A refrigerator that’s cold on one side and warm on the other can be confusing. You expect it to keep everything evenly chilled, but then you notice the milk is cold while the vegetables are soft or the freezer is fine but the fridge feels like room temperature. This uneven cooling issue happens more often than people realize. The good news is that it’s usually fixable with a bit of observation and care.
At Quick & Pro Appliance Repair Santa Clarita, we see this problem all the time. It doesn’t always mean the refrigerator is failing. Often, it’s caused by restricted airflow, dirty coils, or simple temperature mismanagement. Let’s walk through what causes uneven cooling and what steps you can take to restore balance before calling a technician.
Understanding How the Fridge Cools
Every modern fridge uses a single cooling system that circulates cold air between the freezer and refrigerator compartments. The evaporator coil in the freezer produces cold air, and a fan pushes that air into the fridge through vents. When something interferes with that airflow, one section can stay cold while the other warms up.
Knowing this helps narrow down the problem. If one side is cold and the other isn’t, air circulation is likely being blocked. That means the fix often involves restoring airflow rather than replacing parts.
Check for Blocked Air Vents
The first and simplest step is to check the vents between the freezer and fridge. Cold air flows through these vents, and when something blocks them, the fridge side warms up while the freezer keeps working. Food boxes, containers, or even ice buildup can restrict airflow.
We recommend moving items away from the vents on both sides and checking for frost. If there’s a thick layer of ice, defrost the fridge completely. Turn it off, leave the doors open, and place towels to absorb water. After a full defrost, plug it back in and see if the temperatures even out within a few hours.
Sometimes, a defective fan motor can also cause poor air movement. If you don’t hear a gentle fan sound when the door is closed, the fan may not be running. You can gently press the door switch to test it. If there’s silence, the fan might need replacement.
Test the Temperature Settings
People often set their fridge temperatures too low or too high, thinking colder is always better. When it’s too cold in the freezer, it can restrict airflow to the fridge, leading to uneven cooling.
Try setting the freezer to around zero degrees Fahrenheit and the fridge to about 37 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Give it 24 hours to stabilize. Sometimes, that simple adjustment can fix the imbalance.
If you use a thermometer inside the fridge, place it in the center rather than near the back wall. Air is colder near the vents, and checking the center gives a more accurate reading of the actual storage temperature.
Clean the Condenser Coils
Dirty condenser coils are another common cause of cooling issues. These coils release heat from the refrigerator, and when dust or pet hair builds up, the compressor works harder and less efficiently. The freezer might stay cold while the fridge side struggles.
Unplug the refrigerator and locate the coils, usually behind or underneath the appliance. Use a coil brush or a vacuum with a soft attachment to clean off debris. This small maintenance task can make a huge difference in performance and energy efficiency.
We often see homes in warm regions like Santa Clarita where coils collect dust faster due to air conditioning use and dry indoor air. Cleaning them every six months helps the fridge run evenly and last longer.
Check the Door Seals
When one side of the fridge is warmer, a worn or dirty door gasket could be letting warm air in. Over time, seals lose elasticity or develop small gaps that are hard to see. You can test the seal by closing a dollar bill in the door and pulling it gently. If it slides out easily, the seal is not tight enough.
Cleaning the gasket with warm soapy water can help if debris is preventing a tight seal. If it’s cracked or hardened, replacement is the only fix. Door seals are inexpensive and easy to install yourself.
Even a small gap can throw off the cooling balance, especially if the fridge sits near a window or vent that exposes it to heat.
Look for Frost Buildup in the Freezer
Frost or ice buildup in the freezer blocks airflow, and that directly affects the fridge side. Ice usually forms when the defrost system isn’t working properly or when the door isn’t sealing tightly.
To check, remove food and look at the back wall of the freezer. If it’s covered in white frost, turn off the fridge for a full defrost. Once the ice melts, check if the issue returns. If it does, there may be a problem with the defrost timer, heater, or thermostat.
