Refrigerator not cooling?

A warm fridge is the repair people need fastest. Here's what to check in the next ten minutes, and what usually turns out to be the cause.

Protect your food Keep the doors shut. A closed fridge keeps food cold for about 4 hours and a full freezer for about 48.

What you can check first

Check the temperature dial. It should be around 37°F for the fridge and 0°F for the freezer.
Make sure food isn't blocking the air vents inside the fridge or between the freezer and fridge.
Close the door on a piece of paper. If it slides out easily, the door gasket isn't sealing.
Look at the condenser coils (behind the bottom grille or on the back). Heavy dust blocks heat from escaping.
Listen near the freezer. If you hear no fan running while the compressor hums, the evaporator fan may have failed.

The usual causes

Dirty condenser coils

Dust and pet hair trap heat, so the fridge runs constantly and still warms up.

Evaporator fan motor

The freezer stays cold but no cold air reaches the fridge section.

Defrost system failure

Frost builds up on the evaporator and blocks airflow. A failed defrost heater, defrost thermostat or defrost control board is common.

Compressor start relay

You hear clicking every few minutes but the compressor never starts.

Sealed system problem

Less common: a refrigerant leak or a failing compressor. We'll tell you honestly if a repair is worth it on an older fridge.

When to call a technician

If the simple checks don't solve it, the part usually needs testing with a meter and replacing. We come to your home in Brooklyn or Nassau County, find the failed part and give you the price before any work starts.

Have the brand and model number ready when you call. It helps us bring the right part on the first visit. Learn more about our refrigerator & freezer repair.

Other troubleshooting guides

Appliance down? We'll come to you.

Calling is the fastest way to get on the schedule. Tell us the appliance, the brand and what it's doing.

Call (929) 828-8876