Galanz Fridge Not Cooling

When it comes to mini-refrigerators, no one does it quite like Galanz. 

Boasting a range of chic and sturdy units made for small spaces, a Galanz mini fridge can make life easier in smaller homes and kitchenettes. Some of these models are equipped with a separate freezer compartment, while others have a single-door design. 

And while there is no set size, most mini-refrigerators have a limited capacity of about two to five cubic feet of storage. So, something as simple as stuffing the fridge can block air vents, thus preventing the flow of cool air. 

Perhaps, the issue of less cooling could be traced to hardware issues, such as a failed fridge compressor, clogged evaporator coils, and a broken condenser fan motor. In fact, these problems are common in fridges of all sizes and not limited to Galanz mini-fridges.

And to help you deal with similar cooling issues, we bring you our tried-and-tested tips and tricks.

Related: Galanz 3.1 Retro Fridge Review

Galanz Fridge Not Cooling — Possible Causes And Solutions

There can be many reasons why the cooling elements in your Galanz fridge have stopped working all of a sudden. From spotting the most prominent and straightforward errors to diagnosing complicated issues, here’s a rundown of what could’ve gone wrong and some easy troubleshooting tips.

1. Unplugged Fridge

Among the most obvious errors, a mini-fridge that is not connected to a power source will not cool the contents. Apart from forgetting to plug in a new fridge, a working fridge may vibrate and loosen the connection. 

So, before jumping to conclusions, always check that the fridge is plugged into a wall socket. Here, a fridge light that turns on when opened is a sure indicator that the unit is powered on and securely connected. 

Moreover, a fridge plugged into an extension cord may have lesser cooling abilities than one connected to a dedicated power outlet.

2. Correct Positioning

A fridge that is backed into a corner with little space between the wall and the back of the unit may lose some of its cooling ability. As a rule of thumb, you should leave a space of about one and a half inches between adjoining walls and the unit, including the top and rear. 

On that note, free-standing models should be placed away from walls and counters, and never in recessed areas. In fact, it is best to provide any other appliance in the house with a similar clearance to ensure optimal functioning.  

Apart from the appropriate clearance, consider placing your refrigerator in a cool area in the room, away from direct sunlight and heating appliances. On the flip side, a fridge works best at room temperature that does not go under 55 °F. 

3. Door Alignment

Frequently opening and closing the door is bad for the environment and your energy bills. Moreover, cold air escapes every time you open the door, thus disturbing the cooling within the unit. 

Also, check that the door seal or door gaskets running along the sides of the refrigerator door are appropriately attached and do not prevent the fridge from closing correctly. Remember to clean these gaskets to prevent dirt buildup from affecting their ability to provide an air-tight seal. 

In addition to letting cold air seep out, a partially-opened fridge door allows moisture to enter the fridge and cause frosting issues. 

As an additional tip, you can consider tilting the fridge slightly backward to ensure that it shuts securely. For this, you have to adjust the leveling legs and turn them in until you get a ¼-inch tilt.

4. Spacing Out Contents

As the name suggests, a mini-fridge is smaller than standard-size units and has a lower storage capacity. Needless to say, overstocking a little fridge can be easy with the limited space you have. 

So, space out the contents in the refrigerator to support air circulation from the vents. Also, make it a habit to take out any perishables that have been sitting for more than three or four days to make more space. 

Apart from blocking air vents that allow the cool air to circulate through the unit, a cramped fridge requires more energy to function. That said, consider turning down the temperature settings when storing more perishables and other contents and resetting the temperature once you take some of them out.

On a side note, understocking may also drive up your electricity bill. Indeed, a mini-fridge with fewer cold items to support its cooling abilities has to work harder to maintain optimal temperatures. So, you might want to stock up with bottles of drinking water when there is too much extra space in the fridge. 

Speaking of proper storage habits, always let leftovers cool enough before putting them inside the fridge. In addition to increasing moisture in the unit, frequently putting warm food inside can compromise its cooling ability in the long run. 

5. Temperature Settings

Even though you may have set the temperatures correctly, it is possible to nudge the dial while taking out or storing food items in the fridge. Perhaps, you have kids in the house who may have tampered with the temperature settings. Nevertheless, it is best to check whether the temperature control knob is in the correct position. 

In most Galanz units, you can choose between eight cooling levels — most experts recommend setting the fridge at four for optimal cooling. As for the freezer part, you should maintain a stable environment of zero °F.

Once you have made the adjustments, you will have to wait for about 24 hours to let the temperatures stabilize. On that note, if you have just bought a new fridge, you should wait at least eight hours for it to start cooling and functioning efficiently. If you find that the contents are still warm after the recommended wait times, you can increase the cooling level in increments. 

