Refrigerator Evaporator Fan Starts And Stops: Common Causes

Have you ever noticed your refrigerator’s evaporator fan starts and stops? You may have wondered if it’s a cause for concern. Well, wonder no more! In short, it’s completely normal for the fan to start and stop periodically. But why does it happen? 

In this article, we will explore the reasons behind the evaporator fan’s intermittent operation and the impact it has on your refrigerator’s performance.

By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of why your fridge’s fan behaves the way it does. So, let’s dive in!

Understanding the Refrigerator Evaporator Fan: Keep Your Food Fresh!

Are you curious about the inner workings of your refrigerator and what keeps your food fresh?

Well, one important component that plays a vital role in keeping your refrigerator cool and maintaining its temperature is the evaporator fan.

Hare, we will provide a detailed explanation of what a refrigerator evaporator fan is and how it works.

What is a Refrigerator Evaporator Fan?

The refrigerator evaporator fan is a small electric motor located in the freezer compartment of your refrigerator.

It is responsible for circulating cold air from the freezer to the refrigerator compartment, ensuring that your food stays fresh and cool.

This fan also helps to regulate the temperature in your fridge, preventing it from becoming too warm or too cold.

How does the Evaporator Fan Work?

The evaporator fan works by drawing in cold air from the freezer and circulating it through the refrigerator compartment.

As the air moves through the evaporator coils, it absorbs heat from inside the refrigerator, keeping the temperature at a constant level.

This process continues until the desired temperature is reached, and the thermostat signals the fan to turn off.

What Happens when the Evaporator Fan Malfunctions?

When the evaporator fan malfunctions, the temperature in your refrigerator will begin to fluctuate, and your food may spoil or become less fresh.

You may also notice that your freezer is not producing enough ice, or that it is taking longer to freeze food.

Additionally, if the fan is making unusual noises or is not running at all, it may need to be replaced.

Common Issues with a Refrigerator Evaporator Fan

The refrigerator evaporator fan is an essential component that helps to regulate the temperature and maintain the freshness of your food.

However, like all mechanical parts, it can experience issues that can affect its performance.

Let’s discuss some common issues with a refrigerator evaporator fan and how to address them.

Fan Blade Obstruction

One of the most common issues with a refrigerator evaporator fan is obstruction.

Over time, debris such as food particles, ice, or dust can accumulate on the fan blades, causing them to stop spinning.

When this happens, your refrigerator may not cool properly, and you may notice that the fan is making unusual noises.

To fix this issue, unplug the refrigerator and remove the fan cover. Then, use a soft brush or cloth to clean the fan blades and remove any debris that may be

obstructing them. Once the blades are clean, reassemble the fan cover and plug the refrigerator back in.

Faulty Motor

Another common issue with a refrigerator evaporator fan is a faulty motor. The motor may stop working due to wear and tear, overheating, or electrical problems.

When this happens, the fan will not spin, and your refrigerator may not cool properly. To fix this issue, you will need to replace the motor.

You can do this yourself if you have some experience working with electrical components, or you can hire a professional to do it for you.

Worn Out Bearings

The bearings in the evaporator fan can wear out over time, causing the fan to make loud, grinding noises.

If you notice that your fan is making unusual noises, it may be due to worn-out bearings.

To fix this issue, you will need to replace the bearings. This can be a complex process, so it is best to hire a professional to do it for you.

Frozen Evaporator Coils

If the evaporator coils in your freezer become frozen, it can cause the fan to stop spinning. When this happens, your refrigerator may not cool properly, and you may notice that the fan is making unusual noises.

To fix this issue, unplug the refrigerator and allow the evaporator coils to defrost completely. You can speed up the process by placing a bowl of hot water inside the freezer.

Once the coils have defrosted, plug the refrigerator back in and check to see if the fan is spinning correctly.

Why Does the Refrigerator Evaporator Fan Start and Stop?

The refrigerator evaporator fan is responsible for circulating cold air throughout the refrigerator to maintain a consistent temperature and keep your food fresh. 

