Ask Angie: What can cause cold freezer but warm refrigerator?

Angie Hicks is the founder of Angie's List (http://www.angieslist.com), a website that collects about 40,000 consumer reports each month covering more than 350 categories of home-related services. (MCT)

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Dear Angie: The freezer in my refrigerator is cold, but the bottom of the refrigerator is warm. If I unplug my refrigerator and plug it back in, the fan in the freezer comes on but then immediately goes back off. Any idea what the problem could be, how to fix it and how much it would cost? Donna P., Atlanta

Answer: A number of factors could determine what the issue is, including the brand and configuration of the refrigerator and freezer (for example, a side-by-side, top freezer, bottom freezer, etc.).

However, I reached out to some highly rated appliance repair companies in your area, and they suggested a few common scenarios that could be causing your issue.

The first and most simple to repair would be a loose wire connection. That could be fixed easily for a minimal service charge (typically about $100).

Another possible problem is a bad evaporator fan motor, which circulates the air from the freezer to the refrigerator. The fan motor could be overheating shortly after it starts operating and thus, not circulating air.

Another issue could be with the condenser fan. If that motor stops working, it could be the result of a failure with the defrost system, allowing frost to build up, which could block air flow and prevent the fan from turning. If it's one of the fan issues, repair could cost $200 to $250.

The final likely scenario is a malfunction in the refrigerator's control (circuit) board. Depending on the issue, that repair could cost $100 to $400.

I recommend you find a reputable appliance repair company familiar with your make and model to offer a firm diagnosis. Though most companies will charge a minimum service charge to come to your home, some might offer a free evaluation. Their recommendation should help you decide whether you're better off repairing or replacing the refrigerator.

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Ask Angie: What can cause cold freezer but warm refrigerator?