Refrigerator Not Cooling? 7 Most Common Causes & Real Fixes (2025 Local Guide)

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A refrigerator that suddenly stops cooling is one of the most stressful home emergencies. Food spoils fast, temperatures rise quickly, and waiting days for a repair company isn’t an option. At Professional Appliance Repair, we’ve completed 6,800+ refrigerator repairs since 2017 across Tarpon Springs, Palm Harbor, Clearwater, Dunedin, Largo, and the entire Tampa Bay area.

Here are the 7 most common reasons a refrigerator stops cooling — based on real diagnostic data from our service calls — PLUS what you can fix yourself before calling a technician.

1. Dirty Condenser Coils (Most Common & Easily Preventable)

When coils are covered in dust, the refrigerator can’t release heat — causing warm temperatures and the compressor to overheat or short-cycle.

Symptoms:

• Back of fridge extremely hot

• Runs constantly

• Food soft/warm

DIY Fix:Vacuum coils or clean with a soft brush (only if safely accessible).

Professional Needed?If cleaning doesn’t help within 6–12 hours, call a tech.

2. Evaporator Fan Failure

The evaporator fan pushes cold air into the fridge section. When it fails, the freezer stays cold, but the fridge warms up.

Symptoms:

• Freezer cold, refrigerator warm

• Rattling or squealing noises

• No airflow from vents

Common repair cost: $150–$320

3. Frosted Evaporator Coils / Defrost Failure

A defrost system failure causes ice to build on coils, blocking airflow.

Symptoms:

• Ice sheet behind rear panel

• Fan noise scraping ice

• Fridge warm, freezer too cold

Most common causes:

• Defrost thermostat

• Defrost heater

• Defrost control board

Repair cost: $180–$420

4. Compressor Not Running (High-Risk Failure)

The compressor is the heart of the cooling system. When it overheats or fails, cooling stops completely.

Symptoms:

• Clicking sound every 1–3 minutes

• Fridge warm everywhere

• Rear panel warm but no vibration

Typical repair cost: $450–$1,200(Depending on brand: LG, Samsung, Whirlpool, GE, Frigidaire)

5. Refrigerant Leak (Common in LG & Samsung)

Modern refrigerators often develop micro-leaks, especially in the fresh food evaporator.

Symptoms:

• Slow loss of cooling

• Ice buildup on evaporator corner

• Compressor runs nonstop

• Temps drop then rise again

Repair cost: $350–$900(EPA-certified sealed system technician required.)

6. Failed Control Board or Sensors

Digitally-controlled fridges rely on multiple sensors. When one fails, the system misreads temperatures.

Symptoms:

• Incorrect temperature reading

• The fridge cycles strangely

• Inconsistent cooling

Repair cost: $180–$380

7. Damper Door Stuck Closed

The damper controls airflow between freezer → fridge.

Symptoms:

• Freezer frozen solid

• Fridge warm

• Clicking from the damper area

Repair cost: $120–$260

When to Call a Professional

Call immediately if:

✔ Food is spoiling

✔ Freezer is defrosting

✔ You smell burning or an electrical odor

✔ Your compressor is clicking

✔ Your fridge is under 10 years old (repair usually worth it)

We serve: Tarpon Springs, Palm Harbor, Clearwater, Dunedin, Largo, Seminole, St. Pete, Trinity, Odessa, Holiday & surrounding areas.

Need Fast Refrigerator Repair Today?

We offer:

• Same-day & next-day service

• Licensed & insured Florida business

• EPA-certified sealed system repair

• Manufacturer-trained technicians

• Transparent pricing, no surprises

• OEM parts only

📞 Call/Text: (727) 361-9800

🌐 Book Online: profapplianceservice.com