Why Is My Fridge Not Cooling in Hot Weather? 7 Fixes

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July 4, 2026
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Quick Answer

If your fridge is not cooling during hot weather, the most common causes are poor ventilation, dirty condenser coils, blocked air vents, worn door seals, frequent door openings, or extremely high kitchen temperatures. In many cases, the problem is temporary and can be solved without replacing the appliance.

However, if your fridge remains above 5°C despite trying these fixes, it could indicate a faulty compressor, evaporator fan, thermostat, or another mechanical issue that requires professional repair.

(Same-day engineers available across London)

When the UK experiences a heatwave, most people expect sleepless nights and uncomfortable homes, but many don’t expect to find their fridge not cooling properly.

Every summer, we receive more enquiries from homeowners asking why their milk isn’t as cold as usual, food spoils quicker, the sides of the fridge feel unusually hot, or the appliance seems to run all day without reaching the correct temperature.

During recent periods of unusually warm weather across London, our engineers noticed a clear increase in service calls related to fridge cooling problems. Surprisingly, many of those appliances weren’t actually faulty, they were simply struggling with the higher ambient temperatures.

A refrigerator works by removing heat from inside the appliance and releasing it through the condenser. When your kitchen becomes much warmer than normal, the cooling system has to work significantly harder to maintain safe food temperatures. Something as simple as poor ventilation, dusty condenser coils, blocked air vents, overloaded shelves or worn door seals can reduce cooling performance.

However, persistent fridge not cooling problems can also point to more serious faults such as a failing compressor, faulty evaporator fan, defective thermostat or refrigerant leak, all of which require professional diagnosis.

In this guide, you’ll discover:

Why hot weather affects refrigerator performance.
How to tell whether your fridge is simply working harder or has developed a fault.
7 practical fixes you can try yourself.
Signs it’s time to call a professional appliance repair engineer.
Expert maintenance tips to keep your fridge running efficiently throughout the summer.

If you’re looking for fast, professional assistance, Westminster Appliances provides reliable Appliance Repair in Westminster for all major appliance brands.

Can Hot Weather Really Stop a Fridge from Cooling?

Yes, but Usually Not in the Way Most People Think

The short answer is yes.

A refrigerator doesn’t create cold air—it removes heat from inside the cabinet and releases that heat into the surrounding room through the condenser coils.

When the surrounding air becomes much warmer, especially during a UK heatwave, the appliance has a much harder time releasing that heat. Because the temperature difference between the condenser and the surrounding air becomes smaller, the cooling system becomes less efficient and the compressor has to work for longer periods.

Think of it like trying to cool your home by opening the windows when it’s hotter outside than inside, it simply isn’t very effective.

That’s why many homeowners notice their fridge not cold enough during hot weather, even though it was working perfectly just a few weeks earlier.

Why Heatwaves Make Your Fridge Work Harder

Several factors combine to reduce your refrigerator’s cooling performance during periods of extreme heat.

The compressor runs for longer

The compressor is responsible for circulating refrigerant throughout the cooling system. During hot weather, it may run almost continuously to maintain safe temperatures.

Condenser coils struggle to release heat

Dust-covered condenser coils combined with high kitchen temperatures make it much harder for heat to escape from the appliance.

Warm air enters every time you open the door

During summer, families naturally reach for cold drinks more often. Every door opening allows warm, humid air to enter the cabinet, forcing the cooling cycle to start again.

Warm groceries increase the cooling load

Adding several bags of room-temperature shopping means the refrigerator must remove even more heat before it can return to its normal operating temperature.

Poor airflow reduces efficiency

Many homeowners unknowingly place their fridge too close to a wall or fill the surrounding space with boxes and household items. Without proper airflow, heat builds up around the appliance and cooling efficiency drops.

Is It Normal for a Fridge to Struggle During Hot Weather?

In many cases—yes.

Modern refrigerators are designed to cope with seasonal temperature changes, but prolonged periods of unusually hot weather naturally make them work harder.

It’s perfectly normal for your fridge to:

✅ Run for longer than usual.
✅ Feel warm on the sides or back.
✅ Take longer to cool newly stored groceries.
✅ Produce slightly more operating noise while the compressor is running.

