Guides › Appliances › Troubleshooting › Fridge Not Cooling
Fridge Not Cooling? Quick Checks Before You Call
A closed fridge keeps food cold for about 4 hours, the FDA says. Check the thermostat setting, make sure vents inside are not blocked by food, listen for the condenser fan and compressor, and clean the condenser coils with the fridge unplugged. If it stays above 40°F, move food to a cooler and call a pro.
Safety first: unplug the appliance or switch off its breaker before touching anything inside, and shut off the water or gas supply where it applies. If you smell gas, leave the house and call your gas utility from outside.
Likely causes
- Thermostat set too warm
- Vents inside blocked by food
- Condenser fan or compressor not running
- Dirty condenser coils
- Frost on the freezer wall from a defrost problem
Safe owner checks
- Check the thermostat setting and that vents inside are not blocked by food.
- Listen for the condenser fan and compressor running.
- Vacuum the condenser coils (behind or under the fridge) with the fridge unplugged.
- Check whether the freezer is frosted over. This can mean a defrost problem.
- If the fridge stays above 40°F, move food to a cooler and call a pro. The FDA says to throw out perishable food from the fridge that has been above 40°F for 4 hours or more.
When to call a pro
- Still above 40°F after the checks
- Compressor or fan silent, clicking or buzzing
- Frost keeps coming back
Repair or replace?
Fans, thermostats and defrost parts are usually worth repairing on a fridge that is not near the end of its life. A sealed-system (compressor or refrigerant) repair on an older fridge often is not.
Repair cost
Call for a quote. Costs depend on the brand, the model, the part and the shop. Ask for any diagnostic or trip fee and a written quote after diagnosis.
Sources
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Are You Storing Food Safely? (checked November 1, 2026)
Local facts
Where to take an old appliance, rebates, licensing rules and local shops differ by state and city. Each Local Help Stations state site keeps those facts on its own pages, with official sources.
Other refrigerator guides
FAQ
What temperature should my fridge be?
The FDA advises keeping the refrigerator at 40°F or below and the freezer at 0°F. Use an appliance thermometer to check.
Last checked: . Written by Local Help Stations.