A fridge that suddenly stops cooling is more than just an inconvenience. It can lead to spoiled food, lost groceries, and stress about what’s gone wrong. We’ve dealt with this situation often, and we know how important it is to act quickly. That’s why we’re breaking down exactly what you should check, what you can try yourself, and when it’s best to call for help.
Start with the Obvious: Power and Settings
Before assuming the worst, always begin with the basics. We’ve seen many calls where the fridge wasn’t cooling simply because it wasn’t getting power. Therefore, check that the plug is securely inserted into the outlet. Also, make sure the outlet itself is working by plugging in another small device.
After that, take a look at the control settings. Sometimes, a dial gets bumped or a child plays with the buttons. If your fridge has a digital display, confirm that the temperature is set to the correct cooling level. For most fridges, you’ll want it at or below 4°C (40°F), while the freezer should stay at -18°C (0°F).
If both power and settings look good, the next step is checking airflow. We’ve seen blocked vents cause cooling issues in both top and bottom freezers. Make sure nothing is pushed up against the back wall where cold air enters the fridge compartment.
Clean the Coils and Check for Dust Buildup
Dust and pet hair buildup around your condenser coils can lead to serious cooling issues. That is to say, your fridge relies on these coils to release heat. If they’re clogged, your appliance can’t work efficiently and might stop cooling altogether.
You’ll typically find the coils either behind the fridge or underneath it. Unplug the fridge first for safety. Then, use a coil brush or vacuum to clear off as much debris as possible. If it’s been years since you’ve done this, the buildup may be heavy, but cleaning it can sometimes restore cooling within hours.
In addition, take a look at the condenser fan. If it’s not spinning or sounds rough, it might be jammed or worn out. The fan helps push heat away from the coils, so its failure can trigger a sudden drop in cooling. Sometimes, giving it a gentle push reveals if it’s stuck.
Examine the Door Seal and Gasket
Cold air needs to stay inside. However, if the door seal (also called a gasket) isn’t tight, your fridge has to work overtime to keep temperatures down. Eventually, it might stop cooling altogether. We often find damaged or worn gaskets during fridge inspections.
To test the seal, close the fridge door on a dollar bill. Try pulling the bill out. If it slides out too easily, your gasket may need replacing. Moisture, mold, or small tears can also prevent a tight seal. You can wipe the gasket with warm soapy water and check for cracks or looseness.
If cold air is leaking out, your food is likely warming up faster than the fridge can cool. Consequently, this can make the compressor run constantly, which may cause overheating or failure in the long run.
Listen for Unusual Noises from the Compressor
The compressor is the heart of your fridge. If it stops working, the appliance can no longer cool properly. That said, not all compressor issues are catastrophic. Some may be electrical, others mechanical.
Firstly, listen for humming or clicking near the back of the fridge. A constant clicking sound, followed by silence, often signals a problem with the start relay. This small part helps the compressor start and can be replaced without changing the whole unit.
If you hear nothing at all from the compressor, it may not be receiving power. In other words, something could be wrong with the control board or wiring. While you can’t test the compressor directly without special tools, noting what you do or don’t hear helps your technician diagnose faster.
To get help right away, we suggest contacting a technician who specializes in fridge repair Calgary. That way, the issue can be isolated and repaired before food is lost or further damage is done.
Look for Ice Buildup in the Freezer
Some fridges rely on a defrost system to melt frost buildup on the evaporator coils. If that system fails, ice can cover the coils and block airflow to the fresh food section. This issue is especially common in side-by-side and bottom-freezer models.
Look for thick frost behind the rear freezer panel. If you see ice forming along the walls or vents, it may mean the defrost heater, timer, or thermostat is faulty. As a temporary fix, unplug the fridge and let it defrost completely with the doors open for several hours.
Keep towels handy to catch water runoff. After the ice has melted, plug the fridge back in and monitor cooling. If it starts working again, you’ll know the problem lies in the defrost cycle. However, the issue will likely return unless the defective part is repaired or replaced.
Evaluate the Temperature Sensors and Control Board
Modern fridges often rely on thermistors, which are small sensors that measure temperature and send data to the control board. If these sensors give inaccurate readings, the fridge might think it’s cold enough and turn off the cooling system too early.
Similarly, a faulty control board can misread data or fail to activate the compressor or fans. These issues can be tough to spot without diagnostic tools, but if your fridge has a blinking error code or an unresponsive display, something in the electronic control system could be malfunctioning.
We’ve encountered many units with subtle electronic faults that didn’t show visible damage but still caused major cooling failures. That’s why we often recommend reaching out for appliance repair in Calgary when basic troubleshooting doesn’t solve the issue.
Avoid Opening the Fridge Too Often
Once you notice your fridge isn’t cooling, limit how often you open the doors. Every time you do, warm air rushes in and raises the internal temperature. That added strain can make a failing cooling system worse.
If you’re waiting for a repair technician or testing the appliance after cleaning and checking components, leave it closed for several hours and monitor changes. Meanwhile, transfer any perishable food you want to save into a cooler or another fridge, if possible.
In the meantime, avoid adding new groceries to the appliance. For example, warm food placed inside a failing fridge will speed up spoilage and make it harder to track whether your troubleshooting steps are helping or not.
Know When to Call for Help
There’s a point where do-it-yourself troubleshooting reaches its limit. If the compressor won’t start, the fan isn’t running, or you see error codes you don’t understand, it’s time to schedule a service visit. That ensures the problem is properly diagnosed and handled.
We often hear from people who tried to fix it themselves, only to discover they accidentally caused more damage. That is why professional repair is often the safer and cheaper route in the long run. You can request a quote from a technician who knows what to look for and brings the tools to do it right.
Our team has worked on nearly every major fridge model, and we understand the value of fast, accurate repairs. We take cooling issues seriously because we know what’s at stake for your food and your home.
Contact Us for Fast Service
If your fridge has suddenly stopped cooling and you’ve already checked the basics, don’t wait for the problem to get worse. We’re here to help with professional diagnosis and repair. You can get in touch quickly using our appliance repair in Calgary contact form. We’ll respond promptly and get your fridge back to the right temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my fridge running but not cooling?
This usually means there’s a problem with airflow, the compressor, or one of the fans. It can also indicate a blocked coil or faulty control board.
How long can food last in a fridge that’s not cooling?
In general, food stays safe for about 4 hours in a fridge without power, if the door remains closed. After that, perishable items should be moved or discarded.
Should I unplug the fridge if it’s not cooling?
Yes, especially if you suspect compressor failure, electrical issues, or ice buildup. Unplugging can prevent further damage and make it safe for inspection.
Can a power outage cause my fridge to stop cooling afterward?
Yes, sometimes a power surge during the outage can damage the control board or compressor relay. These components may need replacement to restore function.
What’s the average cost to repair a fridge that won’t cool?
Costs vary depending on the problem. A simple fix like a relay replacement might be under $200, while compressor or control board issues could run higher.