However, these warning signs suggest something more serious than a heatwave:

❌ Food spoils quickly.
❌ The fridge temperature rises above 5°C.
❌ The freezer also starts warming up.
❌ The compressor never switches off.
❌ The appliance struggles to maintain a safe temperature even overnight.

According to the UK Food Standards Agency, refrigerators should be kept at 5°C or below to help prevent harmful bacteria from multiplying and keep food safe to eat.

If your appliance consistently stays above this temperature, it should be investigated as soon as possible.

Is Your Fridge Really Broken, Or Just Struggling in the Heat?

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is assuming the refrigerator has failed the moment it feels warmer than usual.

In reality, many fridge not cooling complaints during the summer are caused by temporary environmental conditions rather than expensive mechanical faults.

Before booking a repair, ask yourself these simple questions.

Has the weather suddenly become much hotter?

If your cooling problems only started during a recent heatwave, the higher ambient temperature may simply be forcing the compressor to work much harder than normal.

Is your kitchen unusually warm?

Many UK homes weren’t designed for prolonged periods of hot weather.

South-facing windows, direct sunlight, ovens, dishwashers, tumble dryers and poor ventilation all increase the room temperature, making it more difficult for your fridge to remove heat efficiently.

Has your fridge been opened more often than usual?

Summer naturally means more cold drinks, ice cream and chilled food.

Every time the fridge door opens, warm air rushes inside. The appliance then has to remove that extra heat before the internal temperature can return to normal.

Have you just completed a large grocery shop?

Adding a week’s worth of groceries introduces a significant amount of heat into the refrigerator.

A healthy appliance may need several hours, and sometimes up to 24 hours if it’s heavily loaded—to stabilise again.

Is the appliance installed correctly?

Proper ventilation is often overlooked.

If your fridge is pushed tightly against a wall, installed inside a cramped cupboard, or surrounded by clutter, it won’t be able to release heat effectively. This reduces cooling efficiency and places additional strain on the compressor.

Expert Tip

Before assuming your appliance needs replacing, try improving airflow, cleaning the condenser coils and checking the door seals. These simple maintenance tasks solve many fridge cooling problems without the need for expensive repairs.

If you’ve already tried these checks and your appliance still isn’t cooling properly, our comprehensive Fridge Freezer Repair Guide covers additional troubleshooting steps before you call an engineer.

Problem #1: My Fridge Is Cold in the Morning but Warm Later in the Day

One of the most common complaints during a UK heatwave is:

“My fridge is perfectly cold in the morning, but by the afternoon it feels much warmer. Is something wrong?”

In many cases, this isn’t a fault at all, it’s simply your refrigerator responding to changes in the surrounding temperature.

During the night, outdoor temperatures fall, kitchens cool down, and your fridge has a chance to “catch up” after working hard throughout the day. By the afternoon, however, rising indoor temperatures mean the compressor has to remove much more heat while also coping with frequent door openings and warmer groceries.

This pattern was mentioned repeatedly by UK homeowners in online discussions during recent heatwaves. Many reported that their fridge not cooling issue disappeared overnight, only to return once the kitchen heated up again.

Why Does This Happen?

Several factors combine to reduce your fridge’s cooling performance during the hottest part of the day:

The kitchen temperature rises significantly.
Direct sunlight warms the surrounding air.
The compressor runs almost continuously.
Family members open the fridge more frequently for cold drinks and food.
Warm meals and groceries add extra heat inside the cabinet.

None of these necessarily indicate a faulty appliance—they simply increase the workload placed on the refrigeration system.

How to Improve Cooling During the Day

If your fridge only struggles during the afternoon, try these simple steps before assuming it needs repairing:

✅ Keep blinds or curtains closed during the hottest hours.
✅ Avoid placing the appliance in direct sunlight.
✅ Reduce unnecessary door openings.
✅ Allow hot meals to cool before refrigerating them.
✅ Leave adequate ventilation space behind and above the appliance.
✅ Make sure the condenser area isn’t blocked by household items.

Even small improvements in airflow can noticeably improve cooling performance during periods of extreme heat.

Expert Insight

One pattern our engineers frequently notice during summer call-outs is that the appliance often isn’t broken at all.

We’ve visited homes where customers were convinced their fridge needed replacing, only to discover that it was installed tightly between kitchen cabinets with almost no ventilation. After improving airflow and cleaning the condenser area, the refrigerator returned to normal operation without any replacement parts.

It’s a good reminder that environmental conditions can sometimes mimic mechanical faults.

When Should You Be Concerned?

Although this behaviour is often normal during a heatwave, you should arrange a professional inspection if:

Food regularly spoils before its use-by date.
The fridge remains above 5°C, even overnight.
The compressor runs continuously without switching off.
The freezer also begins to lose temperature.
Cooling performance continues to decline after the weather cools.

If these symptoms sound familiar, the issue is likely more than just seasonal temperatures.

Problem #2: My Freezer Works Fine but the Fridge Isn’t Cold

A cold freezer but warm fridge is one of the most common fridge not cooling problems—and fortunately, it doesn’t always mean the appliance is beyond repair.

Many homeowners assume that if the freezer is working, the refrigerator should be cold too. In reality, most modern fridge freezers use a single cooling system.

The freezer creates the cold air, while an evaporator fan circulates that air into the fresh food compartment. If that airflow becomes restricted, the freezer may continue working perfectly while the fridge gradually becomes warmer.

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Common Causes

Several issues can prevent cold air from reaching the refrigerator compartment:

Blocked Air Vents

Food containers pushed against the rear vents can restrict airflow, preventing cold air from circulating evenly.

Frost Build-Up

Excessive frost inside the freezer may block internal air channels and reduce airflow into the fridge section.

Faulty Evaporator Fan

The evaporator fan is responsible for moving cold air from the freezer into the refrigerator compartment.

If the fan stops working properly, you’ll often notice:

A cold freezer.
A warm fridge.
Uneven temperatures.
Reduced airflow from the internal vents.

Damaged Air Damper

Many refrigerators use an adjustable damper to regulate how much cold air enters the fresh food section.

If this component becomes stuck or fails, the freezer may stay frozen while the refrigerator struggles to maintain safe temperatures.

Overloaded Shelves

One surprisingly common cause of fridge cooling problems is simply overfilling the appliance.

Packing food tightly against the back wall or internal vents blocks cold air circulation, creating warm spots inside the fridge.

Quick Checks You Can Do Yourself

Before calling an engineer, try these simple checks:

✅ Make sure food isn’t blocking the rear air vents.
✅ Leave small gaps between groceries to improve airflow.
✅ Check for excessive frost build-up inside the freezer.
✅ Listen for the evaporator fan when the door is closed.
✅ Confirm the fridge temperature is set between 3°C and 5°C.

These quick inspections solve many cooling complaints without the need for expensive repairs.

When Is Professional Repair Needed?

If the freezer consistently remains at -18°C but the refrigerator continues climbing above 5°C, there’s a strong chance that an internal cooling component requires attention.

Possible faults include:

A failed evaporator fan.
A defective air damper.
A faulty temperature sensor.
A control board issue.
A blocked airflow system.

These repairs usually require specialist knowledge and should be diagnosed by a qualified appliance engineer.

If your fridge has stopped cooling completely, don’t wait until food begins to spoil. Our experienced engineers at Westminster Appliances provide fast, reliable Emergency Appliance Repair London services to diagnose cooling faults quickly and help prevent more costly damage.

Problem #4: The Sides or Back of My Fridge Feel Hot

Every summer, homeowners ask the same question:

“Why are the sides of my fridge so hot?”

In most cases, this is completely normal.

Many modern refrigerators no longer use exposed condenser coils on the back. Instead, the condenser pipes are built into the sides of the cabinet.

As the refrigeration system removes heat from inside the appliance, that heat has to be released somewhere—and the sides of the fridge become warm as a result.

During a heatwave, those surfaces naturally become even warmer because the appliance is working much harder than usual.

When Warm Sides Are Completely Normal

You generally don’t need to worry if:

✅ Food stays safely chilled.
✅ The fridge temperature remains between 3°C and 5°C.
✅ The freezer stays close to -18°C.
✅ The compressor cycles on and off normally.
✅ The appliance is cooling efficiently.

Warm sides simply mean the refrigerator is doing its job.

