Your Fridge is Too Cold — and Freezing Everything?

If you’re finding frozen eggs, icy milk, or crispers full of frost, you’re not going crazy — your refrigerator may be overcooling. In NYC homes where space is tight and fridges run constantly, this problem is more common than you think. What seems like a “better safe than sorry” fridge can actually spoil food, damage produce, and signal a bigger issue under the hood.

At Refrigerator Repair NYC Pros, we help homeowners across the five boroughs fix this frustrating problem. Whether you’re in a rental in Queens or a condo in Manhattan, this page will walk you through why your fridge is overcooling, what signs to look for, and when it’s time to call a professional for help.

---

Why Is Your Refrigerator Overcooling?

A fridge that’s too cold usually isn’t just working too hard — something is likely telling it to stay on when it shouldn’t. Here are the most common causes we see:

1. Thermostat or Temperature Sensor Malfunction

The thermostat controls when the fridge turns on and off. If it misreads the temperature or gets stuck, the cooling cycle doesn’t shut off when it should — causing overcooling.

2. Faulty Control Panel or Board

In modern fridges, the control panel manages everything from temperature settings to defrost cycles. If it glitches or misinterprets data from sensors, it can overcool the entire fridge or specific zones like the crisper.

3. Damper Door Stuck Open

Some fridges have an air damper between the freezer and fridge sections. If this stays open too long, too much cold air flows in, especially freezing the food nearest the vent.

4. Incorrect Temperature Settings

It might sound simple, but in some fridges, the temperature dials are accidentally bumped — especially if they’re inside the fridge itself. A setting too low can trigger constant cooling.

5. Air Vents Blocked

If items inside the fridge are pushed against the air vents, it can disrupt airflow, causing cold spots where food freezes even when the rest of the fridge feels normal.

---

Signs That Your Fridge Is Overcooling

• Food in the back or near vents is freezing

• Ice forming on vegetables or milk cartons

• Crispers full of frost or frozen produce

• Water bottles or juices with ice inside

• Thermometer reads below 32°F in fridge

• Fridge feels colder than the set temperature

This usually starts gradually — but if ignored, it can lead to spoiled groceries and overworked components.

---

What You Can Try Before Calling a Technician

Double-Check the Temperature Settings

Set the fridge to 37–40°F and freezer to 0°F. In some fridges, the default “mid” setting may actually be too cold depending on your kitchen environment.

Don’t Block the Air Vents

Make sure your food isn’t touching the back wall or side vents. These are where the cold air comes in — blocking them can create freezing pockets.

Reset the Fridge

Unplug the fridge for 10 minutes, then plug it back in. This can reset the thermostat and control board in many digital models.

Use a Fridge Thermometer

Place a small thermometer in the middle shelf — not too close to the vent or door. Monitor it for 24 hours to check for temperature swings.

If your food continues to freeze even after these steps, it likely points to a part malfunction — and that’s where we come in.

---

NYC Kitchens Make This Problem Worse

Overcooling is especially common in NYC because:

• Small, tight kitchens heat up fast — fridges work overtime

• Appliances are often crammed between walls with poor airflow

• Power fluctuations in older buildings can affect control boards

• Residents often overpack the fridge, blocking sensors and airflow

• Landlord-supplied fridges may be older or poorly maintained

We’ve fixed this issue in Harlem walkups, Park Slope brownstones, SoHo lofts, and everywhere in between.

---

How We Fix Refrigerators That Are Overcooling

Step 1: On-Site Diagnosis

We test the thermostat, temperature sensors, control board, and damper operation. We also inspect for blocked airflow and component wear.

Step 2: Flat-Rate Quote

Once we identify the cause, we give you a clear, upfront price — no surprises, no guesswork.

Step 3: Part Replacement

We carry common parts like thermostats, sensors, and control boards. Most issues can be resolved in one visit.

Step 4: Final Calibration

We reset the system, check airflow, and confirm accurate temperatures with a digital thermometer in multiple fridge zones.

---

Repair Cost Estimate for Overcooling Issues in NYC

Repair Type	Price Range
Thermostat Replacement	$120 – $200
Damper Door Repair	$130 – $220
Sensor or Probe Replacement	$150 – $250
Control Panel or Board Repair	$250 – $400
Fridge Tune-Up & Calibration	$95 – $150

We waive the diagnostic fee if you go ahead with the repair.

---

Brands We Commonly See With Overcooling Problems

We service all major refrigerator brands in NYC, including:

Samsung, LG, Whirlpool, GE, Maytag, KitchenAid, Bosch, Frigidaire, Electrolux, Amana, Sub-Zero, JennAir, Viking, Haier, Midea, Kenmore, Fisher & Paykel, Hisense, Hotpoint, Magic Chef, Danby, Avanti, Summit, Galanz, Blomberg, Thermador, True Residential, Liebherr, and Bertazzoni.

---

Book Your Overcooling Repair in NYC Today

If your fridge keeps freezing food, don’t wait for your groceries to go to waste. We offer fast, honest service across all five boroughs — often same day.

Call (877) 629-2530
Book Online: 

We serve Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island — 7 days a week.