Danby Refrigerator Not Getting Cold—What Could Be Wrong?

Not having the appliances in your kitchen working correctly can be stressful. Do you have a Danby refrigerator that won't get cold and don't know what to do about it? Well, we've done some digging and have the answers for you. Let's discuss.

If your Danby refrigerator isn't getting or staying cold, check its condenser coils. Most times, dirty or frosted condenser coils are to blame for a fridge that won't get cold, so make sure to clean them regularly. It's also possible that your refrigerator's compressor is broken if it won't cool down, so there are a couple of causes for this.

As we begin, we will cover all things Danby refrigerators and tell you how to keep yours running smoothly. Whether you are new to the brand or a long-time Danby customer, we're here to offer some help. With that said, let's dive right into this topic!

Why Is My Refrigerator Running But Not Cooling?

Usually, a running fridge that won't get cold is because of clogged or dirty condenser coils. When this happens, airflow is restricted and can cause your appliance to run without actually cooling down.

Another more obvious reason your refrigerator won't cool down could be that it isn't fully closed, so make sure to seal it each time you open it. A failing or broken compressor is another cause for this issue, so keep an eye/hear out for squeaking or rattling.

How Long Does It Take For A Refrigerator To Cool Down?

Your fridge should be able to cool down in about three hours. In general, you should keep your refrigerator set between 30 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit, so it may take longer to cool down depending on your desired temperature setting.

An issue with your power source might also be to blame for a slow-cooling refrigerator, so make sure the outlet where you plug in your Danby appliance is in good working condition.

Where Is The Thermostat On A Danby Fridge?

The thermostat in a Danby refrigerator will typically be on the upper right-hand side of its freezer compartment. This applies to Danby's mini and full-size appliances and should look like a classic turn-style knob.

There should also be a red defrost button on the center of your Danby's thermostat dial, which you can press if your freezer is filled with frost/ice.

How Cold Should I Keep My Danby Refrigerator?

You want to keep your Danby refrigerator set between 37 and 40 degrees to keep the food inside of it safe. The company suggests that the lower shelves in a fridge stay coldest, while upper shelves can sometimes be a few degrees warmer, which might impact how you store food.

Danby also recommends setting your freezer to 0.4 degrees or colder to ensure the contents inside of it will freeze. Again, you don't have to have your settings be exact but try to keep your fridge under 40 degrees and your freezer below or at zero.

What Are The Signs Of A Bad Refrigerator Compressor?

Most often, your refrigerator's compressor will start to make strange noises once it goes bad. This can sound like squeaking or even loud rattling, which are indicators of a broken compressor.

Your refrigerator's compressor may also start to click on and off more frequently, which can cause it to have trouble getting and staying cold. Luckily, this can usually be fixed with a simple reset, although you might need a new compressor if your fridge is older.

How Do I Reset My Refrigerator Compressor?

For those wanting to reset their refrigerator's compressor, this won't be too hard. To start:

1. Move your refrigerator away from the wall.
2. Unplug your appliance.
3. Shut off its control panel.
4. Plug your fridge back into the wall.
5. Reset its temperature settings.
6. Move your appliance back to its original spot.
7. Wait between 12 and 24 hours for it to cool.

Of course, every refrigerator will take a different amount of time to cool back down after a reset, so you might want to store any perishable items in a cooler while you do this.

How Do I Know If My Refrigerator Needs Freon?

You can usually tell if your fridge is low on Freon by listening to it. A refrigerator with enough Freon will make a faint hissing or gurgling sound, while one needing Freon will be very quiet.

You can also check your refrigerator's Freon levels by placing your hand on its condenser, which will be warm if there is enough Freon, and cold if there isn't.

How Much Does It Cost To Add Freon To A Refrigerator?

Typically, it will cost you between $100 and $300 to add more Freon to a refrigerator. Although the parts needed to do this are relatively cheap, having a professional come out can be expensive.

Luckily, you shouldn't need to do this more than every ten or so years, while some people never end up needing more Freon while owning their refrigerator. If your appliance is newer and having issues with its Freon, there may be a leak or defective part, so we recommend reaching out to the manufacturer.

What Temperature Should A Danby Freezer Be?

For those with a Danby freezer, you want to set it to zero degrees or colder. Like we covered, your freezer needs to be cold enough to preserve and freeze food, so the lower its temperature, the better.

Especially if you plan on storing food long-term, you want to keep your Danby freezer around five degrees below zero to preserve the contents inside. It's also a good idea to fill your freezer around two-thirds with food to help maintain its temperature, so keep that in mind.

How Do You Adjust The Temperature On A Danby Freezer?

To adjust your Danby freezer's temperature, you want to turn its thermostat dial either left or right. Typically, the thermostat will have numbered settings (1-7), with one warmest and seven the coldest.

Ideally, you want to keep a Danby freezer at setting six or seven, although they claim five is okay for regular use.

How Cold Should A Danby Mini-Fridge Be?

If you have a Danby mini-fridge, try to keep it around 40 degrees. Although you may use your fridge to store various items, it's best to set it between 35 and 40 degrees to ensure it runs properly.

Like a regular-sized refrigerator, your mini-fridge will also have a thermostat dial, which you can turn left or right to adjust its temperature settings.

What Number Should I Set My Danby Mini-Fridge 1-7?

You shouldn't need to have your mini-fridge be any colder than setting three or four. Danby mini-refrigerators will either have a 1-5 or 1-7 thermostat design, so staying towards the middle is ideal.

Of course, if you want your fridge to be on the colder side, you can certainly keep it cooler than the recommended settings, although this will make your fridge work harder.

How Long Will A Danby Refrigerator Last?

A Danby refrigerator should last you between ten and 12 years on average. Although many factors can affect your fridge's lifespan, if you keep it clean and its parts up to date, you should be able to use it for years to come.

Especially for newer, more energy-efficient refrigerators, you will see them last longer and need less frequent repairs than older options, which is a plus. That said, your Danby appliance might need more Freon or even a new compressor as it ages, so keep an eye on it.

Do Danby Fridge's Come With A Warranty?

Yes, all Danby products will come with a 24-month warranty. The company recommends new customers register their products in case of a defect within the first two years, which you can do here.

Danby will cover the cost to replace a defective refrigerator or part as long as it happens due to regular household use. However, they don't cover the cost of transporting your fridge for repairs/disposal, which isn't ideal.

They also promise to replace any plastic parts on a new refrigerator if they break within the first 30 days, so that might come in handy.

To Wrap It Up

Whether you are new to Danby products or just started having issues with your refrigerator, it's always good to know how to fix your appliance. We found that a Danby refrigerator will have problems cooling down if its condenser coils are dirty or its compressor fails, so there are a few causes for this.

When it comes to fixing a Danby fridge that won't cool down, we recommend giving it a good clean and making sure its condenser coils are debris/frost-free. You also want to listen for squeaking or rattling, which might indicate a problem with your refrigerator's compressor.

Regardless of your fridge's brand, make sure to keep it clean, and don't forget to check its Freon levels every so often.

Made it to the end? Check out these helpful related kitchen posts below!

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