Amana Refrigerator: not heating

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

If your Amana refrigerator is not cooling properly, you may notice warm temperatures in the fridge or freezer compartments, leading to spoiled food. Common causes include dirty condenser coils, a faulty evaporator fan motor, or door gasket issues. It’s essential to address these problems quickly to avoid food waste and potential repairs.

Urgency: High

Important Tips for Amana Models

  • Some models may enter “showroom/demo” mode, where cooling is disabled until manually exited via control panel

Possible Causes

Dirty condenser coils

How to Identify: Visible dust, pet hair, and debris accumulating on coils located under or behind the refrigerator

Part: Condenser coils

Faulty or non‑running evaporator fan motor

How to Identify: Warm refrigerator compartment with cold freezer, or no air movement when doors are open; fan fails to spin or makes noise

Part: Evaporator fan motor

Faulty condenser fan motor

How to Identify: Warm condenser area and compressor running but poor heat rejection, fan not spinning

Part: Condenser fan motor

Door gasket failure or improper seal

How to Identify: Air leakage at door edges, visible gaps, poorer cooling performance, dollar bill pulled easily between seal and cabinet

Part: Door gasket/seal

Incorrect thermostat/temperature control settings

How to Identify: Temperature set too warm on control dial, fridge not reaching target temperature despite system running

Part: Thermostat/temperature control

Blocked air vents restricting airflow between freezer and refrigerator

How to Identify: Warm fridge but cold freezer; airflow vents obstructed by items or frost buildup

Part: Air vents/ducts

Compressor or start relay failure

How to Identify: Compressor does not start, clicking noises, fridge fails to cool despite power and proper airflow

Part: Compressor / start relay

DIY Solutions

Clean condenser coils

Moderate 30–45 minutes
Tools Needed: vacuum with brush attachment, coil brush
  1. Unplug the refrigerator from power.
  2. Locate condenser coils (behind or beneath the unit).
  3. Use the brush and vacuum to remove dust and debris.
  4. Reconnect power and monitor cooling performance.
⚠️ Safety First: Unplug before working on coils; avoid damaging coil fins.

Check and adjust temperature settings

Easy 5–10 minutes
  1. Locate the temperature control dial inside the refrigerator.
  2. Set refrigerator to ~37–40°F and freezer to ~0°F (or appropriate mid setting).
  3. Wait 24 hours to observe temperature change.

Inspect and clean airflow vents

Easy 5–15 minutes
Tools Needed: soft cloth
  1. Open fridge and freezer.
  2. Remove items blocking air vents.
  3. Wipe around vent openings to clear frost or debris.

Replace door gasket

Moderate 30–60 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver, soapy water
  1. Inspect gasket for damage or gaps.
  2. Remove old gasket and clean mating surfaces.
  3. Install new gasket and ensure proper sealing.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure correct gasket model for your refrigerator.

Professional Repairs

Evaporator or condenser fan motor replacement

Estimated Cost: $80–$250

Compressor or start relay repair

Estimated Cost: $200–$800+

When to Call a Professional

Evaporator or condenser fans do not run after basic checks
Compressor fails to start or makes unusual noises
Low refrigerant or suspected refrigerant leak
Internal diagnostics (error codes) indicate sealed system issues

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean condenser coils: Reduced cooling performance due to heat dissipation issues
    Frequency: every 3–6 months
  • Inspect door gaskets: Cold air leaks and inefficient operation
    Frequency: monthly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Amana Refrigerator not heating?
Common causes include dirty condenser coils, faulty evaporator fan motor, or door gasket failure.
How do I fix Amana Refrigerator not heating myself?
You can clean condenser coils, adjust temperature settings, or inspect airflow vents.
How much does it cost to fix not heating?
Professional repairs for motor replacements can range from $80 to $800+ depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for not heating?
Call a technician if DIY fixes don't work or if you suspect compressor failure.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

65%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Faulty defrost heater
  • Defective thermostat
  • Clogged defrost drain

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Check and replace the defrost heater. Unplug the refrigerator, remove the cover panel in the freezer, and test the heater with a multimeter. If it's faulty, replace it.

  2. Test and replace the thermostat. Locate the thermostat, use a multimeter to check its continuity, and replace it if necessary.

  3. Clear the defrost drain. Locate the drain, remove any blockages, and ensure water can flow freely to prevent freezing.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. New icemaker - works in "test mode", but during regular oper...

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