How to Fix a Fridge That Is Not Cooling Properly
A fridge that isn't cooling properly is one of the most stressful appliance problems — food spoilage can happen quickly and the cause isn't always obvious. This guide walks through the most common reasons a fridge stops cooling and what you can do to diagnose and fix the issue.
Safety First
If your fridge is not cooling, check food temperatures urgently. Any perishable food (meat, dairy, cooked food) that has been above 5°C for more than 2–4 hours should be discarded for food safety reasons.
Common Causes of a Fridge Not Cooling
1. Temperature Setting Too High
Check this first. Most fridges should be set between 2°C and 5°C. The freezer should be at or below -18°C. Settings can be accidentally changed by children or when items are placed inside. Adjust the thermostat and wait 24 hours for the temperature to stabilise.
2. Door Seal Worn or Dirty
Symptoms: Fridge runs constantly but doesn't get cold enough. Visible condensation or frost at the door edges. Warm air can be felt escaping at the door seal.
Test: Close a piece of paper in the door. If you can pull it out easily, the seal is too weak.
Solution: Clean the seal with warm soapy water. If the seal is cracked, torn or deformed, it should be replaced by a technician.
3. Fridge Overpacked or Understocked
Overpacked: Air can't circulate properly around food items. The fridge works harder and runs warm spots.
Solution: Don't pack items tightly. Leave some space between food items and ensure air vents inside the fridge are not blocked.
Understocked: An empty fridge loses cold air rapidly when opened. If your fridge is very empty, partially filling it with water bottles helps maintain temperature.
4. Condenser Coils Dusty or Blocked
Symptoms: Fridge runs constantly, may feel warm at the back or bottom. Coils are behind or beneath the fridge.
Solution: Pull the fridge away from the wall. If condenser coils are exposed (some older fridges have them on the back), vacuum dust off them with a brush attachment. Never use water on coils. Ensure at least 5–10cm of clearance behind and above the fridge for ventilation.
5. Evaporator Fan Not Working
Symptoms: Freezer stays cold but fridge section is warm. Can sometimes hear the fan has stopped if you listen carefully.
Solution: This requires a technician. The evaporator fan motor may need replacement.
6. Excessive Ice Build-Up on Evaporator Coils
Symptoms: Freezer works fine but fridge section not cooling. Hissing or unusual sounds. Usually occurs in older fridges without No Frost technology.
Solution: Try a manual defrost. Turn off the fridge, remove all food, and leave the doors open for 24–48 hours to allow ice to melt naturally. Do not use a hair dryer or heat gun inside the fridge. After defrosting, turn back on. If the problem recurs, the automatic defrost system may have failed and needs repair.
7. Refrigerant Leak
Symptoms: Fridge runs constantly but never gets cold. Sometimes a hissing or bubbling sound. Oily marks near the compressor or coils.
Solution: This must be repaired by a licensed refrigerant technician. It is not a DIY repair. Refrigerant is a regulated substance in Australia.
8. Faulty Compressor
Symptoms: Fridge makes no noise at all (the compressor is not starting), or makes a loud clicking noise when trying to start.
Solution: A faulty compressor usually requires professional repair or replacement. For fridges over 8–10 years old, replacement is often more cost-effective.
When to Replace vs Repair
As a general rule: if the fridge is over 10 years old and needs an expensive repair (compressor, refrigerant leak, evaporator fan), a replacement is usually the better investment. If the fridge is under 5 years old and still under warranty, always try to repair first.
Browse Replacement Fridges at Oceania Appliances
We stock a full range of fridges across all budgets with fast delivery across greater Sydney.
- Showroom: 2/14 Centre Place, Wetherill Park NSW 2164
- Phone / WhatsApp: 0422 489 492
- Email: support@oceaniaappliances.com.au