You opened your fridge to get a nice cold drink.
But what you found is a warm bottle of soda – along with unchilled goods.
Well, this scenario isn’t new to most Galanz fridge users.
And you can try a few things first before calling a repairman.
What are those?
Keep reading to discover:
- 11 steps to fix a Galanz fridge that’s not cooling.
- The possible reasons why this problem happens.
- 5 practical tips on how to maintain your Galanz fridge.
- How to clean your refrigerator and when you should do this.
- And a lot more…
Why is my Galanz fridge not cooling?
Your Galanz fridge is not cooling because of a loose power connection or gaps in its doors. The latter might be due to defective or dirty door seals. But if your fridge isn’t tilted to the back, it can also cause it not to close tightly. And your unit may be placed near heat or cold areas as well.
In other cases, this could also be due to faulty parts. Say, a damaged compressor or coils.
But if the latter isn’t the cause of your problem…
Here are a few things you can do at home.
Galanz fridge not cooling: 11 steps to fix it
#1: Check its power source
Okay, let’s start with the simplest fix first.
You may not be aware of it, but its cord could be loose. And this is the reason why your fridge is not cooling properly.
So take a look at your Galanz fridge’s connection. Ensure that its cord is plugged securely into the power socket.
Then, open your fridge. See if a light comes on and if it starts cooling already.
This might not always be the cause. But, it’s still best to do this step first before doing anything more complicated.
It’ll help you cross out the power issue on the list of possible causes. And if this is the reason, you’ll save a lot of time – and money too!
Note: Only plug your refrigerator into a dedicated power source. Because if not, it’ll not get enough power and this can also affect its cooling ability.
#2: Give it bigger clearances
Does your Galanz fridge have enough space around it – especially at the back?
If not, move it a bit and leave 1 in (2.54 cm) gap on all sides.
Based on the Galanz manual, give your fridge at least 1 1/2 in (3.81 cm) clearance on its top and rear.
Also, if you have a free-standing fridge, it’s meant to be used that way. So it shouldn’t be put in a recessed area.
“How does the clearance help?”
Refrigerators may not also cool enough if they’re too close to walls or other objects.
If there’s only a little clearance between them, the air won’t circulate well. And this is also true for other equipment.
Further reading: 15 Refrigerator Do’s And Don’ts (Avoid #7 At All Times)
#3: Slightly tilt your fridge backwards
This isn’t usually a common thought.
But did you know that it’s also important for a fridge to be level?
Yup, so check your refrigerator.
It must be perfectly level from side to side.
But tilt it a little backward – around 1/4 inch or 0.6 cm. This is so that its doors will close tightly.
How to do it:
- Put the level on top of your refrigerator.
- Check if it’s level from left and right. Then from the front to the back side.
- If it isn’t tilted backwards yet, adjust its leveling legs on the front.
- Turn them:
- Clockwise: to raise the fridge.
- Counterclockwise: to lower the fridge.
- Place the level on top again to check the final slope. (The front part must be higher by 1/4 inch or 0.6 cm than the rear legs.)
Why should a fridge be perfectly level?
One is for its doors to shut completely.
When a fridge is tilted the other way around, its doors will not close properly and stay open for a long time. And this could result in cooling issues.
Two, some refrigerators also need to be sloped in a way that the water can drain correctly.
#4: Reduce or rearrange its contents
How much food is stored inside your Galanz fridge?
Because it could also be that the issue is caused by overstocking.
There might be some items that block your fridge’s vents. And this makes it hard for the cold air to circulate well.
Also, if it’s cramped inside, it’ll need more energy to maintain the ideal temperature. And it may cause it to malfunction.
What to do?
Try reducing the contents of your fridge.
Check if all the items need to be there. And remove leftovers that have been staying inside for more than 4 days.
Also, space the contents evenly to avoid blocking of air.
Note: Oh, avoid putting hot food inside your fridge as well. If you really need to do it, let it cool for a while.
#5: Put more food inside
In some cases, it could also be the opposite.
Your Galanz fridge might be understocked. So it works twice as hard to maintain a low temperature.
“Why’s that?”
A refrigerator doesn’t only rely on itself to keep its interior cold at all times.
Its contents also help in maintaining it.
How?
The cold food inside will make it easier for your fridge to maintain its coolness.
So always keep your refrigerator well-stocked. (Not over or under.)
#6: Relocate your fridge to a better spot
Where is your Galanz fridge placed?
If it’s near direct sunlight or any hot objects (e.g., water heater, range), it might be the reason why it’s not cooling.
But it’s also the same if your fridge is in an unheated area. This is because the coldness can make your compressor not work properly.
What to do?
So as much as possible, put your refrigerator in a spot with a normal room temperature.
Move or reposition your fridge away from any heat source, moist area, or hot place.
And avoid rooms with a temperature below 55° F (13° C).
#7: Set your fridge to the ideal temperature
Have you already checked your fridge’s temperature?
Because this could also be due to a simple reason – incorrect temperature setting.
I know. You might have set it correctly before.
But, you or other people may have changed it by accident.
If this is the case, it’s easy to fix.
Just set your refrigerator at an ideal temperature. Then wait for it to stabilize.
Note: This usually takes around 24 hours.
What setting should a Galanz fridge be set at?
Galanz fridges’ temperature can be controlled by a single dial.