While these parts can be replaced, they require testing with a multimeter. If you’re not comfortable with that, it’s best to reach out for professional help. For reliable appliance repair in Santa Clarita, our technicians handle defrost and airflow issues safely and efficiently.
Make Sure the Fridge Isn’t Overstuffed
An overfilled fridge can block airflow just as much as a blocked vent. Cold air needs space to move around the shelves. When every inch is packed, some areas get colder while others stay warm.
Try organizing items so there’s a few inches of space between them and avoid stacking too high near the back. Leave room in front of the air vents. The same goes for the freezer. Keeping it about three-quarters full helps maintain stable temperatures and reduces the compressor’s workload.
Inspect the Evaporator Fan
The evaporator fan sits in the freezer compartment and pushes cold air throughout the fridge. If this fan fails, you’ll usually feel uneven cooling and may notice strange noises like squealing or rattling.
To test it, open the freezer door and listen. The fan should run when the door switch is pressed. If it doesn’t spin, the motor may have failed. Replacement typically requires removing the back panel, so if you’re unsure, it’s safer to have a technician handle it.
Ignoring a faulty fan can lead to larger problems, including a burnt-out compressor from overworking.
Check the Air Damper
The air damper regulates how much cold air flows from the freezer to the fridge. It’s controlled by the thermostat and opens or closes as needed. If it gets stuck in one position, either the fridge gets too warm or the freezer gets too cold.
A stuck damper is often caused by ice buildup or a mechanical fault. You can locate it behind a small vent cover between the freezer and fridge compartments. If you feel no air coming through while the compressor is running, the damper may be frozen or broken.
Some homeowners defrost the area to see if it fixes the issue. If it doesn’t, the damper assembly may need replacement. This is a moderate repair that professionals handle quickly.
Consider Ambient Temperature
Refrigerators work best in stable room temperatures. If your kitchen gets very warm, the compressor runs constantly, and the air balance can shift. On the other hand, very cold environments can cause the fridge to stop cycling properly.
In Santa Clarita, where summers can get hot, it’s important to keep refrigerators away from direct sunlight or ovens. Adding ventilation space behind and around the appliance helps it run efficiently and stay evenly cool.
Advanced Step: Test the Thermistors
Thermistors are sensors that tell the control board when to cool and when to stop. If one sensor sends incorrect data, the system may overcool one area and undercool another.
You can test a thermistor using a multimeter by checking resistance at different temperatures, but this step is usually for more experienced users. If all other fixes fail, faulty sensors or control boards could be the cause.
At that stage, it’s safer to let a professional diagnose it. You can easily contact us to schedule a same-day inspection. We can pinpoint whether the issue is electrical, mechanical, or airflow-related.
Preventing Future Uneven Cooling
Once your fridge returns to normal, a few habits can help prevent this problem from returning. Keep the vents clear, clean the coils regularly, and check the seals once a month. Avoid drastic temperature changes, and never block airflow with oversized containers.
Defrosting the freezer once or twice a year, even if it’s frost-free, helps maintain efficiency. Also, make sure the fridge sits level on the floor. A slight tilt can cause doors not to close properly, letting warm air sneak in.
By keeping up with these small maintenance tasks, you can extend your refrigerator’s life and keep your food consistently fresh.
FAQ
Why is my fridge cold but the freezer is warm?
If the freezer is warm while the fridge is cold, airflow may be blocked or the fan motor could have stopped working. A broken air damper or sensor can also cause this imbalance.
Can too much food cause uneven cooling?
Yes. When air cannot circulate freely around the shelves, cold spots and warm areas develop. Always leave space around the vents and avoid overpacking.
How long should I unplug my fridge to defrost it?
For a full manual defrost, leave it unplugged for at least 12 hours or until all visible ice has melted. Wipe out the water before restarting it.
Does cleaning the coils really help?
Absolutely. Dirty coils trap heat and reduce cooling efficiency, forcing the compressor to work harder. Cleaning them can restore proper temperature balance.
When should I call a professional?
If you’ve checked vents, coils, seals, and fan function but still have uneven cooling, it’s time for expert help. Electrical or sensor issues require testing tools and experience.
