Fridge Not Cooling? Here's How to Fix It
A fridge that's not cooling properly is a stressful situation — food spoils quickly and the fix isn't always obvious. Before you call a repairer or buy a new fridge, work through these common causes. Many can be resolved without any professional help.
Quick Checks First
Before anything else, confirm the basics:
- Is the fridge plugged in and the power switch on?
- Has the circuit breaker tripped?
- Is the temperature setting correct? (3-5°C for fridge, -15 to -18°C for freezer)
- Was the door left open recently? Allow 30-60 minutes for the temperature to restabilise.
Problem: Fridge Runs but Doesn't Cool
Dirty Condenser Coils
The condenser coils at the back or bottom of your fridge dissipate heat. When they're covered in dust and pet hair, cooling efficiency drops significantly. Vacuum or brush the coils clean — this alone often restores full cooling performance.
Poor Ventilation
Your fridge needs at least 5cm of clearance on the sides and back for air to circulate. If it's pushed into a tight alcove or against a wall, it can't dissipate heat effectively. Pull it out slightly and check that nothing is blocking the rear coils.
Overpacking the Fridge
An overpacked fridge restricts cold air circulation. Cold air needs to flow from the freezer compartment or dedicated vents through the fridge cavity. Rearrange items to allow airflow, particularly not blocking the vent between freezer and fridge sections.
Problem: Freezer Works but Fridge Section Doesn't Cool
This is a classic symptom of a blocked defrost drain or a failed evaporator fan. If you hear the fan running but the fridge section is warm, the air duct between sections may be frosted over. Try manually defrosting by unplugging for 24-48 hours with the doors open. If the problem returns, the automatic defrost system may need repair.
Problem: Fridge Makes Noise but Doesn't Cool
If you can hear the compressor running (a low hum or clicking sound) but the fridge isn't cold, the refrigerant may have leaked or the compressor may be failing. This requires a licensed refrigeration technician — do not attempt to repair refrigerant issues yourself.
Problem: Fridge is Completely Silent
If there's no sound at all, the compressor may have failed or there's a power supply issue. Check the power cord and plug for damage. If the power is fine, the start relay (a small component in the compressor circuit) may have failed — these are inexpensive and replaceable.
Door Seal Check
A damaged or dirty door seal lets warm air into the fridge constantly, forcing it to work much harder. Test your seal by closing the door on a piece of paper — if the paper slides out easily, the seal needs cleaning or replacing. Clean seals with warm soapy water and a toothbrush.
When to Replace vs Repair
If your fridge is over 10 years old and needs a major repair (compressor, refrigerant, control board), replacement is often better value. Oceania Appliances has a great range of certified refurbished fridges at a fraction of the new price, with free delivery across NSW. Browse at oceaniaappliances.com.au.