How to Fix a Fridge Not Cooling Properly
A fridge that is not cooling properly is a stressful problem. Food starts to spoil, you lose groceries, and the cause isn't always obvious. This guide walks you through the most common reasons a fridge stops cooling effectively and what you can do about each one — from simple DIY fixes to when it's time to call a technician.
Step 1: Check the Temperature Settings
The first thing to check is the most obvious: the temperature setting. The ideal fridge temperature is 3–5°C. The ideal freezer temperature is -18°C. Many fridges have been accidentally bumped to warmer settings without the owner realising. Check the control dial or digital display and set it to the correct temperature.
Also check whether the fridge has been set to a “Quick Cool” or holiday mode that might have changed settings automatically.
Step 2: Check Door Seals
Worn or damaged door seals (also called gaskets) are one of the most common causes of a fridge running warm. If the seal doesn't form a tight connection with the cabinet, warm room air continuously enters and the fridge can't maintain temperature.
To test: close a piece of paper in the door so half is inside and half is outside. Pull it out. If it slides out easily with little resistance, the seal needs replacing. Do this test at several points around the door. Also visually inspect the seal for tears, cracks or mould buildup that could prevent a proper seal.
Solution: Clean the seal with warm soapy water and a soft cloth. If damaged, a replacement seal can often be ordered from the brand's service centre or through an appliance parts supplier.
Step 3: Check Condenser Coils
The condenser coils at the rear or underside of the fridge dissipate heat from the refrigeration cycle. If these coils are coated with dust, they can't dissipate heat effectively, causing the fridge to run warm and the compressor to work harder than it should.
Solution: Unplug the fridge and use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to carefully clean dust from the coils. This is typically done every 6–12 months as part of regular maintenance, particularly if you have pets that shed hair.
Step 4: Check the Evaporator Fan
Frost-free fridges use an evaporator fan to circulate cold air from the evaporator (behind the back panel of the fridge) around the cabinet. If this fan stops working, the fridge section warms up while the freezer may still be cold. Listen for fan noise from inside the fridge when the door is closed. If the fan is not running or is making grinding noises, it may have failed.
Solution: This requires a service technician to replace the evaporator fan motor.
Step 5: Check for Ice Buildup on Evaporator
If the automatic defrost system in a frost-free fridge fails (usually due to a faulty defrost heater, defrost thermostat or defrost timer), ice builds up on the evaporator coil and blocks airflow. The result is a fridge that stops cooling effectively while the freezer may still be cold.
Diagnosis: Remove the back panel inside the freezer section. If you find a solid block of ice coating the evaporator, the defrost system has failed.
Temporary fix: Unplug the fridge for 24–48 hours with the doors open to allow the ice to melt naturally, then restart it. This is a temporary fix only — the defrost system will need repair to prevent recurrence.
Solution: Call a qualified refrigeration technician to diagnose and replace the faulty defrost component.
Step 6: Check the Compressor
The compressor is the heart of the refrigeration system. If the compressor fails, the fridge will not cool at all. Signs of compressor failure include: the fridge running but not cooling, a hot or buzzing compressor at the rear, or the compressor clicking on and off repeatedly without starting.
Solution: Compressor replacement is a major repair that must be performed by a licensed refrigeration mechanic. Depending on the age of the fridge, replacement vs buying a new fridge is worth considering (see below).
When Should You Repair vs Replace?
As a general guide:
- If the fridge is under 5 years old: repair is usually worthwhile
- If the fridge is 5–10 years old: weigh repair cost against replacement cost
- If the fridge is over 10 years old: a compressor replacement or major repair often costs 50–80% of a new fridge's price — replacement is usually the better option
Shop New Fridges at Oceania Appliances
If your fridge has reached the end of its life, we stock a wide range of quality refrigerators at our Wetherill Park showroom. Our team can help you choose the right size and model for your household and arrange delivery across Sydney.
- Showroom: 2/14 Centre Place, Wetherill Park NSW 2164
- Phone / WhatsApp: 0422 489 492
- Email: support@oceaniaappliances.com.au