Opening your refrigerator to find warm food is never a good feeling. Before you panic about losing all your groceries, let's explore the most common reasons your refrigerator might not be cooling properly—and what you can do about it.

1. Dirty Condenser Coils

The Problem: The condenser coils release heat from inside your refrigerator. When they're covered in dust and debris, they can't release heat effectively, causing the refrigerator to work harder and potentially stop cooling.

What to Do: Locate the condenser coils (usually at the bottom back or underneath the unit) and clean them with a vacuum or coil brush. This should be done every 6-12 months as part of regular maintenance.

2. Faulty Evaporator Fan

The Problem: The evaporator fan circulates cold air throughout the refrigerator and freezer. If it's not working, cold air won't reach all areas of your fridge.

What to Do: Open the freezer and listen for the fan. If you don't hear it running when the compressor is on, the fan motor may need replacement. This typically requires a professional repair.

3. Condenser Fan Not Running

The Problem: The condenser fan helps cool the compressor and condenser coils. Without it, the compressor can overheat and the refrigerator won't cool properly.

What to Do: Check if the condenser fan (near the compressor at the back/bottom) is spinning when the compressor is running. If not, the fan motor likely needs replacement.

4. Thermostat Issues

The Problem: If the thermostat isn't working correctly, it won't signal the compressor to run, or it might run too much.

What to Do: First, make sure someone didn't accidentally adjust the temperature setting. Try turning the thermostat from lowest to highest and listen for a click. If there's no click, the thermostat may be faulty.

5. Door Gasket Problems

The Problem: A worn or damaged door gasket (the rubber seal around the door) lets warm air in and cold air out, making it impossible for the refrigerator to maintain temperature.

What to Do: Inspect the gasket for cracks, tears, or gaps. Try the dollar bill test: close the door on a dollar bill and try to pull it out. If it slides out easily, the seal isn't tight enough and the gasket needs replacement.

When to Call a Professional

If you've tried basic troubleshooting and your refrigerator still isn't cooling, it's time to call a professional. Issues with the compressor, refrigerant leaks, or sealed system problems require expert diagnosis and repair. Don't risk your food safety or further damage to your appliance.

Quick Tips While You Wait for Repair

Move perishables to a cooler with ice if the repair will take time
Avoid opening the door frequently to keep remaining cold air inside
Don't overload the freezer—it needs airflow to work properly
Check if your freezer is still cold—if so, you may have more time before food spoils

5 Reasons Your Refrigerator Is Not Cooling (And What to Do)