Refrigerator Not Cooling: What to Check First

A refrigerator that isn’t cooling needs attention quickly. Before you call, these simple checks can rule out the easy causes.

1. Check the power and settings

Make sure the refrigerator is plugged in and the light comes on. Check that the temperature controls weren’t bumped, and that the unit isn’t in showroom or demo mode, which turns cooling off.

2. Check the doors and seals

A door left slightly open, or a torn gasket, lets warm air in. Close the door on a dollar bill. If it slides out easily, the seal may need replacing.

3. Clear the vents

Food packed against the vents inside the cabinet blocks the flow of cold air. Leave space around them.

4. Clean the condenser coils

Dusty coils, usually at the bottom or back, make the system work harder and cool less. Unplug the unit and vacuum them gently.

5. Listen for the fans

If the freezer is cold but the refrigerator is warm, the fan that moves cold air may have stopped, or frost may be blocking the airflow. Frost on the back wall of the freezer usually points to a defrost problem.

Keep your food safe

Keep the doors closed as much as possible. An unopened refrigerator keeps food cold for about four hours. A full freezer holds its temperature for about 48 hours, and a half-full one for about 24 hours.

When to call

If these checks don’t help, call us. Fans, defrost parts and thermostats are common, affordable repairs. See our refrigerator repair service.