A fridge that stops cooling is one of the most stressful appliance problems a household can face. Food spoils quickly, and repairs can be costly. This guide walks through the most common causes of a warm fridge and what you can do about it — and when it makes more sense to replace rather than repair.
1. Check the Basics First
Before panicking, run through these quick checks:
- Is it plugged in? Check the power point and test it with another device.
- Is the temperature dial turned up? Someone may have accidentally bumped the thermostat.
- Is the door sealing properly? Run your hand around the door seal — if you feel cold air escaping, the gasket may be torn or dirty.
2. Dirty Condenser Coils
Condenser coils at the back or bottom of the fridge dissipate heat. If they're clogged with dust and pet hair, the fridge can't cool efficiently. Carefully vacuum the coils to restore performance. This is the most overlooked maintenance task for fridges.
3. Faulty Door Seal (Gasket)
A worn or torn door gasket lets warm room air into the fridge constantly, making it work harder and eventually fail to maintain temperature. Replace the gasket — it's usually a DIY job costing $30–$80.
4. Evaporator Fan Not Running
Open the freezer and listen — can you hear a fan running? The evaporator fan circulates cold air through both the fridge and freezer. If it's not running, the fridge won't cool. This often requires a technician.
5. Frost Build-Up on Evaporator Coils
If the fridge makes a humming sound but isn't cooling, there may be a thick layer of frost blocking the evaporator coils. This prevents airflow and cooling. Try defrosting the fridge completely by unplugging it for 24 hours with the doors open.
6. Failed Thermostat or Control Board
If none of the above fix it, the thermostat or main control board may have failed. These repairs can cost $150–$400+.
When to Replace Instead of Repair
As a general rule, if the repair cost is more than 50% of what a replacement fridge would cost, it's usually smarter to replace. Oceania Appliances has quality second hand fridges from $150, all with a 3–6 month warranty — often cheaper than a single repair call-out.
Browse our fridge range at oceaniaappliances.com.au or call 0481 243 211.