The most common reasons a refrigerator is not cooling include:
- The breaker may have tripped, cutting power to the fridge.
- Temperature control settings might be set too high or low.
- The refrigerator door may not be closing properly due to faulty gaskets or obstructions.
- Cold air circulation can be blocked by food boxes or containers inside the fridge.
- Dirty condenser coils can reduce cooling efficiency.
- Refrigerant leaks impair cooling capacity and require professional repair.
- Evaporator and condenser fans may not be running, preventing proper air circulation.
- Thermostat failure can cause temperature control issues.
- New refrigerators may need up to 24 hours to stabilize temperature after installation.
Basic troubleshooting steps include checking the power supply and breaker, verifying temperature settings, ensuring the door seals are intact and closing properly, clearing any obstructions from vents, cleaning condenser coils, and listening for fan operation inside and at the back of the unit. If cooling issues persist, it may indicate a refrigerant leak or compressor problem which requires professional servicing. These points cover the primary causes and fixes to investigate when the refrigerator is not cooling properly.