The air damper, baffle or diffuser is the device that balances the air flow from the evaporator fan housing. This normally is a mechanically controlled baffle or flapper that controls the amount of cold air entering the fresh food compartment. If the baffle is damaged or the linkage to the control knob is damaged, then you may not have enough cold air entering the fresh food compartment resulting in higher than normal temperatures.
The air damper for refrigerator control assembly controls the flow of cold air from the freezer to the refrigerator section. If your refrigerator has a manual door opener, make sure that the door can move freely and that it does not jam. Also, be sure to check the insulation and foam as they can cause the air damper to stop working and preventing the proper flow of cold. If this part is stuck, it's essential to replace it as soon as possible.
How to inspect a refrigerator’s air inlet damper or baffle ?
Disconnect your refrigerator from the power source and open your refrigerator door to locate the damper or baffle. It will be found where the cold air enters the fresh food compartment. The housing that the baffle or damper is encased in is often made of plastic with a styrofoam lining and may have a foam seal to prevent air leakage. Care should be used when inspecting the housing to avoid damage to the seal or the styrofoam.
The refrigerator air damper controls the flow of cold air into the freezer and the fresh food section. Usually hidden away, it controls the flow of air between the two sections. It is usually the last component to be replaced and may be difficult to find unless you're sure which brand your fridge is. However, if you can't find the right part, you can try to repair it yourself. The damper is a small part of your refrigerator and is easy to replace.
When a refrigerator damper control is broken, the air flow in the freezer section will become blocked, causing the refrigerator to overheat. This can be a problem with the defrost system because the frozen air won't be able to pass through the coils. A broken air damper should be replaced as soon as possible to avoid any potential damage to your food. You should check your refrigerator's control panel and air damper often to make sure that everything is working properly.
Inspecting the refrigerator air damper is easy. To test it, turn on the thermostat and turn on the freezer fan. The damper should be opened if the fridge door is left open. Keeping the door open is essential for proper ventilation. When the damper is blocked, the cold air can't flow properly into the fridge. If the door is not opening, you need to replace the refrigerator's air damper.
