A refrigerator not cooling can quickly turn into a stressful situation—spoiled groceries, melting freezer items, and a lot of uncertainty. One recent case in Houston’s 77024 ZIP code involved a Kenmore side-by-side refrigerator not cooling properly in both the freezer and fresh food compartments. This common issue highlights several key failure points that often arise in Kenmore models.
The Customer Complaint
A homeowner contacted our team at HomeFix Appliance Repair complaining that her Kenmore fridge was not cooling, and the freezer wasn’t keeping ice frozen. At first glance, the issue seemed like a thermostat malfunction or a failed fan. However, after inspecting the unit, the real problem became clear.
Common Reasons Why a Kenmore Refrigerator Is Not Cooling
If your Kenmore refrigerator is not cooling, you might be dealing with:
- A blocked evaporator coil
- Defrost system failure
- Low refrigerant (freon) level
- Faulty evaporator or condenser fan
- Thermostat or temperature sensor issues
- Compressor problems
- Airflow blockages due to ice or failed fan motors
In the case we encountered in Houston 77024, it was a combination of ice buildup and low refrigerant pressure—a frequent issue in older models.
Evaporator Coil Ice Blockage: A Hidden Cooling Killer
When our technician opened the back panel covering the evaporator in the freezer section, a massive block of ice was discovered on the upper part of the coil. This ice buildup completely blocked the airflow, preventing cold air from circulating to the fresh food compartment and even parts of the freezer.
Why This Happens
Kenmore refrigerators, especially those manufactured between 2005–2010, are known to experience evaporator freezing issues when:
The defrost heater fails or the defrost timer malfunctions.
The drain line gets clogged, causing moisture to accumulate and freeze.
A freon leak reduces coil temperature and leads to frost accumulation.
In this instance, the lower part of the evaporator was not frozen at all, which was a red flag. It suggested that the evaporator wasn’t receiving enough refrigerant—a clear sign of a leak or low charge
Diagnosing the Problem
After uncovering the evaporator, the technician performed a system check:
Pierced the sealed system with a service valve to read the refrigerant pressure.
Measured a pressure of -5 psi, well below the normal range for an R134a system (should be 0 to +5 psi at rest).
Confirmed that the compressor was functional but under-charged.
Identifying the Brand and Components
Many homeowners don’t realize that Kenmore doesn’t manufacture its own refrigerators. Instead, they source parts from well-known OEMs like:
In this case, the internal parts—including the evaporator and control board—were stamped with Electrolux part numbers, while the compressor was a Panasonic model, known for long-lasting reliability.
The Repair Process
Here’s what the technician did to restore the unit:
1. Steam Defrosting the Evaporator
Using a high-pressure steam cleaner, the technician carefully defrosted the entire evaporator coil. This method:
Prevents damage to the coil fins
Quickly melts the ice block
Avoids water runoff issues with towels placed beneath
2. Recharge the System
Once defrosted, the technician:
Installed a saddle valve on the compressor’s service port.
Pulled vacuum to remove moisture and contaminants.
Recharged the system with the proper amount of refrigerant (R134a).
3. Functional Test
After the recharge, the fridge was turned back on. Within 10 minutes:
The entire evaporator coil was evenly frosted.
The airflow returned to normal.
Both freezer and fresh food sections began cooling properly.
Results and Customer Satisfaction
This Kenmore refrigerator in Houston had been in use since 2007, yet thanks to durable components (like the Panasonic compressor and Electrolux evaporator), the system was still in good shape—just undercharged.
After the refrigerant recharge and defrosting:
The fridge reached 38°F in the fresh food section.
The freezer dropped to a stable 0°F within a few hours.
No further ice buildup was noted after 24 hours.
The customer was relieved, having considered replacing the unit. Instead, this repair extended the life of her Kenmore fridge by several more years at a fraction of the cost of replacement.
Can You Fix It Yourself?
Yes, in some cases. Try these steps first:
Check the vents and airflow. Make sure nothing is blocking the air vents inside the fridge or freezer.
Listen for the fan. If the evaporator fan isn’t running, cold air won’t circulate.
Inspect the door seals. Damaged gaskets let warm air in and reduce cooling efficiency.
Look for frost buildup. Remove the rear freezer panel. If the evaporator coil is fully iced over, defrost it manually and monitor the fridge.
Test temperatures. Use a thermometer: freezer should be 0°F, fridge around 37°F.
If the fridge still isn’t cooling properly — it’s time to call a technician. There may be a sealed system issue or a freon leak that requires professional tools and knowledge.
Need Help in Houston, Katy, or Sugar Land?
At HomeFix Appliance Repair, we help homeowners across Houston (including Memorial, Westside, Bunker Hill), Katy, Sugar Land, and Richmond solve Kenmore Refrigerator issues fast.
Frequently Asked Questions
If your Kenmore fridge isn’t cooling, but the lights still work, it could be due to a: Failed compressor or overload relay Blocked airflow due to frost buildup Malfunctioning defrost system Low refrigerant levels
Signs include: Evaporator coil only partially frosted Constant compressor running Poor cooling despite fans working System pressure reading in negative range
Most use R134a, especially models made after 1995 and before the 2020s. Always verify with the label inside the fridge.
