Common Reasons Your Fridge Isn’t Cooling and How to Fix It Oakville Homeowner’s Guide

A refrigerator that suddenly stops cooling is one of the most stressful household problems. Food can spoil quickly, temperatures rise fast, and replacing a fridge is expensive. The good news is that many cooling issues can be diagnosed and repaired without replacing the entire unit.

At Oakville Appliance Repairs, located at 1230 White Oaks Blvd in Oakville, our technicians see this problem almost every day. Below is a practical guide to help you understand why your refrigerator might not be cooling properly and what steps to take next.

Why Your Refrigerator May Stop Cooling

Several parts of a refrigerator work together to keep your food cold. When any of them fails, the entire system can struggle. The following are the most common causes our technicians find during service calls.

Dirty Condenser Coils
Condenser coils, located either at the back or beneath the fridge, release heat from the system. When they’re covered in dust or pet hair, heat cannot escape effectively.
Result: The compressor works harder, the fridge is not cooling, and interior temperatures rise.
Solution: Unplug the refrigerator and gently clean the coils with a coil brush or vacuum. Cleaning every few months can prevent this issue completely.

Faulty Evaporator Fan Motor
The evaporator fan circulates cold air from the freezer into the refrigerator section.
When this fan fails, the freezer may still work, but the fridge compartment will become warm.
Solution: If you hear a high-pitched noise, notice frost on the back panel, or feel no air coming from the vents, a technician should inspect the fan motor and replace it if necessary.

Damaged Door Gasket (Seal)
A worn or torn door seal lets cold air leak out and warm air enter. The compressor then runs constantly, wasting energy and still failing to cool properly.
Solution: Check the rubber gasket for cracks or looseness. Close the door on a piece of paper — if it slides out easily, the seal should be replaced.

Blocked Air Vents
Airflow between the freezer and fridge sections can become blocked by overpacked shelves or ice buildup.
Solution: Make sure items aren’t pressed against back vents. Defrost the unit if there’s visible frost accumulation.

Malfunctioning Thermostat or Temperature Sensor
The thermostat controls how often the compressor cycles. If it’s defective, the compressor may not run at all.
Solution: Set the dial to a colder setting and listen for the compressor to start. If it doesn’t, professional testing of the thermostat and sensors is needed.

Compressor or Start Relay Failure
The compressor is the heart of the cooling system. A failed start relay or internal compressor fault will cause the fridge to stop cooling completely.
Solution: If the refrigerator clicks repeatedly but never starts or hums briefly and shuts off, call a technician to diagnose. These parts often require professional replacement.

Defrost System Problems
If the defrost heater or timer stops working, frost builds up on the evaporator coils, blocking airflow.
Solution: Look for heavy frost behind the rear freezer panel. This issue needs technical repair — usually replacing the heater, timer, or defrost sensor.

Why Professional Diagnosis Matters

Today’s refrigerators include digital sensors, variable-speed compressors, and smart temperature control systems. Guessing or replacing random parts can waste money and time. A certified technician can:

• Test voltage and current draw accurately.
• Identify failing components before they damage others.
• Replace only the parts that are necessary.
• Ensure refrigerant levels are safe and within manufacturer standards.
• Verify that the repair restores full cooling efficiency.

At Oakville Appliance Repairs, our technicians handle all major brands and models, providing same-day service whenever possible.

Preventing Future Cooling Problems

You can greatly reduce the risk of cooling failure by following a few preventive steps:

• Clean condenser coils every three to six months.
• Avoid blocking air vents inside the fridge.
• Keep doors closed as much as possible.
• Replace door seals when they show signs of wear.
• Schedule an annual maintenance inspection to check sensors and airflow.

A small amount of prevention keeps your refrigerator efficient, reliable, and energy-friendly.

When to Replace Instead of Repair

If your refrigerator is over fifteen years old, requires frequent repairs, or the compressor has failed, replacement may be more practical. However, for most units under ten years old, repair is usually cost-effective. A technician can help you compare repair cost versus replacement value.

Summary

A refrigerator that isn’t cooling properly doesn’t always mean the appliance is beyond repair. Often, the cause is simple dirty coils, bad seals, or a faulty fan. With proper maintenance and quick action, you can restore cooling performance and extend the life of your appliance.
If your fridge in Oakville has stopped cooling,
contact Oakville Appliance Repairs at 1230 White Oaks Blvd, Oakville, Ontario.
Call 437-970-5596 to schedule a same-day diagnostic and repair appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my fridge warm but the freezer still cold?
This usually points to a failed evaporator fan motor or blocked airflow vents. The freezer cools normally, but air doesn’t circulate to the fridge section.

How often should I clean my fridge coils?
At least twice a year, or more often if you have pets. Clean coils prevent overheating and improve efficiency.

Can I fix a refrigerator that’s not cooling by resetting it?
Unplugging the fridge for five minutes can reset the control board in some models, but this only helps with minor electronic glitches. If cooling doesn’t return, professional service is required.

Is it safe to keep food in a warm fridge overnight?
No. If the temperature rises above 4°C for more than two hours, perishable food may no longer be safe to eat.

Do you repair all refrigerator brands?
Yes. Certified technicians service all major brands, including Samsung, LG, Whirlpool, GE, Frigidaire, and Bosch.