Why Your Fridge Isn’t Cooling & When to Call for Refrigerator Repair

A refrigerator that fails to cool properly can quickly lead to spoiled food, high energy bills, and even safety risks. Below are the most common causes, how to troubleshoot them, and when it’s time to call in professional refrigerator repair experts.

1. ✅ Power & Location Issues

First check the power.
Ensure it’s properly plugged in and the breaker isn’t tripped. Sometimes an overlooked GFCI switch could be the culprit. docdanielson.com

Is your fridge in the wrong spot?
Placement matters—a kitchen fridge requires at least ½″ clearance on sides and 1″ at the back. Being too close to heat sources like ovens or direct sunlight forces it to work harder. kitchenaid.com+2whirlpool.com+2bhg.com+2
If adjusting placement doesn’t help, schedule refrigerator repair for a full inspection.

2. 🚫 Blocked Airflow & Poor Organization

A crowded fridge restricts airflow, causing uneven cooling. Make sure vents aren’t blocked by containers. mrappliance.com
Reorganize regularly and keep the fridge about half to three‑quarters full—neither overloaded nor nearly empty.
If airflow remains poor after clearing, our refrigerator repair pros can diagnose deeper issues.

3. 🌀 Dirty Condenser Coils or Fans

Condenser coils, found either behind or underneath the fridge, dissipate heat. Dust buildup forces the compressor to overwork. reddit.com+15mrappliance.com+15generalappliancesvc.com+15
Clean coils every 6–12 months with a coil brush or vacuum to regain efficiency. bhg.com+3southernliving.com+3reddit.com+3
Similarly, faulty condenser or evaporator fans disrupt cooling airflow. southernliving.com+15reddit.com+15mrappliance.com+15
If cleaning doesn’t restore performance—or you hear odd fan noises—book a fridge repair.

4. 🧲 Old or Damaged Gasket Seals

Worn door gaskets allow cold air to escape, causing inefficiency and condensation. bhg.com+3whirlpool.com+3bhg.com+3
Clean seals with soapy water; replace them if they’re cracked or warped. sobellas.com
If the repair seal doesn’t solve the cooling problem, the cause may be deeper—time for refrigerator repair.

5. 🧮 Thermostat & Temperature Settings

Check settings: fridge should be around 35–40 °F, freezer at 0 °F. A mis-set thermostat could be behind the issue.
If adjusting doesn’t help, a faulty thermostat, sensor, or control board could be to blame—needs professional diagnostics.

6. ❄️ Ice Buildup & Defrost Failures

Ice buildup in the freezer (over ¼″) can obstruct vents and impair cooling.
This suggests issues with components like defrost heaters or timers. Defrost systems should kick in every 6–12 hours. en.wikipedia.org
Struggling with frost? Our refrigerator repair team can tackle defrost system faults and restore cooling.

7. ❄️ Refrigerant Leaks & Compressor Problems

If coils and fans are clean, and airflow is clear, yet cooling remains insufficient, the problem may lie deeper—inside the compressor, relay, or refrigerant system. loganmasterappliance.com+2cocoonhomeservices.com+2docdanielson.com+2
Hissing noises, compressor overheat, or inability to maintain temperature indicate serious mechanical faults. These require professional refrigeration repair, as handling refrigerant and compressors is not a DIY job.

8. 🔊 Strange Sounds, Leaks, & Energy Spikes

Loud buzzing, clicking, or rattling often points to failing fans or motors. fixhomz.com
Leaks inside or beneath the fridge could mean clogged drains, broken seals, or blocked defrost lines—call refrigerator repair.
And a sudden spike in your electric bill? That’s your fridge working harder to stay cool—an early warning sign. fixhomz.com

🔁 DIY vs. When to Call a Professional

When simple adjustments don’t solve the problem—or if your fridge is over 10–14 years old—it’s often more cost-effective to call a professional. bhg.com+5bhg.com+5whirlpool.com+5southernliving.com+4sobellas.com+4kitchenaid.com+4whirlpool.com+2bhg.com+2en.wikipedia.org+2

🛠️ What to Expect from Professional Refrigerator Repair

Experienced technicians from Canadian Appliance Service perform:

1. Full diagnostics of compressor, fans, thermostat, and defrost systems

2. Coil cleaning and airflow optimization

3. Gasket or seal replacements

4. Refrigerant leak detection & repair

5. Mechanical/electrical repairs—compressor, relays, sensors

6. Performance testing to restore efficiency

They’ll also advise whether repairs or replacement is the best course, especially for older units nearing the end of their service life.

✅ Maintenance Checklist to Keep Your Fridge in Top Shape

• Every 3 months: Clean condenser coils & check door seals

• Monthly: Clear vents and reorganize shelves

• Annual: Inspect defrost system; vacuum fan areas

• Anytime: Monitor temperature, strange noises, water leaks

• 10+ years: Consider efficiency check or a replacement consultation

📞 Need Expert Help?

Don’t let a failing fridge spoil your food—or your budget. Canadian Appliance Service offers same‑day refrigerator repair and maintenance support:

Canadian Appliance Service
Phone: (647) 800‑5580
Email: info@canadianapplianceservice.ca
Website: canadianapplianceservice.ca
Hours: Mon–Sat • 8 AM–8 PM EST

Trust our certified technicians to restore your fridge’s cold efficiency and protect your kitchen essentials.