Refrigerator Not Cooling — West Hollywood Repair
When a refrigerator is running but not cooling, it's almost always one of three things: airflow inside the unit has been blocked by ice or a failed fan, the defrost system has failed and the evaporator coil is frozen solid, or the compressor's start components have failed. The good news: each of those has a clear symptom pattern, and a technician can tell which one it is in a few minutes.
What this symptom usually means
When a refrigerator is running but not cooling, it's almost always one of three things: airflow inside the unit has been blocked by ice or a failed fan, the defrost system has failed and the evaporator coil is frozen solid, or the compressor's start components have failed. The good news: each of those has a clear symptom pattern, and a technician can tell which one it is in a few minutes. Below is a breakdown of the most common causes we find on this exact problem, roughly in order of frequency.
Common causes, in order of likelihood
Frozen evaporator coil
If the freezer is cold but the fridge is warm, the defrost heater or defrost thermostat has usually failed. The coil freezes over, blocks airflow to the fridge section, and the fridge warms up.
Failed evaporator fan
A quiet freezer with a warm fridge often means the fan that pushes cold air between the compartments has stopped.
Bad start relay / compressor issues
If nothing is cold and you hear clicking every few minutes from the back, the start relay or compressor has likely failed.
Condenser coils choked with dust
Coils under or behind the fridge get coated in dust and pet hair, the compressor overheats, and cooling performance drops.
Door seal damage
A gasket that doesn't seal lets warm air in continuously. The fridge runs non-stop and still can't keep up.
When it's time to call
Call when the fresh food compartment is above 40°F and you've confirmed the fridge is plugged in and set to the right temperature. Don't wait — food safety is on the clock.
Call WeHo — (323) 285-0520
Frequently asked questions
Is my food still safe?
If the fridge has been warm for more than 4 hours and is above 40°F, perishables (dairy, meat, leftovers) should be discarded. Condiments and unopened items are usually fine.
Should I try to defrost the fridge myself?
You can unplug it for 24 hours, but that only helps temporarily and doesn't fix the underlying cause. Better to diagnose first.
How fast can you come out?
For cooling emergencies we try to get there the same day. Call early.