You may notice that the fan starts and stops periodically, and wonder why this happens. Below we will discuss some reasons why the refrigerator evaporator fan starts and stops.

Defrost Cycle

During the defrost cycle, the fan will stop running to allow the defrost heater to melt any ice that may have accumulated on the evaporator coils.

This cycle typically lasts for 20 to 30 minutes, after which the fan will start running again to circulate cold air throughout the refrigerator.

Thermostat Control

The thermostat in your refrigerator is responsible for maintaining the desired temperature inside the unit. 

When the temperature inside the refrigerator reaches the desired level, the thermostat will signal the fan to stop running.

When the temperature rises above the set level, the thermostat will signal the fan to start running again.

Motor Malfunction

If the motor in the evaporator fan is malfunctioning, it may start and stop unexpectedly.

This can happen if the motor is overheating, or if there is an issue with the electrical connections. In this case, the fan may start and stop randomly, or it may not run at all.

Obstruction

If there is an obstruction on the fan blades, such as ice, food particles, or dust, it may cause the fan to start and stop.

When the blades become obstructed, the fan may stop running until the obstruction is cleared, at which point it will start running again.

Signs of a Malfunctioning Refrigerator Evaporator Fan

The refrigerator evaporator fan plays a crucial role in maintaining the temperature and freshness of your food.

A malfunctioning fan can cause fluctuations in temperature, spoilage of food, and other issues. Here, we will discuss some signs of a malfunctioning refrigerator evaporator fan.

Unusual Noises

If you hear loud or grinding noises coming from your refrigerator, it may be due to faulty fan motor or worn-out bearings in the fan.

The noise may occur intermittently or constantly, depending on the severity of the issue.

Inconsistent Cooling

If you notice that some areas of your refrigerator are colder than others, or if the temperature fluctuates frequently, it may be due to a problem with the fan.

A malfunctioning fan may not circulate the cold air properly, resulting in uneven cooling.

Spoiled Food

If your food is spoiling or going bad more quickly than usual, it may be due to a malfunctioning evaporator fan.

A faulty fan may not circulate the cold air properly, causing some areas of the refrigerator to be too warm. This can lead to spoilage of food and a shorter shelf life.

Ice Buildup

If you notice ice buildup in your freezer or around the evaporator coils, it may be due to a malfunctioning evaporator fan.

A faulty fan may not circulate the cold air properly, causing the evaporator coils to freeze over. This can restrict the flow of cold air and affect the performance of the fan.

Fan Not Running

If the evaporator fan is not running at all, it may be due to a problem with the motor or electrical connections.

This can result in inadequate cooling and spoilage of food. It is important to address this issue promptly to avoid any potential problems with the performance of your refrigerator.

Can You Fix a Refrigerator Evaporator Fan Yourself?

If you are experiencing issues with your refrigerator evaporator fan, you may be wondering if you can fix it yourself or if you need to hire a professional. 

While it is possible to fix the fan yourself, it can be a complex process, and it is important to have some experience working with electrical components.

Let’s determine if you can fix the refrigerator evaporator fan yourself.

Identify the Issue

The first step in fixing a malfunctioning evaporator fan is to identify the issue.

You can refer to the signs of a malfunctioning fan discussed in our previous article to determine if the fan is the problem.

If you are not sure what the issue is, it may be best to hire a professional to diagnose the problem.

Gather the Necessary Tools

To fix the fan, you will need a few basic tools, including a screwdriver, pliers, and a multimeter to test electrical connections. You may also need replacement parts, such as a new fan motor or bearings.

Disconnect the Power

Before you begin working on the fan, it is important to disconnect the power to the refrigerator.

This will ensure your safety and prevent any electrical damage to the appliance.

Remove the Fan Cover

Once the power is disconnected, you can remove the fan cover to access the fan motor. This may require removing some screws or clips, depending on the model of your refrigerator.

Test the Motor Using a multimeter, test the motor to determine if it is functioning properly. If the motor is not working, it will need to be replaced.

