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Reviewed by Elena Volkova — Senior Editorial Reviewer — Electrical, Smart Home & Appliances

Who to call · Appliance Repair Technician

Fridge not cooling: call a appliance repair technician — or fix it yourself

A refrigerator that stops cooling properly can spoil food within hours. The issue may stem from a faulty thermostat, failed compressor, blocked condenser coils, or a broken evaporator fan. An appliance repair technician can diagnose the root cause and determine whether repair or replacement makes more sense.

Is this your problem?

Symptoms to look for

  1. 01

    Food in the fridge feels warm or is spoiling faster than usual

  2. 02

    Freezer works fine but fridge compartment is warm

  3. 03

    Fridge motor runs constantly but interior doesn't get cold

  4. 04

    Ice buildup on the back wall of the fridge compartment

Who to call

Appliance Repair Technician

An appliance technician replaces a failed start relay, fan or defrost timer the same visit, diagnoses a sealed-system leak, and advises when replacement is the better spend.

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Fix it yourself

How to fix fridge not cooling

Fridge not cooling

easy 20–60 min

Tools: vacuum with brush, coil brush, flashlight, fridge thermometer

Steps

  1. Check the temperature dial or display — a knocked dial, a 'demo' mode, or a vacation setting is common after cleaning.
  2. Pull the fridge out, unplug it, and vacuum the condenser coils at the back or under the front grille; dusty coils are the most common cause.
  3. Make sure the door seals close fully: a sheet of paper should drag when pulled from a closed door; wipe the gaskets clean.
  4. Leave 5 cm clearance behind and above, and do not block the interior air vents with food.
  5. Listen at the back: the compressor should hum and a fan should run; put a thermometer inside and check after 12 hours (fridge 3–5 °C, freezer −18 °C).

Stop and call a pro if

  • the freezer is cold but the fridge is warm — a failed evaporator fan or a defrost problem
  • the compressor clicks on and off every few minutes or is silent
  • there is frost building thickly on the back wall of the freezer
  • the fridge is over 12 years old — a repair often costs half a new one

What a pro does that you can't

An appliance technician replaces a failed start relay, fan or defrost timer the same visit, diagnoses a sealed-system leak, and advises when replacement is the better spend.

DIY cost: $0–15 for a coil brush and thermometer

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Who should I call for: Fridge not cooling?

Call a licensed appliance repair technician. Appliance Repair Technicians have the specialized training, tools, and insurance to diagnose fridge not cooling safely and stand behind the fix. Most offer free quotes and can visit the same day or the next.

Can I fix this myself?

Often, yes: the guide above has 5 steps (easy, 20–60 min, $0–15 for a coil brush and thermometer). Stop and call a appliance repair technician if the freezer is cold but the fridge is warm — a failed evaporator fan or a defrost problem.

How fast can a pro come out?

Most appliance repair technicians offer same-day or next-day visits for non-emergency issues. True emergencies (burst pipes, gas smell, no heat in winter) are typically handled within 1–4 hours.

How much does it cost to fix?

Costs vary by severity and your location. Submit a free quote request to get real pricing from local pros in your area.

What are the signs of: Fridge not cooling?

Food in the fridge feels warm or is spoiling faster than usual. Freezer works fine but fridge compartment is warm. Fridge motor runs constantly but interior doesn't get cold. Ice buildup on the back wall of the fridge compartment.

Who to call

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