When Hot Sides Could Indicate a Problem

You should investigate further if hot sides are accompanied by:

❌ Food spoiling quickly.
❌ Continuous compressor operation.
❌ A fridge that’s no longer cooling.
❌ Temperature alarms.
❌ Burning smells.
❌ Loud clicking or grinding noises.

These symptoms may indicate:

Poor ventilation
Dirty condenser coils
Condenser fan failure
Compressor problems
Cooling system faults

How to Reduce Heat Build-Up

Fortunately, there are several simple ways to help your refrigerator cool more efficiently:

Leave adequate ventilation space around the appliance.
Keep the condenser area clean.
Avoid storing boxes behind the fridge.
Keep the kitchen as cool as possible.
Reduce unnecessary door openings.
Avoid placing the appliance in direct sunlight.

Improving airflow allows the condenser to release heat more efficiently, reducing strain on the compressor and improving energy efficiency.

Expert Tip

Don’t judge your fridge by touch alone.

Many homeowners assume the appliance is overheating because the sides feel hot.

In reality, the internal temperature matters far more than the cabinet temperature.

Using a simple fridge thermometer provides a much more accurate picture than relying on how the appliance feels from the outside.

If your food remains below 5°C, warm sides alone are rarely a cause for concern.

Helpful Reading

Regular maintenance plays a huge role in preventing summer cooling problems.

Our detailed guide explains simple maintenance habits that can improve appliance performance, lower energy bills and help avoid unexpected breakdowns.

👉 Maintain Domestic Appliances

Problem #5: My Fridge Is Next to a Sunny Window or Heat Source

Your fridge might be perfectly healthy, but its location could be making life much harder.

One mistake many homeowners make is placing the appliance:

Beside a sunny window
Next to an oven
Close to a radiator
Near a dishwasher or tumble dryer
Inside a tight cupboard with poor airflow

All these heat sources increase the ambient temperature around the appliance, reducing its ability to release heat efficiently.

Imagine trying to cool yourself down while standing next to a heater—that’s essentially what your fridge is trying to do.

How to Improve Cooling Performance

Keep the appliance out of direct sunlight whenever possible.
Close blinds or curtains during the hottest part of the day.
Leave adequate ventilation space around the fridge.
Never block the rear ventilation grills.
Avoid storing boxes or household items behind the appliance.

Even small improvements in airflow can noticeably improve cooling efficiency during summer.

If your appliance is still struggling after improving ventilation, our Appliance Repair Westminster service can inspect the cooling system before a small issue turns into a costly breakdown.

Problem #6: My Fridge Isn’t Cold After a Big Food Shop

This is another completely normal situation that often worries homeowners.

After filling your fridge with fresh groceries, you’re placing several kilograms of food that are warmer than the inside of the appliance. Your fridge now has to remove all of that extra heat before it can return to its normal operating temperature.

If you’ve also been opening the door repeatedly while unpacking, even more warm air enters the cabinet.

What You Should Do

Give the fridge several hours to stabilise.
Don’t overload every shelf.
Leave space between food items so cold air can circulate.
Avoid placing hot leftovers inside.
Keep the door closed as much as possible after restocking.

If your Fridge Not Cooling problem continues after 12–24 hours, there may be another underlying issue.

For more expert maintenance advice, read our guide:

👉 maintain-domestic-appliances

Problem #7: I’ve Tried Everything, Could It Be a Mechanical Fault?

If you’ve cleaned the appliance, improved ventilation, checked the thermostat and door seals, but your Fridge Not Cooling issue continues, the problem may be inside the refrigeration system.

Some faults require specialist tools and shouldn’t be treated as DIY repairs.

📅 Book an Engineer — Same-Day Slots Available

Common Mechanical Faults

Faulty Compressor

The compressor is the heart of your refrigerator.

If it begins to fail, the appliance may struggle to cool properly or stop cooling altogether.

Faulty Evaporator Fan

If the fan isn’t circulating cold air, the freezer may stay cold while the fridge compartment becomes warm.

Faulty Condenser Fan

Without proper airflow over the condenser, heat can’t escape efficiently—especially during hot weather.

Refrigerant Leak

A low refrigerant charge reduces cooling performance and requires professional repair.

Faulty Thermostat or Temperature Sensor

Incorrect temperature readings prevent the appliance from cooling as it should.