This could go from 0 to 7 (with 7 as the coldest). And the recommended starting point for refrigerators is number 4.
Then for the freezer, set it to 0° F (-18° C).
Note: If a day has passed and it’s still not cooling properly, try increasing the number.
#8: Clean its door gaskets
While inspecting your fridge, did you notice anything?
Like if your doors close completely or not?
Because if those aren’t shut at all times, your fridge won’t function properly.
And one of its main causes is filthy gaskets.
The dirt causes them not to stick properly to your fridge. Which will result in gaps or openings.
“What are door gaskets?” you might ask.
Those are the flexible strips of rubber that you see on your fridge doors.
Their job is to provide an air-tight seal so that the cold air inside the fridge won’t get out. While not letting in any warm air outside either.
How to clean door gaskets:
- Prepare warm water (not too hot).
- Mix 1 to 2 tbsp (14.3 to 28.3 g) of baking soda per 1 quart (946 ml) of water.
- Soak a sponge or soft cloth in it.
- Wring excess water before cleaning your fridge.
- Wipe the door seals, as well as all of their points of contact.
Note: Avoid using scouring pads, brushes, or harsh liquids in cleaning the door gaskets.
#9: Replace its door seals
If the gaskets are clean, but your fridge doors still don’t close tightly…
They might be damaged and need replacement.
Over time, these rubber seals become brittle. So there could be torn parts due to the constant opening and closing of the doors.
But before changing it, do a test first.
- Place a dollar bill halfway in your fridge door.
- Close it.
If the bill slides out of the gap, it means that you have defective seals.
But if it stays right there, you don’t have a gasket problem.
To know how to do it, check out the tutorial video below. (The fridge used may be of another brand but the idea and process is the same.)
#10: Reset your fridge
If the steps above don’t work, this could be your second to the last hope.
Try rebooting your Galanz fridge then see if it’s cooling already. And set it to the right temperature.
How to reset your Galanz fridge:
There’s no reset button in most refrigerators.
But, you can manually reset their system by doing these steps:
- Unplug the cord of your fridge from its outlet.
- Put it back in after 45 minutes.
- Set it at the ideal cooling temperature.
- Give it time to adjust on its own. (This may take a whole day.)
#11: Consider repair
Lastly, if you did everything and nothing worked out…
Contact an experienced repairman.
Your fridge problem might be too complex. And the easy fixes listed above won’t solve the issue.
It may have a faulty:
- Thermostat.
- Compressor.
- Condenser coil.
- Evaporator fan motor.
- Condenser fan motor.
And these need to be checked and fixed by an expert.
Bonus: 5 tips to maintain your Galanz fridge
#1: Wipe its insides every month
If you already solved the cooling issue, what should you do next to prevent it from happening again?
First, make sure to clean its insides monthly.
Again, use a sponge for this or a soft fabric. Then drench it in warm water mixed with baking soda. (I discussed this in tip #8.)
What to do?
- Take out all the contents of your fridge.
- Remove recalled food.
- Put the rest on a clean counter.
- Detach all removable parts like drawers and shelves.
- Wipe them as well as your fridge’s insides. (From its ceiling, walls, and bottom.)
- Dry them all using a soft clean towel.
- Reattach the removable parts.
- Put all the contents back inside the fridge.
- Wash the sponge you used, as well as your hands.
#2: Keep its exterior clean as well
Next, if a fridge’s interior should be cleaned at least every month…
The exterior needs to be wiped weekly.
Why?
Because it’s an exposed surface so it can get dirty pretty fast due to handprints and stains.
So, wipe the outside of your fridge frequently. As well as its handles.
#3: Avoid keeping the doors open for a long time
I know this is already given, but let me remind you again.
Aside from high electricity bills, your fridge won’t also cool properly if it’s always open for a few minutes.
Once you let all the cold air out, it’ll be difficult to restore the ideal temperature. And it could take a while for it to cool again.
So, don’t take too long when you open your fridge. Get the things you need as fast as you can. (Not in a rushed way of course.)
Then make sure that the doors are shut properly every time you close them.
#4: Always check the temperature setting
Many things could happen while you’re cleaning or taking out something from your fridge.
You might have set the dial to a lower number. And this is why the food inside your Galanz fridge is all warm.
So, check the temperature as often as you can.
Ensure that the dial is on number 4 or higher (depending on the type of your fridge).
#5: Defrost your fridge when there’s too much frost buildup
Last but not least, too much ice inside can also cause your fridge to not work properly.
And to prevent this, defrost it when necessary.
“When should I do this?”
One, if the frost on your fridge walls is ¼ in thick.
And if it seems like your unit isn’t cool enough even when set at a low temperature (high number in the dial).
How to defrost a Galanz fridge:
- Take out all the food inside your freezer and refrigerator.
- Put a drip tray under the freezer. (This is for the collection of water later on.)
- Switch our fridge off.
- Remove its cord from the convenience outlet.
- Open its doors.
- Wait until all the ice is thawed. (This could take several minutes or hours.)
- Wipe the insides of the freezer and refrigerator using a clean towel.
- Set your fridge to the recommended temperature. (Put the dial for the refrigerator on number 4. Then the freezer at 0° F (-18° C).
Continue reading: 15 Best Ways To Maintain Your Refrigerator (Checklist)