Whirlpool Refrigerator Too Cold? Here’s Why

Is your Whirlpool refrigerator getting so cold that the food items inside are starting to freeze? This is a common issue, and in this guide, we’ll explain what’s likely causing it and how to fix it.

Your refrigerator should be like Goldilocks’ porridge—not too hot, not too cold, but just right, sitting between 35°F to 38°F (1.7°C to 3.3°C). Keep reading to learn how to get your fridge running at the perfect temperature.

Why your Whirlpool refrigerator is too cold

Here are the common causes of a refrigerator that is too cold.

The Temperature is set too cold

If your refrigerator’s temperature is set to the maximum cold setting, or near it, you may experience freezing, which can alter the quality and texture of some foods and beverages.

Some Whirlpool models have a temperature dial or button that allows you to adjust the temperature within a range from warmest to coldest. Other models feature a digital control panel, enabling you to set the exact temperature in Fahrenheit or Celsius.

For models with a temperature range, it is recommended to set it to the middle setting. For models with digital controls, the ideal temperature is 37°F (2.8°C).

The air vents are blocked

Whirlpool refrigerators typically have air vents on the back or side walls of the interior. These vents facilitate proper airflow, which is essential for maintaining the right temperature throughout the refrigerator. When these vents are blocked, cold air can become concentrated in specific areas, potentially causing items to become excessively cold.

To prevent this, rearrange the items in your refrigerator to ensure that no air vents are obstructed. Leave at least one to two inches of space between items and the vents to allow proper air circulation.

The temperature sensor is faulty

If the temperature sensor in your refrigerator is faulty, it may send incorrect signals to the control board, causing the fridge to overcool even when the temperature settings are set correctly.

You can check the temperature manually by placing an appliance thermometer inside and leaving it for 24 hours. If the thermometer reading deviates by more than 2°F (approximately 1°C) from the set temperature or the recommended range, this may indicate a faulty temperature sensor that needs replacement.

The temperature sensor can also be tested with a multimeter to check if its resistance changes when exposed to heat or cold. Follow these steps to replace a faulty temperature sensor:

1. Unplug the refrigerator.
2. Locate the temperature sensor. It is often found on the side or back wall inside the refrigerator and is typically covered by a plastic cover.
3. Remove the cover. Use a flathead screwdriver to gently pry it off by pressing the tab.
4. Unclip the temperature sensor from the cover.
5. Unplug the temperature sensor from its connector. Alternatively, if it’s hardwired, carefully cut the wires, leaving enough length to connect the new sensor.
6. Plug in the replacement temperature sensor, or splice the wires if it is hardwired.
7. Clip the new sensor into the cover and reattach the cover to the interior wall.

The ice maker is on, but no water is supplied

If your Whirlpool refrigerator doesn’t currently have a water supply but the ice maker is still turned on, the result can be a fridge that gets too cold.

This happens because the ice maker will continuously attempt to produce ice. Since it cannot detect that the ice bin is full (due to the lack of ice), it runs continuously rather than cycling on and off as it normally would when water is supplied and the bin fills with ice cubes.

If your refrigerator has an ice maker but no water supply, it’s best to turn the ice maker off for now. Whirlpool refrigerators often have a physical switch to turn the ice maker off, or you can use the digital control panel.

Other potential causes

While a bit less common, the following issues can sometimes result in a refrigerator that gets too cold.

The door seals are bad

Faulty door seals or gaskets on a refrigerator can allow cold air to escape and warm air to enter, often causing the interior to become too warm.

In some cases, the refrigerator may overcompensate for the leaky seals in an attempt to maintain the correct temperature, resulting in the interior becoming colder than it should be.

To check if the seals are faulty, you can perform a visual inspection or use the dollar bill test. If the seals are worn, damaged, or no longer providing an airtight seal, they should be replaced.

Replacing the door seal on a Whirlpool refrigerator is straightforward; the old seal usually pulls out, and the new one pushes into place for easy installation.

The condenser coils are dirty

Similar to bad door seals, dirty condenser coils cause the refrigerator to run inefficiently, leading to overcompensation and resulting in an interior that is colder than it should be.

The condenser coils play a crucial role in releasing heat from the refrigerator to maintain the correct temperature. However, when the coils become dirty—covered in dust, hair, and dirt—they struggle to perform efficiently, forcing the appliance to work harder.

In many Whirlpool refrigerators, the condenser coils are located at the back near the bottom, often behind a removable grille. You can clean the coils using a soft, slender brush and a vacuum with a hose attachment.

Still too cold?

If, after trying the steps above, you still haven’t figured out why your Whirlpool refrigerator is too cold, we recommend scheduling a service appointment with an appliance technician.

An excessively cold refrigerator is usually a fixable issue and doesn’t necessarily mean your appliance is failing. Don’t settle for icy milk or damaged fresh produce like fruits and vegetables—resolve the cooling issue so you can enjoy your fridge as it’s meant to work.