Refrigerator troubleshooting
Refrigerator Not Cooling? Here's Why — and How to Fix It
A fridge that runs but won't get cold is almost always fixable — and usually it's one of a handful of parts. Here's what's likely going on and what to check before you call.
Common causes
Dirty condenser coils
You can checkDusty coils can't release heat, so the fridge runs constantly but won't cool. Cleaning them is the single most common fix.
Failed evaporator fan
Pro repairThe fan that moves cold air from the freezer to the fridge section can seize or burn out, leaving the freezer cold but the fridge warm.
Frosted-over defrost system
Pro repairA bad defrost heater, timer, or thermostat lets frost block airflow over the coils — cooling drops off over a day or two.
Bad start relay or compressor
Pro repairIf the compressor isn't running at all (no hum), the start relay or compressor itself may have failed.
Sealed-system / refrigerant leak
Pro repairA leak in the sealed system stops cooling entirely and requires EPA-certified repair.
What you can check yourself
- Make sure it's not in 'demo/showroom' mode and the temperature dial wasn't bumped.
- Pull the fridge out and vacuum the condenser coils (back or bottom).
- Check that the rear vents inside aren't blocked by food and air can circulate.
- Listen for the compressor: a faint hum is good; total silence points to a relay/compressor fault.
When to call a pro
If the coils are clean and it still won't cool within a few hours — or the compressor is silent — it's an internal part. Don't let food spoil; we prioritize no-cool fridge calls for same-day service.
Most refrigerator repairs run $130–$600 — see our repair cost guide.
Other refrigerator problems
FAQ
Refrigerator not cooling — questions
A fridge that runs but won't get cold is almost always fixable — and usually it's one of a handful of parts. Here's what's likely going on and what to check before you call. The most common causes are dirty condenser coils, failed evaporator fan, frosted-over defrost system.
You can safely check a few things first: Make sure it's not in 'demo/showroom' mode and the temperature dial wasn't bumped. Pull the fridge out and vacuum the condenser coils (back or bottom). Check that the rear vents inside aren't blocked by food and air can circulate. If the coils are clean and it still won't cool within a few hours — or the compressor is silent — it's an internal part. Don't let food spoil; we prioritize no-cool fridge calls for same-day service.
Most refrigerator repairs run $130–$600 in the San Francisco Bay Area, parts and labor — you get a flat-rate quote before any work begins. See our repair cost guide for details.
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