Serving Scottsdale & Surrounding Areas
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Troubleshooting Guide

Uneven Refrigerator Cooling - Hot and Cold Spots

Some areas are too cold while others are too warm

refrigeratorbuilt-in refrigerator

Different areas of your refrigerator maintain different temperatures. Some food freezes while other items spoil.

Quick Fixes to Try First

  • 1
    Reorganize contents to ensure air vents aren't blocked
  • 2
    Remove excess items to improve air circulation
  • 3
    Check that all drawers and shelves are properly seated
  • 4
    Inspect door seals for gaps or damage
  • 5
    Use a refrigerator thermometer to identify problem areas

Most Common Causes

Blocked Air Vents

DIY Possible

Food items blocking internal vents prevent proper air circulation throughout the compartment.

Door Seal Gaps

DIY Possible

A gap in the door seal affects the area closest to the leak, creating warm spots.

Overcrowding

DIY Possible

An overloaded refrigerator prevents air from circulating properly between items.

Other Possible Causes

Evaporator Fan Issues

A failing evaporator fan doesn't circulate cold air evenly through all areas.

moderate

Damper Problems

The damper may be partially stuck, sending too much or too little cold air to certain areas.

moderate

When to Call a Professional

Contact our technicians if any of these apply:

  • Temperature variations persist after reorganizing
  • You can hear the fan struggling or not running
  • Frost builds up in certain areas only
  • The problem started suddenly without any changes

Brands We Service for This Issue

Related Problems

Still Need Help?

Our factory-trained technicians are ready to diagnose and repair your appliance.