- Food freezes in the fridge – why?
- Refrigerator freezing food on the lowest setting
- Why is my fridge freezing up at the back?
- Vegetables freezing in the refrigerator drawer
A fridge should only freeze the food inside the freezer compartment. In the typical refrigerator, the temperature should not be less than 3 degrees Fahrenheit. Below this temperature, there is a chance that your food or drinkable will get partially frozen. The refrigerator that is too cold can cause by various reasons. In this post we will try to cover every possible reason and what you should do to fix it.
Most common reasons for a refrigerator that’s too cold are:
- Temperature control thermostat
- Control board
- Thermistor
- Flap control
#1 Most typical reason for refrigerator is freezing food: Temperature control thermostat
Often the reason for the fridge that’s too cold is quite simple; the temperature control of the thermostat may have a defect.
Usually, you can set the temperature inside the refrigerator. It is generally done via a switch that sits in the thermostat and can be of analog or digital. Typically your fridge inside temperature should be the one you select.
Temperature control thermostat function is to monitor the interior temperature. If this component is defective, then the refrigerator can no longer check the internal temperature. It can result in constant cooling and hence freezing of the food.
– Our recommendation –
Change the set temperature of the refrigerator and measure the interior temperature using fridge thermometer. If there is no change, then probably temperature control thermostat is not functioning properly
#2 reason for refrigerator is freezing food: Control board
The fridge that’s too cold will consume more energy. Excessive cooling means that it’s working more than average, which will ultimately affect its service life. That is why it is crucial to solve the freezing food problem as soon as possible. The defective control board can cause your refrigerator to freeze food.
The control board of the refrigerator is a kind of signal generator. Depending on what information this board receives, the control board makes specific circuits or sends signals to other components.
For example, when temperature thermostat signals that the desired temperature is achieved, the control board stops further cooling. Sometimes control board stops sending or receiving signals, which can cause this problem.
– Our recommendation –
Mechanical components are usually easier to test for functionality as compare to electrical. If you don’t have appropriate knowledge, we recommend you to hire the professional. Most manufacturers sell the control board as a replacement part.
#3 reason for refrigerator is freezing food: Thermistor
The thermistor is the critical component for proper operating of the fridge. It helps the refrigerator to work in a short range of temperatures.
The thermistor is responsible in the refrigerator for comparing the actual temperature with the target temperature. In the event of a deviation, it gives the corresponding feedback, which in turn triggers further signals.
Above a specific temperature, the cooling of the refrigerator must be interrupted to prevent icing in the interior.
– Our recommendation –
If the fridge is always running, then check the thermistor for continuity with a multimeter.
The resistance should also change here as the temperature changes. You can easily replace the thermistor. Usually, the thermistor is quite inexpensive, and you can find one on Amazon by clicking here.
#4 reason for refrigerator is freezing food: Flap control
The last component you should check if your fridge is freezing food is flap control.
The flap control opens and closes to let the cold air inside the interior. If this damper does not close properly, too much cold air will enter into the interior. It will over-cool the inside of the refrigerator and will freeze the food/drinks.
– Our recommendation –
Check if your refrigerator flap is working correctly or not. You should also check whether it is completely broken or just blocked.
Find out exactly where this flap control fits your model from the manual (usually available on the manufacturer’s website). If necessary, replace the flap control of your refrigerator.
