Is your fridge warmer than it should be? If your perishables are spoiling faster or the air inside your refrigerator feels off, don’t panic. A refrigerator that isn’t cooling properly doesn’t always mean costly repairs. In many cases, you can troubleshoot the issue yourself.
Below are the 8 most common reasons your refrigerator might not be cooling – and exactly how to fix them.
1. Check If the Fridge Is Getting Power
It might seem obvious, but a surprising number of fridge issues trace back to a power disconnect.
Steps to check:
- Open the fridge door. If the interior light doesn’t come on, it may not be receiving power.
- Ensure the power cord is securely plugged in.
- Check your home’s electrical panel for a tripped breaker.
Tip: If the light is on, you can eliminate power as the issue and move on to the next check.
2. Verify Thermostat Settings
Your fridge should be set between 35°F and 37°F. Thermostats can be unintentionally knocked or reset, especially when placing or removing items.
What to do:
- Check the thermostat dial or digital panel.
- If it seems accurate, test it with an appliance thermometer.
- Older fridges may give false readings – an inexpensive thermometer can help confirm accuracy.
3. Test the Seals on Your Fridge Door
Worn or broken seals let cold air escape, causing your fridge to work overtime without results.
How to test:
- Place a dollar bill halfway in the fridge door and close it.
- Try pulling it out. If there’s no resistance, the seal may be weak.
Fix:
Replace worn door gaskets (typically $45–$75).
Consult your fridge’s manual to find the correct model.
4. Make Sure the Fridge Is Level
You may not realize it, but your refrigerator must be perfectly level to operate efficiently. An unbalanced fridge can cause doors to hang slightly open, compromising the door seal, leading to cold air leakage and poor cooling performance.
How to check and fix:
- Place a carpenter’s level on top of the fridge from front to back and side to side.
- The bubble should be centered in both directions. If not, adjust the leveling legs.
- Most refrigerators have front leveling legs that can be adjusted by turning them clockwise or counterclockwise with a wrench or pliers.
- After adjusting, recheck the level to ensure stability and alignment.
Pro Tip: Once leveled, also ensure that the fridge doors close on their own when slightly ajar – a good indicator that the seal is functioning properly.
5. Clean the Condenser Coils
Over time, dust and pet hair can coat your condenser coils, making it harder for your fridge to release heat.
What to do:
- Unplug your refrigerator.
- Locate the coils (usually behind or beneath the unit).
- Use a coil brush and vacuum to remove debris.
- Clean once or twice a year.
Pro tip: A $10 coil brush is a small investment that can save your fridge.
6. Check for Blocked Air Vents
Air must flow freely between the freezer and fridge compartments. Blocked vents can lead to uneven or insufficient cooling.
What to do:
- Locate the vents (usually along the back wall).
- Avoid overpacking the fridge, and don’t block vents with food containers.
- If frost has built up, unplug the unit and let it defrost completely (this may take a full day).
7. Test the Refrigerator Compressor
The compressor is a vital component. If it fails, your fridge won’t cool no matter what.
Signs of compressor issues:
The fan runs, but the fridge doesn’t cool.
The compressor is silent or runs very hot.
What to do:
- Unplug and pull out the fridge.
- Inspect the compressor start relay – it’s cheaper to replace than the compressor itself.
- If a new relay doesn’t solve the issue, the compressor may need professional service.
8. Check the Air Damper Control
The air damper regulates cold air between the freezer and fridge. A stuck damper may keep the freezer cold but leave your fridge warm.
What to do:
- If faulty, replace the damper motor or assembly as per the manufacturer’s guide.
- Locate the damper (usually between the freezer and fresh food compartments).
- Remove the cover and inspect for damage or blockage.
When to Call a Pro
If you find that you are still unable to determine why your refrigerator isn’t cooling properly, it may be time to reach out to a professional for help. Depending on the brand and model of your fridge, it may be difficult to figure out what the problem is or access some of the refrigerator parts that you may want to examine. Even though there may be simple ways to remove some parts of your fridge, we do not advise you to take apart their refrigerator unless you are experienced.
Appliance Wizards have trained technicians who can help you diagnose and repair your refrigerator. Refrigerator not working? No problem. Give us a call today and will be happy to help you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth repairing an old fridge?
If your fridge is over 10–15 years old and needs a major repair like a new compressor, it may be more cost-effective to replace it.
How often should I clean the condenser coils?
At least once every 6–12 months. Clean more frequently if you have pets that shed hair near the fridge.
How long should a fridge take to cool after plugging it in?
It usually takes 4–6 hours for the fridge to begin cooling and up to 24 hours to reach full operating temperature.
