Refrigerator Not Cooling
Fridge not cold enough? Learn common causes, DIY troubleshooting, and repair costs ($200–$600).
Typical repair cost: $200–$600 · DIY difficulty: Easy · About 15–30 minutes.
What usually causes it
- Dirty condenser coils
- Faulty thermostat
- Broken evaporator fan
- Compressor failure
- Door seal not sealing
What you need
- Vacuum with brush attachment
- Coil brush
How to fix it yourself
- Check thermostat setting — should be 37°F for fridge, 0°F for freezer
- Clean condenser coils underneath or behind the fridge with vacuum/brush
- Check door seals — close door on a dollar bill, if it slides out easily, replace the gasket
- Ensure proper airflow — don't overstuff the fridge
- Listen for fan noise — if silent, the evaporator fan may be failing
- If coils are clean and fan works but still warm, likely compressor issue
When to call a pro
If cleaning coils and checking seals doesn't help, the compressor or sealed system likely needs professional repair.