If a Samsung refrigerator is overheating, it is usually easy to fix. This article guides you on steps to take to fix the issue of overheating permanently.
Table of Contents
Samsung Refrigerator Overheating – Solutions
The following are steps to take to solve the problem of a Samsung refrigerator overheating:
1. Relocate the Refrigerator
Check to see if the refrigerator is in the direct path of sun rays entering the room. If it is, relocate it to another part of the room or house. And if there is any other heat source close to it, it is important to move it as far away as possible from it.
In the event you find that you cannot move the unit from the room or path of the sun, reduce the heat coming from the source. For sunlight, close the curtain over the window from which the rays come in. Then, reduce the temperature setting of the unit in order to give it a chance to maintain a cool temperature.
If the Samsung refrigerator is hit directly by sunlight, it will overheat. The heat from the sun plus its own heat from normal operations combined will cause overheating. The same is true for other sources of heat.
This is because the refrigerator will put in work to remain cold and the extra work causes it to overheat.
2. Move the Refrigerator Away from Wall
Take a look at the space between the back of the unit and the wall behind it. It should be about 2 inches, at least. If there is no space or the space is insufficient, move the refrigerator away from the wall to improve the airflow.
Keeping the refrigerator too close to the wall will inhibit proper airflow, causing the unit to overheat. This is because the compressor does not get enough air with which to operate, causing it to get hot and affect the temperature of the refrigerator.
3. Check the Temperature Setting
Adjust the setting of the temperature of the refrigerator if it is higher than 38 degrees Fahrenheit or 0 degrees Fahrenheit for the freezer section. If it is in the right setting, take it a degree or two lower and watch to see if there is any change.
If nothing happens, then the thermostat could be malfunctioning, causing the unit to work extra to maintain a cool temperature. And when this happens, the unit will begin to overheat to the pressure.
You may have to replace the thermostat if there is no change in the internal temperature. Have a refrigerator repair technician fix it for you or watch this video to know the steps in replacing it…
4. Clean the Condenser Coils
If the condenser coils are visible under or behind the unit, clean them using condenser brush or a vacuum cleaner. Wipe the dust and debris from the coils and sweep everything up carefully so it does not stick to the coils again.
Then, check to see if the coils feel greasy or sticky. Clean them thoroughly using warm water and mild soap if they are. Make sure to repeat the cleaning process to avoid the accumulation of dirt over time.
Condenser coils are responsible for dissipating heat from the refrigerant as it passes through them into the refrigerator. If they are dirty, they won’t be able to dissipate the heat effectively, thereby causing the refrigerant to carry the heat into the refrigerator.
Consequently, the refrigerator will have to work extra to keep from feeling the heat and overheats in the process.
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5. Clear the Air Vents
Blocked air vents mean the unit won’t have enough cold air circulating in it. Therefore, inspect the vents to be sure no item is blocking them. If there is, move it away and rearrange the contents of the unit to make for better ventilation.
The refrigerator may read it as a fault if there is improper air circulation and try to fix the fault. In the process, the extra effort will make it overheat.
6. Inspect the Condenser Fan
Ensure nothing is restricting the blades of the fan from spinning. Inspect and clean them thoroughly to remove dust and debris, leaving them clean and free.
Next, test the motor of the fan. Try to turn the blades with your hand. If they are stiff, it means there is dirt gumming the motor bearings and stiffening the shaft. Spray some penetrating oil on the shaft to remove the stiffness. Check the blades again.
After this, test the windings of the motor for continuity using a multimeter. If there is no continuity, replace the motor of the condenser fan.
If the compressor is running and the condenser fan is not, replace the motor of the fan. This is because the fan passes air through the condenser in order to push the hot air from compression out into the environment. If the fan does not work, the refrigerator and the compressor will overheat due to the heat from the compression process.
7. Check the Content
If you regularly put hot food in the refrigerator or freezer, it can cause the unit to work extra in order to make up for the heat from the food. Allow food to cool completely before putting it inside the unit.
In addition, keep from opening the door of the unit often. Doing this reduces the coldness within and gives the refrigerator the extra job of maintaining a cool temperature. This is especially true if there is a lot of food or beverages in it; it usually takes long to cool a huge amount of food and even longer if the door is opened often.
If you have to preserve food or chill drinks, allow the refrigerator to cool adequately before putting them inside it. And when stored, avoid constant opening and closing of the door. For faster freeze time, use the Power Cool or Power Freeze function of the unit.
If the Samsung refrigerator is still overheating even after fixing all of the above, it means there is a technical problem. Call a professional refrigerator technician for assistance.
Check out these other articles…
Samsung Freezer Icing Up [How to Fix]
Samsung Refrigerator Not Getting Cold [How to Fix]
Known Issues with Samsung Refrigerators [How to Fix]
Important Note
It is important to point out here that refrigerators heat up when operating normally. Samsung refrigerators usually have anti-condensators to prevent condensation in the units. And these anti-condensators produce heat.
However, if the heat is on all sides of the unit and coming from under it excessively, it is time to find and fix the cause of the problem.
Samsung does not recommend unplugging the refrigerator when it overheats. Contact the Service center to report the issue and request service.
However, if there is a burning smell or smoke when the unit is overheating, unplug it immediately if you can. If you cannot, shut down the circuit breaker that controls that part of the house. Then, contact Samsung or call a qualified service technician to find the fault and fix it.
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