If your fridge has one of these faults, professional diagnosis is usually faster—and often cheaper—than replacing the appliance unnecessarily.

You may also find our Repair vs Replace Appliance guide helpful before making a decision.

7 Practical Fixes to Try Before Calling a Fridge Repair Engineer

Before assuming the worst, work through this simple checklist.

Fix	Why It Helps
✅ Clean the condenser coils	Removes dust that traps heat and improves cooling efficiency.
✅ Improve ventilation	Allows heat to escape properly from the condenser.
✅ Inspect the door seal	Prevents cold air leaking out.
✅ Check temperature settings	Keep fridge at 3–5°C and freezer at -18°C.
✅ Remove airflow blockages	Cold air must circulate freely inside the cabinet.
✅ Reduce heat around the appliance	Keep the kitchen as cool as possible during hot weather.
✅ Measure the actual temperature	Use a fridge thermometer instead of guessing.

Expert Tip: According to the UK Food Standards Agency, chilled food should normally be stored at 5°C or below to help keep it safe.

What NOT to Do During a Heatwave

When your Fridge Not Cooling problem appears, it’s tempting to try anything that promises a quick fix.

Unfortunately, some common habits can actually make the problem worse.

❌ Don’t Turn the Thermostat to Maximum

Many people assume maximum cooling solves everything.

In reality, this often forces the compressor to work harder without fixing the real cause.

Instead, keep your fridge between 3–5°C.

❌ Don’t Keep Opening the Door

Every door opening lets warm air enter the cabinet.

Try deciding what you need before opening the door.

❌ Don’t Put Hot Food Straight Into the Fridge

Hot food raises the internal temperature dramatically.

Allow meals to cool first.

❌ Don’t Overfill the Fridge

A packed fridge blocks airflow.

Leave small gaps between food so cold air can circulate.

❌ Don’t Ignore Dirty Condenser Coils

Dust-covered coils are one of the most common reasons a Fridge Not Cooling efficiently.

Cleaning them once or twice each year improves performance and may even reduce electricity bills.

❌ Don’t Push the Fridge Tight Against the Wall

Always leave enough clearance around the appliance to allow proper ventilation.

Your manufacturer’s manual will provide the recommended distances.

Temporary Heatwave Problem or a Genuine Fault?

Use this quick comparison table to decide whether your fridge is simply working harder because of the weather—or whether it’s time to call a professional.

Situation	Likely Normal During Heatwave	Call an Engineer
Fridge runs longer than usual	✅
Sides or back feel warm	✅
Takes longer to cool groceries	✅
Kitchen is extremely hot	✅
Food temperature rises above 5°C		✅
Freezer also starts warming		✅
Compressor never switches off		✅
Loud clicking or grinding noises		✅
Water leaking from the appliance		✅
Burning smell or electrical odour		✅

Rule of Thumb: If your fridge returns to normal once the weather cools, the issue was probably temporary. If the Fridge Not Cooling problem continues regardless of the temperature outside, arrange a professional inspection.

Summer Heatwave Maintenance Checklist

A little preventative maintenance can make a big difference during the warmer months. Follow this simple checklist to help your Fridge Not Cooling problems before they start.

✅ Maintenance Task	Why It Matters
Clean the condenser coils every 6–12 months	Improves cooling efficiency and reduces compressor workload.
Check the door seals	Prevents cold air escaping and warm air entering.
Keep the fridge at 3–5°C	Maintains safe food storage temperatures.
Keep the freezer at -18°C	Ensures frozen food stays properly preserved.
Leave ventilation space around the appliance	Helps the condenser release heat efficiently.
Keep food organised	Improves cold air circulation.
Allow hot food to cool first	Prevents unnecessary strain on the cooling system.
Clean internal air vents	Prevents restricted airflow.
Reduce unnecessary door openings	Keeps warm air out and cold air in.
Use a fridge thermometer	Confirms the appliance is maintaining a safe temperature.

These simple maintenance habits can improve cooling performance, lower energy consumption and extend the life of your appliance.

When Should You Call a Professional Fridge Repair Engineer?

Many Fridge Not Cooling problems can be solved with the simple fixes in this guide.

However, some faults require specialist tools, replacement parts and professional diagnosis.

