Whether you’ve just noticed your milk isn’t as cold as it should be or your leftovers are sweating it out, a refrigerator that stops cooling can quickly become a headache. But before you start looking up replacement models, let’s talk about what might be going on.
Refrigerators are built to last, but they still run into problems—sometimes literally. The good news: Many cooling issues are fixable, and some are even preventable with a little maintenance.
Let’s go over some of the most common reasons your fridge might be slacking off and what you can do to get it back to work.
1. Dirty Condenser Coils
Your refrigerator works by pulling heat out of the interior and releasing it through the condenser coils, usually located on the back or bottom of the appliance. When those coils get covered in dust, pet hair, and kitchen grime, they can’t do their job effectively.
The result? Your fridge has to work harder to stay cool, and eventually, it might not be able to keep up.
What to do:
Unplug your fridge and use a vacuum or coil brush to clean the coils. Ideally, this should be done every six months to keep things running efficiently.
2. Faulty Evaporator Fan
The evaporator fan is responsible for circulating cold air throughout the fridge. If it stops working, some areas of your fridge might feel warmer than others, or you might notice a total loss of cooling.
A telltale sign of a faulty evaporator fan is a noisy fridge—often a clicking or humming sound coming from the freezer.
What to do:
If you suspect the fan is the issue, open your freezer and listen. If the fan isn’t running while the fridge is on, it may need to be replaced. This is a more technical repair, so booking a refrigerator repair in Austin is usually the best move.
3. Malfunctioning Thermostat
Your refrigerator’s thermostat controls the temperature, signaling the compressor when it’s time to cool things down. If the thermostat fails, your fridge may stop cooling entirely.
You can test this by adjusting the temperature dial. If you don’t hear a click or a change in sound from the fridge, the thermostat may be the problem.
What to do:
Try turning the thermostat from the lowest to the highest setting. If nothing happens, it might need to be replaced.
4. Blocked or Broken Air Vents
Your refrigerator relies on proper airflow to keep a consistent temperature. If food containers are stacked too close to the vents, they can block the flow of cold air, causing temperature imbalances.
On the other hand, if the vents are clogged with ice, it could be a sign of a bigger problem, like a defrost system failure.
What to do:
Make sure air vents inside the fridge and freezer aren’t blocked by food. If you see ice buildup, defrost your fridge and monitor whether the issue returns. If it does, you may need a professional to check the defrost system.
5. Worn-Out Door Gasket
The rubber seal around your refrigerator door—also known as the gasket—keeps cold air in and warm air out. If it’s cracked, loose, or covered in grime, it won’t seal properly, letting cool air escape and forcing your fridge to work overtime.
One easy way to test your gasket is the “dollar bill test.” Close the fridge door on a dollar bill and try pulling it out. If it slides out easily, the seal isn’t doing its job.
What to do:
Clean the gasket with warm and soapy water to remove dirt buildup. If it’s damaged, it may need to be replaced.
6. Failing Compressor
The compressor is the heart of your refrigerator’s cooling system, pumping refrigerant through the coils to maintain the right temperature. If it fails, your fridge won’t cool at all.
Signs of a bad compressor include loud clicking or buzzing noises, or a fridge that’s completely silent when it should be running.
What to do:
Unfortunately, a failing compressor is a major issue. If you suspect this is the problem, it’s best to call a professional appliance technician to diagnose and repair it.
7. Refrigerant Leak
Refrigerant is what keeps your fridge cool. If there’s a leak, your refrigerator will struggle to maintain the right temperature.
Common signs of a refrigerant leak include an oily residue near the condenser coils and a fridge that seems to run constantly but never gets cold enough.
What to do:
A refrigerant leak requires specialized tools and knowledge to fix. If you suspect a leak, it’s time to bring in an expert.
Trust TC Appliance Repair to Fix Your Fridge
While some refrigerator issues can be fixed with a little DIY effort, others require expert attention. If your fridge is still struggling to cool after troubleshooting, or if you notice unusual noises, excessive frost buildup, or a complete lack of cooling, don’t wait too long to get help.
TC Appliance Repair specializes in diagnosing and fixing refrigerator issues quickly and effectively. Whether it’s a minor fix or a major repair, we’ll get your fridge back to keeping things cool.
Need help? Dial 777-737-8214 or contact us to schedule a repair today!
