Why Is My Refrigerator Not Cooling?

A refrigerator that's stopped cooling — or isn't cooling as well as it used to — is one of the most common calls we get in Houston, and the cause is usually one of a handful of specific issues rather than the whole appliance failing.

Dirty condenser coils. The coils on the back or underneath the refrigerator release heat as part of the cooling cycle. When they're covered in dust and pet hair, the unit has to work harder and may not cool properly. This is worth checking (and cleaning) before assuming a bigger problem.

A failing evaporator fan. This fan circulates cold air from the freezer into the fridge compartment. If it's not spinning — often noticeable as a change in sound, or the freezer staying cold while the fridge doesn't — the fan motor may need replacing.

Start relay or compressor issues. The compressor is what actually cools the refrigerant. If it's not running at all, or cycling on and off rapidly, the start relay or the compressor itself may be at fault.

A worn door seal. If the gasket around the door isn't sealing tightly, warm air keeps entering the refrigerator, forcing it to run constantly without ever catching up.

Thermostat or control board problems. On newer refrigerators, an electronic control board issue can prevent the cooling system from cycling correctly even though the compressor and fans are otherwise fine.

If your refrigerator isn't cooling, it's worth checking the coils and door seal yourself first — but if the problem continues, a technician can pinpoint which of these components is actually causing it rather than replacing parts by trial and error.