Common Reasons Why Your Wine Fridge is Not Cooling

There are many reasons why your wine fridge is not cooling properly. Do you find that your wine does not stay cool long enough or does not chill at all? In this blog post, we will explore some of the most common reasons for this problem.

1) The thermostat is set too high

One reason why a wine fridge is not cooling correctly is that the thermostat is set too high. A very high thermostat will cause your wine fridge to go on and off frequently, so your wine doesn’t stay cool long enough. Alternatively, the sensors that tell the thermostat the temperature may be broken and must be fixed.

How to fix this?

The best way to fix this issue is to reset the thermostat to the right temperature. This can be done using the manual override button on the back of the fridge. If this method does not work, consider replacing the thermostat.

2) The compressor is not working:

If the compressor is not functioning accurately, the refrigerant that absorbs atmosphere heat and provides cool air will not circulate. This is one of the many common reasons why a wine fridge is not cooling as it should.

How to fix this?

• Thoroughly clean all debris around the fan or component.
• Allow the ice to melt before plugging the cooler into an outlet. This delicate process could worsen your wine fridge problem if you're not careful, so check the user manual for instructions.
• If the compressor is still not working, it’s best to replace it.

3) The evaporator coils are dirty:

The evaporator is an integral part of the freezer. Dust and dirt could collect in it if not cleaned regularly, and ice could accumulate. This could lead to overheating. Thus, the wine fridge is not cooling sufficiently.

How to fix this?

• Check the evaporator frequently to see if there’s an ice buildup.
• If there is, thaw the ice and clean the coils.
• Ensure the blades of the evaporator's fan are not damaged so it can circulate the air properly, and the fridge will be able to chill the wine to the right temperature.
• Finally, thoroughly clean the evaporator of dust and debris that prevent it from working accurately.

4) The condenser coils are dirty:

A dirty condenser coil can also lead to overheating, preventing the fridge from cooling the wine to the appropriate temperature.

How to fix this?

• Ensure that the condenser fan is spinning freely and the compressor is not making strange noises.
• Cleaning your coils every other month. This can also help you save energy.
• See if the fridge is level. If it’s not, the coolant will not circulate properly, so the refrigerator will not be able to chill the wine to its ideal temperature.

5) There is a leak in the system:

If there is a leak, condensation occurs, and humidity rises, causing an unstable temperature inside the fridge. Therefore, your wine fridge is not cooling accordingly.

How to fix this?

• Inspect your wine fridge for any gaps or cracks.
• Reduce condensation in your wine fridge by opening it less often.
• Keep your wine fridge set at around 51 degrees or higher. Setting your wine fridge to the right temperature will help prevent condensation from damaging your wine.

Conclusion:

Randy Green

Randy is a true wine storage aficionado and expert in wine cellar design. He gained construction experience as a partner in a general contracting business before niching into and passionately focusing on creating wine storage solutions for clients in 2016. He takes great pride in bringing these designs to life, and is dedicated to ensuring that every wine cellar he creates is not only functional but also a beautiful addition to any home or business. The Wine Cellar HQ team also includes refrigeration sizing experts and licensed HVAC technicians to ensure optimal climate control for your wine cellar, so that your wines can age to perfection.