A Westinghouse refrigerator, just like any other refrigerator, can develop a freezing problem. This article explains the causes and solutions for a Westinghouse refrigerator that is freezing everything.
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Westinghouse Refrigerator Freezing Everything (Solved)
Here are possible reasons why your Westinghouse refrigerator is freezing everything and some DIY techniques to help you fix it:
1. Low Refrigerator Temperature
A Westinghouse refrigerator will make things in the refrigerating section freeze if the temperature is set below the freezing point. The ideal temperature for a refrigerator is between 38°F and 40°F. This should preserve your food just right without freezing it.
So, if you notice your Westinghouse refrigerator freezing things, you should first ensure the unit’s temperature is set right.
2. Defective Temperature Control Thermostat
Switch the thermostat from its lowest setting to the highest. Then, listen for an audible click. If you hear this click, it means the thermostat is most likely not bad. But if you don’t, the thermostat is faulty.
Alternatively, use a multimeter to test for continuity. The thermostat should change continuity each time the setting of the refrigerator temperature changes. If this does not happen, it means the thermostat is faulty.
Bear in mind that a thermostat is not serviceable or repairable. So it must be replaced once it is defective.
This component sends voltage to the refrigerant system (evaporator fan motor, compressor, and condenser fan motor).
So, when the temperature control thermostat is defective, it may make the refrigerant system work longer than required. The effect of this is that the refrigerating unit will become colder than necessary and freeze items.
3. Broken Damper
You will find the damper between the fresh food and freezer sections. If it is in the open position and does not close, it means it is damaged and should be replaced. Otherwise, there will be no regulation of the cool air that flows from the freezer into the refrigerator.
The damper controls the amount of cool air that circulates between the freezer and the fridge section. So, once the damper is broken or stuck open, it may cause items in the refrigerating compartment to freeze.
4. Faulty Thermistor
You can use a multimeter to determine if the thermistor is faulty, just like you do for the thermostat. The thermistor’s resistance should change at different temperature settings. If it does not, you already know what that means, just replace the thermistor.
The work of the thermistor is to read the air temperature of the refrigerator and send its reading to the control board. Then, the board regulates the refrigerant system using the reading from the thermistor.
If the thermistor is faulty, it will cause the refrigerant system to work non-stop. This will make the fridge section colder, and eventually freeze things within it.
5. Dirty Coils
Dirty condenser coils make the compressor work twice as hard to maintain freezing temperature, thereby, freezing food in the fridge section.
Therefore, ensure you clean the coils regularly or at least bi-annually. It is advisable to use a canister vacuum to clean off the dust.
The coils are behind the refrigerator, so pull the unit far off the wall to clean the coils.
6. Damaged Door Gasket
To check if the door gasket is broken:
i. Shut the refrigerator’s door on a dollar bill.
ii. Try pulling it out without opening the door.
iii. If you can, it means the gasket is broken and should be replaced.
Door gaskets, also known as door seals, keep warm air from getting into the refrigerator from the surrounding environment. If warm air seeps into the refrigerator, the unit will run non-stop to maintain the ideal temperature for the freezer.
In a bid to achieve this, the refrigerating section will become colder and begin to freeze things stored in it.
Therefore, ensure you replace door gaskets once they are broken or worn out.
You can also carefully examine the gasket to see if there are any tiny cracks. These may cause leakage.
Follow these steps to change broken or worn-out gasket/seal:
Step 1
Switch off the refrigerator and unplug from the wall socket.
Step 2
Open the unit, and use a screwdriver (preferably a flat head) to pull out the right edge of the seal.
Step 3
Clutch the seal with your finger then, pull it off from its track.
Step 4
Replace with a new gasket that is compatible with your refrigerator’s model. On this new gasket, you will find a plastic stud on the edges. Carefully attach each dot on the four edges of the refrigerator’s door.
Step 5
Use your fingers to work around the seal track on the door and attach the seal to it.
Step 6
Crosscheck to see that the gasket is attached properly to the track. If there is any inflated part, press it properly to fix it.
7. Under-Stocked Refrigerator
If there is little food in the refrigerating compartment, it will freeze. This is because there is not enough content to absorb all the cold air circulating in the unit.
Therefore, ensure you always stock the refrigerator at least three-quarters of the way. Doing this helps to keep things from freezing in the fridge compartment.
However, do not over-stock the unit to avoid improper circulation of air which will thaw the refrigerator.
8. Blocked Air Vents
Do not place items directly in front of air vents. Free them to aid proper air circulation. More so, items such as eggs, milk, and other temperature-sensitive food should not be stored near the vents. This is to avoid having them freeze.
Air vents aid the circulation of air between the freezer and the fridge compartments. If these vents are obstructed, it will cause a short supply of air from the freezer to the refrigerating section.
The refrigerator will, therefore, work harder to make up for this shortage. As a result of this, the fridge compartment will become colder and ultimately freeze things in it.
9. Damaged Control Boards
Temperature and main control boards are hardly ever the problem for a refrigerating unit that is freezing. However, if you have tried all the quick fixes above and still find the unit freezing, check one or both boards.
Sometimes ice may accumulate in the air duct between the freezer and the fridge. This may mess with the thermostat and force it to work continuously to keep the fridge section cool. The result, as you already know, is that the fridge will become colder and things will begin to freeze.
So, apart from all the solutions given above, consider thawing your refrigerator for a few hours first, and see if that helps.
Important Note
Remember to always switch off your appliance each time you want to carry out any repair. This will ensure your safety from electrocution.
Also, consider getting a professional’s help if you are in doubt. It is a bad idea to guesswork; it will only cost you more. You can contact the Westinghouse service center or chat with any of our qualified service technicians here.
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