Contact a qualified appliance engineer if:

Your fridge remains above 5°C after trying the recommended fixes.
The freezer no longer stays at -18°C.
The compressor runs continuously without cooling properly.
You hear loud clicking, buzzing or grinding noises.
Water is leaking from the appliance.
The fridge repeatedly trips your electrical supply.
You suspect a refrigerant leak.
The appliance stops cooling altogether.

Ignoring these warning signs can lead to:

Food spoilage
Higher electricity bills
More expensive repairs
Complete appliance failure

If your refrigerator suddenly stops working and you need urgent assistance, our engineers also provide:

👉 Emergency Appliance Repair London

Need a faster appointment?

👉 Same-Day Appliance Repair

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can hot weather affect a fridge?

Yes.

High ambient temperatures make it harder for refrigerators to release heat, meaning the compressor has to work longer to maintain the correct internal temperature.

Q: Why is my fridge warm but the freezer is still cold?

This usually indicates an airflow problem rather than a complete appliance failure.

Common causes include:

Blocked air vents
Faulty evaporator fan
Frost build-up
Damaged air damper

Q: What temperature should my fridge be?

According to the UK Food Standards Agency, your fridge should normally stay between 3°C and 5°C, while your freezer should remain at -18°C for safe food storage.

Q: Should I turn my fridge colder during a heatwave?

Not necessarily.

Turning the thermostat to its coldest setting rarely fixes the underlying issue and can make the compressor work even harder.

Instead, focus on:

Improving airflow
Cleaning condenser coils
Reducing door openings
Keeping the kitchen cooler

Q: Why is my fridge running constantly?

Longer running times are completely normal during hot weather.

However, if the compressor never switches off and your food still isn’t cold, the appliance may have a mechanical fault.

Q: Can dirty condenser coils stop my fridge from cooling?

Yes.

Dirty coils are one of the most common reasons for Fridge Not Cooling problems because they reduce the appliance’s ability to release heat efficiently.

Q: How much ventilation does a fridge need?

Every model is different.

Always follow your manufacturer’s recommendations, but most refrigerators need adequate space behind, above and sometimes beside the appliance for proper airflow.

Q: How long should a fridge take to cool after adding groceries?

After a large food shop, it can take several hours for your fridge to return to its normal operating temperature.

Try to avoid opening the door unnecessarily during this time.

Q: How do I know if my fridge is broken?

Your appliance may need professional repair if:

Food remains warm.
The freezer also loses temperature.
The compressor never stops.
The fridge makes unusual noises.
Water leaks from the appliance.
The problem continues after cooler weather returns.

Q: Is it worth repairing a fridge that isn’t cooling?

In many cases, yes.

Problems such as worn door seals, faulty fans or thermostats are often much cheaper to repair than replacing the entire appliance.

If you’re unsure, our guide can help you decide:

Repair or Replace Your Appliance

Still Struggling With a Warm Fridge?

Conclusion

A Fridge Not Cooling during hot weather doesn’t always mean your appliance is about to fail. During a UK heatwave, refrigerators naturally work much harder to remove heat and maintain safe food temperatures.

Fortunately, many common cooling problems can be solved by:

Cleaning condenser coils
Improving ventilation
Checking door seals
Keeping internal air vents clear
Avoiding overloading the fridge
Reducing unnecessary door openings
Keeping the appliance away from heat sources

However, if your refrigerator continues to struggle after trying these fixes—or your food is no longer staying safely chilled—it may indicate a mechanical fault that requires professional attention.

At Westminster Appliances, we specialise in diagnosing and repairing all types of Fridge Not Cooling issues across London. Whether it’s a faulty compressor, evaporator fan, thermostat, condenser fan or another cooling system fault, our experienced engineers are here to help.

If you’d like to learn more about fridge repairs before booking, take a look at our detailed guide:

👉 Fridge Freezer Repair Guide

Or browse all of our appliance repair services here:

👉 Appliance Repair Westminster

Need Expert Help?

If your Fridge Not Cooling problem won’t go away, don’t wait until food spoils or the appliance fails completely.

Visit Westminster Appliances today to book a trusted local engineer.

We provide fast, reliable and professional appliance repairs throughout London, including emergency and same-day appointments whenever possible.

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Why Is My Fridge Not Cooling in Hot Weather? 7 Fixes