And if the problem persists, there may be an issue with the hardware and not the temperature settings. Read on to know about some common issues involving Galanz fridge components that can affect its cooling abilities. 

6. Faulty Sealed System 

A sealed system consists of the evaporator, condenser, and compressor. In simple words, its function is to cool down the gas that flows through the compressor. 

To diagnose an issue with the compressor, you will have to listen to the sounds coming from the compressor to ensure that it is running. Skip to the next section if the compressor is not working altogether. 

If it is running but there is no cooling, the problem may be a restricted condenser or a leak in the capillary tube. 

However, if there are no leaks, you can investigate deeper and check whether the evaporator is in working condition. The evaporator is a crucial part of a sealed system as it evaporates the freon to produce a cooling effect. 

But remember that not every mini fridge is equipped with an evaporator; some models consist of evaporator coils just like their larger counterparts. That said, it is best to refer to the owner’s manual to learn about the various features before diagnosing the issue. 

If your Galanz refrigerator does have evaporator coils, they could have frozen over, thus blocking the path for cool air to circulate. And if all the components are properly functioning, the problem may be in the compressor itself. That said, compressors may become worn out due to aging and need to be replaced after a few years

Considering how replacing a compressor may cost upwards of $300, you may want to invest in a new fridge altogether. 

7. Bad Start Relay

If a compressor fails to run at all, you should check the starter relay, which is mounted on the side of most Galanz fridge models. This component can be compared to the ignition of an automobile — here, it is responsible for running the compressor.

First off, you should test the relay with a multimeter to ensure that there is continuity between the start and run terminal sockets. Moreover, if you do not hear any audible clicks once the fridge is powered on, it may indicate that the start relay has failed. 

If you suspect that the relay is bad, unmount the component and shake it. If you hear a rattling sound, it is perhaps time to replace the part. 

Alternatively, a compressor may give out due to a failed temperature thermostat or control board that has stopped functioning. Control boards are primarily found in newer models from Galanz, so it is best to research the model number you’re dealing with before investigating this issue. 

In simple words, the control board acts as the “brain” of the unit and offers users more programmable settings. For instance, it may help you decrease power consumption, set the temperature, and run power-cool cycles. 

8. Dirty Condenser Coils

Condenser coils can be located at the back of a Galanz mini-fridge, or they may be covered by a kick plate underneath the unit. As the name suggests, these coils help condense the refrigerant and allow cold air to circulate. 

Over time, condenser coils become dirty due to pet hair and dust, which affects its performance, preventing it from removing heat from the unit. That said, you must vacuum the condenser coils or remove dirt buildup using a coil cleaning brush. 

9. Faulty Condenser Fan Motor

A quick way to test the condenser fan motor is by spinning it manually. Alternatively, you can use a multimeter to test it for continuity. 

If there is no continuity or the fan gets jammed in between, you may have to get it replaced. However, ensure that there is no dust, debris, and other contaminants preventing the fan from spinning smoothly. 

10. Faulty Evaporator Fan Motor

The evaporator fan can be tested manually like the condenser fan — all you need to do is spin the blades with your hand. Here, too, the fan must turn without stopping or making any noise. However, bear in mind that not all fridges are equipped with evaporator and condenser fan motors, thus eliminating the issue of similar faulty parts. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

When should I replace my Galanz fridge door seals?

Door gaskets or seals refer to the flexible strips of rubber running along the sides of refrigerator doors. These components are crucial as they ensure an air-tight seal once the door is shut to prevent warm air from entering and cold air from escaping the unit. 

Needless to say, Galanz fridge doors that fail to shut securely should be replaced. However, before doing so, you must check whether the door seals are unable to perform their functions as they are damaged or just dirty. 

So, once you have thoroughly cleaned the parts, test the gasket by placing a dollar bill halfway in the fridge door and shutting it. If the bill slides or slips down, you should replace the seal. 

How do I restart a Galanz fridge?

It is worth noting that a Galanz fridge does not have a separate “reset” button. However, you can perform a reset by disconnecting it from the main power source. Then, wait for a few minutes before turning the temperature controls inside the fridge to zero. You can then plug it back and reset the temperature as desired.

Final Words

Most “no cooling” complaints registered by those with a Galanz fridge at home can be diagnosed easily. In fact, less cooling is a common issue, whether you buy a mini-fridge or a regular-sized one. 

Fortunately, there are various ways to troubleshoot some of these problems without hiring a professional. So, don’t wait around, and follow our guide to know the possible reasons why your Galanz fridge is not cooling

After all, nobody likes a warm drink, especially if your mini-fridge doubles as a wine cooler and houses all your favorite beverages.

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