cold air from the freezer to enter the fridge compartment. The amount of cold air that enters the fridge is controlled by a thermostat that senses the temperature inside the fridge and adjusts the damper or vent accordingly.

The cold air circulates inside the fridge compartment by another fan that is located behind the back wall of the fridge. The fan helps to distribute the cold air evenly throughout the fridge and prevent hot spots. The cold air then returns to the freezer through another vent at the bottom of the fridge.

How To Check And Fix The Air Vent, Fan, And Thermostat

If your Kenmore fridge is warm but your freezer is cold, it means that something is preventing the cold air from reaching or circulating inside the fridge compartment. The most likely culprits are:

• The air vent or damper: This is the part that allows the cold air from the freezer to enter the fridge. It can be located either at the top or at the bottom of the fridge, depending on your model. Sometimes, the vent or damper can get clogged with ice or debris, blocking the airflow. To check if this is the case, open your fridge and look for the vent or damper. You may need to remove some shelves or drawers to access it. If you see any ice or debris blocking it, use a hairdryer or a warm cloth to melt or remove it. You can also use a flashlight to see if there is any obstruction inside the vent or damper. If you find any, use a thin wire or a pipe cleaner to clear it out.
• The evaporator fan: This is the fan that blows cold air into the freezer compartment. It can also affect the airflow into the fridge compartment if it is not working properly. To check if this is the case, open your freezer and listen for any unusual noises coming from behind the back wall of the freezer. If you hear any humming, buzzing, clicking, or grinding sounds, it means that the fan motor is faulty or damaged. You may also notice frost buildup on the back wall of the freezer if the fan is not working properly. To fix this problem, you will need to replace the fan motor with a new one. You can find instructions on how to do this in your owner’s manual or online.
• The temperature control thermostat: This is the part that senses the temperature inside the fridge and adjusts the airflow accordingly. If it is not working properly, it may not send enough cold air into the fridge compartment, causing it to be warm. To check if this is the case, rotate the thermostat knob from low to high and listen for a click sound. If you don’t hear any click sound, it means that the thermostat is defective and needs to be replaced.

Other Possible Causes And Solutions

If you have checked and fixed all of these parts and your Kenmore fridge is still warm but your freezer is cold, there may be some other issues that are affecting your fridge’s performance. Some of these are:

• The defrost system: This is a system that automatically melts any frost that accumulates on the evaporator coils in your freezer every few hours. If this system is not working properly, the coils can get covered with thick frost, reducing their efficiency and blocking the airflow into the fridge compartment. To check if this is the case, open your freezer and look for any signs of excessive frost on the back wall or on the coils. If you see any, you will need to manually defrost your freezer by unplugging it and leaving the door open for several hours. You will also need to check and replace any faulty components in the defrost system, such as the defrost heater, the defrost timer, or the defrost thermostat.
• The condenser coils: These are the coils that are located at the back or at the bottom of your fridge. They release the heat that is generated by the compressor and the refrigerant. If these coils are dirty or dusty, they can reduce the efficiency of your fridge and cause it to run longer and hotter. To check if this is the case, pull your fridge away from the wall and look for the coils. If they are covered with dust or dirt, use a vacuum cleaner or a brush to clean them. You should do this at least once every six months to keep your fridge running smoothly.
• The door gasket: This is the rubber seal that surrounds the door of your fridge. It helps to keep the cold air inside and the warm air outside. If this gasket is torn, cracked, or loose, it can create gaps that will allow warm air to enter and cold air to escape. To check if this is the case, close your fridge door and run your hand along the edge of the gasket. If you feel any cold air coming out or any warm air coming in, it means that the gasket is not sealing properly. You can try to adjust or repair the gasket by using a hairdryer or a screwdriver, but if it is too damaged, you will need to replace it with a new one.

FAQs

Q: How do I know if my Kenmore fridge is cooling properly?

A: The best way to check if your Kenmore fridge is cooling properly is to use a thermometer to measure the temperature inside both compartments. The ideal temperature for your freezer is 0°F (-18°C) or lower, and for your fridge is 37°F (3°C) or lower. If your temperatures are higher than these, you may have a problem with your fridge’s cooling system.

Q: How often should I clean my Kenmore fridge?

A: You should clean your Kenmore fridge at least once every three months to keep it hygienic and prevent odors and mold growth. To clean your fridge, you will need to remove all the food and shelves from both compartments and wipe them down with a mild detergent and warm water. You will also need to clean the interior walls and floor of your fridge with a damp cloth and baking soda. Don’t forget to clean the door seals and handles as well.

Q: How long does a Kenmore fridge last?

A: The average lifespan of a Kenmore fridge is about 10 to 15 years, depending on how well you maintain it and how often you use it. However, some parts of your fridge may wear out sooner than others, such as the fan motor, the thermostat, or the compressor. If you notice any signs of malfunctioning or poor performance, you should contact a professional technician to diagnose and repair your fridge as soon as possible.

Conclusion

We hope this post has helped you understand why your Kenmore fridge is warm but your freezer is cold and how to fix it. As you can see, there are many possible causes and solutions for this issue, but most of them are easy to check and fix by yourself with some basic tools and skills. However, if you are not confident or comfortable with doing any of these repairs, we recommend that you call a qualified technician to help you out.

Remember that keeping your Kenmore fridge cool and fresh is not only good for your food but also for your wallet and the environment. By following these tips and tricks, you can extend the life of your fridge and save money on energy bills and repairs.

If you found this post useful, please share it with your friends and family who may have similar problems with their fridges. And if you have any questions or comments, please leave them below. We would love to hear from you!