Replace the Motor or Bearings

If the motor is the issue, you will need to replace it with a new one. This may require removing the old motor and installing the new one using screws and electrical connections.

If the issue is with the bearings, you may be able to replace them without replacing the entire motor.

Reassemble the Fan Cover

Once the motor or bearings are replaced, reassemble the fan cover and plug the refrigerator back in. Test the fan to ensure it is running properly.

When Should You Call a Professional to Repair Your Refrigerator Evaporator Fan?

The refrigerator evaporator fan is an essential component that helps to regulate the temperature and maintain the freshness of your food.

If you are experiencing issues with the fan, you may be wondering if you should attempt to fix it yourself or call a professional.

Let’s discuss some situations where it is best to call a professional to repair your refrigerator evaporator fan.

Lack of Experience

If you do not have experience working with electrical components or repairing refrigerators, it may be best to call a professional.

Attempting to fix the fan yourself without the proper knowledge and tools can be dangerous and may result in further damage to the appliance.

Electrical Issues

If you suspect that the issue with the evaporator fan is related to electrical problems, such as faulty wiring or a blown fuse, it is best to call a professional.

Electrical issues can be dangerous and require specialized knowledge and tools to diagnose and repair.

Complex Repairs

If the issue with the evaporator fan requires complex repairs, such as replacing the motor or bearings, it is best to call a professional.

These repairs can be difficult and require specialized knowledge and tools to complete properly.

Warranty or Insurance Coverage

If your refrigerator is still under warranty or you have insurance coverage for appliance repairs, it may be best to call a professional to ensure that the repairs are covered.

Attempting to fix the fan yourself may void the warranty or insurance coverage and result in additional costs.

Safety Concerns

If you are concerned about your safety or the safety of your family, it is best to call a professional to repair the fan.

Refrigerators contain refrigerant, which can be dangerous if handled improperly. A professional will have the knowledge and tools to handle refrigerants safely and prevent any potential hazards.

Tips to Prevent Issues with Your Refrigerator Evaporator Fan

The refrigerator evaporator fan is an essential component that helps to regulate the temperature and maintain the freshness of your food.

To ensure that your evaporator fan is functioning properly and to avoid potential issues, here are some tips to follow:

Clean the Fan Regularly

To prevent the fan blades from becoming obstructed with debris, it is important to clean the fan regularly.

You can do this by unplugging the refrigerator and removing the fan cover. Use a soft brush or cloth to clean the blades and remove any debris that may be obstructing them.

Defrost the Freezer

If the evaporator coils in your freezer become frozen, it can cause the fan to stop spinning. To prevent this from happening, it is important to defrost the freezer regularly. 

You can do this by unplugging the refrigerator and allowing the evaporator coils to defrost completely.

This will ensure that the cold air can circulate freely and prevent any potential issues with the fan.

Check the Fan Motor

Regularly check the fan motor to ensure that it is functioning properly. You can do this by listening to unusual noises or by using a multimeter to test the electrical connections. 

If you notice any issues, it is important to address them promptly to prevent any potential problems with the performance of the fan.

Avoid Overloading the Refrigerator

Overloading the refrigerator can cause the fan to work harder than it needs to and may lead to premature wear and tear.

To prevent this, it is important to avoid overloading the refrigerator with too much food or heavy items.

Maintain Proper Temperature Settings

Maintaining proper temperature settings in your refrigerator can help to prevent issues with the evaporator fan.

Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for temperature settings and avoid setting the temperature too low, as this can cause the fan to work harder than it needs to.

FAQs

Final Words

If you’ve been noticing your refrigerator’s evaporator fan starting and stopping intermittently, there’s nothing to worry about.

This behavior is entirely normal and is a part of your fridge’s cooling system’s efficient operation.

However, it’s always essential to pay attention to any unusual sounds or changes in your refrigerator’s performance. 

If you notice any such changes, it’s best to get them checked by a professional. By understanding why your refrigerator’s evaporator fan behaves the way it does, you

can keep your appliance running smoothly and efficiently. We hope this article has provided you with valuable insights and information on this subject.