Amana Refrigerator: not circulating air

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Amana refrigerator not circulating air? You may notice that the refrigerator compartment is warmer than the freezer, and thereâ€™s little to no airflow from the vents. This issue could be caused by a failed evaporator fan, blocked vents, or dirty condenser coils, leading to food spoilage. Understanding the root cause can help you restore proper cooling.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Amana Models

Amana fridges use a damper control assembly for regulated airflow between freezer and fridge; malfunction can stop circulation
Evaporator and condenser fan motors are common service parts affecting cooling and airflow

Possible Causes

Evaporator fan motor failure or blockage

How to Identify: No airflow from vents, freezer cold but fridge warm, fan doesnâ€™t spin or makes unusual noise, visible ice or debris around fan

Part: Evaporator fan and motor

Blocked or restricted air vents

How to Identify: Vents blocked by food or frost; weak airflow when items are moved; manual inspection shows obstruction

Part: Internal air vents between freezer and fridge

Condenser coils dirty reducing airflow efficiency

How to Identify: Condenser coils visibly dusty/dirty; fridge not cooling well overall and running longer than usual

Part: Condenser coils

Damper control assembly stuck closed

How to Identify: Cold air isnâ€™t moving from freezer to fridge despite fan running; damper doesnâ€™t open when temperature changes

Part: Damper door/assembly

Faulty thermistor or temperature sensor causing improper fan/damper control

How to Identify: Incorrect temperature readings, erratic fan operation, or no change when adjusting thermostat

Part: Thermistor/temperature sensor

DIY Solutions

Clear air vents and interior obstructions

Easy 10-15 minutes

Open refrigerator and freezer sections
Remove food items blocking air vents
Ensure vents are clear of ice or frost and not obstructed by items
Test airflow by feeling air near vents with door closed

⚠️ Safety First: Avoid sharp tools near interior surfaces

Clean condenser coils

Moderate 30-45 minutes

Tools Needed: Vacuum with brush attachment, Soft brush

Unplug refrigerator
Locate condenser coils (rear or beneath fridge)
Use vacuum/brush to remove dust/debris
Reconnect power and monitor performance

⚠️ Safety First: Unplug before cleaning

Check and defrost evaporator fan area

Moderate 30-60 minutes

Tools Needed: Screwdriver, Towel, Warm water if defrosting ice

Unplug refrigerator
Remove freezer back panel where evaporator fan is located
Inspect fan for ice, debris, obstruction
Allow ice to melt or remove debris
Replace panel and restore power

⚠️ Safety First: Unplug before access

Professional Repairs

Replace evaporator or condenser fan motor

Estimated Cost: $100 - $300

Replace damper control assembly

Estimated Cost: $150 - $350

Thermistor or sensor replacement

Estimated Cost: $80 - $200

When to Call a Professional

Fan still not working after clearing ice/debris and testing continuity

Damper control not opening or closing properly

Thermistor or temperature sensor suspected faulty

Condenser coils inaccessible or problem persists after cleaning

Preventive Maintenance

Clean condenser coils: Reduced airflow and cooling inefficiency
Frequency: every 6 months
Ensure interior vents are clear: Airflow obstruction and uneven cooling
Frequency: weekly to monthly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Amana Refrigerator not circulating air?

Common causes include evaporator fan failure, blocked air vents, and dirty condenser coils.

How do I fix Amana Refrigerator not circulating air myself?

Check and clear air vents, clean condenser coils, and inspect the evaporator fan for obstructions.

How much does it cost to fix not circulating air?

Professional repairs can range from $100 to $350 depending on the issue.

When should I call a technician for not circulating air?

If DIY solutions donâ€™t resolve the issue or if the problem involves complex components, call a technician.

References & Sources

How to Check the Air Vents for Blockage - Amana Official

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

70%

DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

Blocked air vents due to ice buildup or food obstruction
Faulty evaporator fan motor
Defective thermostat or temperature control board

User Suggested Solutions

Check and clear any blockages in the air vents. Open the refrigerator and freezer doors, and inspect the vents for ice or food items. Remove any obstructions and allow the refrigerator to reach normal operating temperatures.
Test the evaporator fan motor. Unplug the refrigerator, locate the fan in the freezer section, and check for any obstructions. If the fan does not spin freely or is noisy, it may need replacement.
Inspect the thermostat and temperature control board. Use a multimeter to check for continuity in the thermostat. If defective, replace the thermostat or control board as necessary.