🔧 Guidebeginner
Why Your Refrigerator Isn’t Cooling: 7 Common Causes
Diagnose a warm refrigerator with this homeowner troubleshooting guide. Learn the top seven causes before food is spoiled.
By SunFixes Tech Team
đź“… 10/11/2025
⏱️ 8 min read
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Time Required
20-30 minutes
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Difficulty
beginner
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Tools Needed
Thermometer, Vacuum with brush attachment
⚠️ Safety Tips for Why Your Refrigerator Isn’t Cooling: 7 Common Causes
- •Always unplug the refrigerator before removing panels or cleaning coils
- •Do not puncture insulation or refrigerant lines while inspecting components
- •If you smell burning electrical odor, leave the appliance unplugged and call a professional
# Why Your Refrigerator Isn’t Cooling
When the fridge warms up, you have hours—not days—to protect groceries. Use this checklist to quickly narrow down the most common failures. If the culprit needs parts or sealed-system work, request our certified refrigerator repair for same-day support in Central Florida.
## Start with the Basics
Before you panic, confirm that the appliance is plugged in, breakers are on, and doors are sealing properly. Once those basics are covered, move through the seven causes below.
Step-by-Step Guide for Why Your Refrigerator Isn’t Cooling: 7 Common Causes
1
Check Temperature Settings
Verify fridge is set between 35-38°F and freezer between 0-5°F. Accidental bumps can raise settings and stop cooling cycles.
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Use a thermometer inside the fridge to confirm actual temperatures.
2
Inspect Door Gaskets
Look for cracks, gaps, or debris on the door seals. A loose gasket lets warm air in and forces the compressor to overwork.
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Close the door on a dollar bill—if it slips out easily, the gasket may need cleaning or replacement.
3
Clean the Condenser Coils
Dust-packed coils block heat transfer. Vacuum coils on the back or beneath the unit to restore airflow.
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Unplug the unit before cleaning to avoid moving fan blades or electrical shock.
4
Listen for the Evaporator Fan
Open the freezer and press the door switch. You should hear a fan running. A silent fan means air isn’t circulating to the fridge section.
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If the fan only runs intermittently or screeches, plan for a replacement.
5
Inspect Air Vents for Blockages
Overflowing groceries can block vents between the freezer and fridge. Move items away to let cold air circulate.
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Leave 2-3 inches of clearance in front of vents at all times.
6
Reset the Control Board
A momentary glitch can lock the control board. Unplug the fridge for 5 minutes, then restore power to reboot electronics.
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Persistent error codes after a reset point to failing sensors or boards.
7
Check for Frost Accumulation
Frost on the freezer back wall signals a defrost failure. This requires professional diagnostics of heaters, thermostats, or control boards.
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Avoid chipping ice manually—this can damage refrigerant lines.
🔧 When to Call a Professional for Why Your Refrigerator Isn’t Cooling: 7 Common Causes
Sealed-system and electronic control failures need specialized gauges and OEM parts. Our team restores factory performance without guesswork.
Ready for expert help? Review our Appliance Repair Orlando coverage to see neighborhoods we serve.
Signs it's time to call us for Why Your Refrigerator Isn’t Cooling: 7 Common Causes
- •The compressor runs constantly or not at all
- •You see oily residue under the fridge, hinting at refrigerant leaks
- •Temperatures climb above 40°F even after cleaning coils and vents
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- •Not cooling properly
- •Ice maker not working
- •Water dispenser issues
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