How to Change the Temperature on a Frigidaire Refrigerator

As they sit in the kitchen, fridge motors and fans are whirring to keep the temperature at just the right degree to maintain fresh milk and crisp vegetables. A benefit of technology in modern appliances is that the refrigerator can be set at just the right temperature rather easily. This keeps the interior cool, not freezing or tepid, so that food stays safe for consumption.

When the Frigidaire refrigerator makes its way from the factory to the showroom floor, where it is placed for purchase, it is automatically set at 37 degrees Fahrenheit. It can take up to a day for the hulking appliance to reach this preprogrammed temperature once it arrives to your home and is plugged in. If the appliance hasn't reached its ideal temperature within 24 hours, then take some time to troubleshoot the issue before calling a professional to repair it.

The Frigidaire temperature control thermostat for dials and sliders is located toward the top and back of the interior of the appliance. For cooler temperatures using dial controls, which are often found in older models, turn the dial to the right. The fridge temperature control that is coldest on the Frigidaire is typically all the way to the right.

A freezer-on-top Frigidaire model may have a slider. Move the slider up to lower the temperature toward the coldest setting. For electronic controls, push the down button to lower the temperature in the refrigerator. Push the up button to increase the temperature of the freezer compartment.

A sign that the fridge's internal temperature isn't ideal is ice that forms on the condenser coils or around the inside edges of the appliance. This can cut down on the shelf life of fresh foods, vegetables and fruits.

Adjust the dial, slider or electronic controls slightly until you obtain the correct temperature. This will ensure that the fridge cools down to the proper temperature rather than working overtime to warm up to the preferred 40 degrees.

Before checking the Frigidaire controls, check the air vents for blockage. If the interior of the refrigerator is too icy or too tepid, then the vents might not be able to do their job properly. Move items out of the way of the vents, which are located on the side of the appliance.

Consumer Reports recommends that the refrigerator interior be set at just about 37 degrees Fahrenheit to keep all perishable items at a food-safe temperature. This will keep microorganisms that thrive in warmer environments from growing on the deli meat, cheese and leftovers.

If you live in an area that has high humidity, then the appliance may have to work harder to keep the interior at the right temperature. To reduce the stress on a refrigerator in high humid areas, Edgestar recommends that the appliance be installed in areas that have an ambient temperature that fluctuates between 50 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit.