Fridge not cooling: what it usually is
A warm fridge goes to the front of our schedule. Here is what the symptom means, what to do before we arrive, and what affects the cost. Call or email for a quote.
- Clear quote before any work starts
- Licensed, insured technicians
- All major brands: Samsung, LG, Whirlpool, GE, Bosch, Frigidaire, Maytag, KitchenAid, Miele
- Serving York Region and North York
Freezer works, fridge is warm
This is the most common fridge call we get across York Region, and it is usually good news. Cold air is made in the freezer and pushed into the fridge compartment by the evaporator fan. If the fan has failed, or the defrost system has failed and ice has built up over the evaporator coil and blocked the airflow, or the damper between the two compartments is stuck shut, the freezer keeps working while the fridge slowly warms.
On Samsung and LG French-door units, which are the majority of fridges in Richmond Hill, Markham, Stouffville and the newer subdivisions, the defrost system is the usual culprit, and you can often hear it: the fridge is quieter than normal because the fan is not running, or there is a rhythmic scraping as the fan hits ice. On Whirlpool, Kenmore and GE units it is more often the fan motor itself.
We carry evaporator fans, defrost heaters and sensors, and damper assemblies for the common brands.
Fridge and freezer both warm
When both compartments are warming, the cold is not being made at all. The likely causes, in order:
- Compressor start relay. A small part on the side of the compressor that fails and clicks every few minutes as it tries to start. Cheap, same-visit.
- Condenser fan. Under the fridge at the back; if it stops, the compressor overheats and shuts down. Same-visit.
- Dirty condenser coils. Packed with dust and pet hair, the system cannot shed heat. A cleaning fixes it and cuts the hydro bill.
- Compressor or sealed-system leak. The fridge runs constantly but never gets cold, or the compressor is silent and hot. This is the one fault where we have the repair-or-replace conversation on a freestanding fridge. On a Sub-Zero or Miele built-in, repair still wins.
What to do in the next hour
- Keep the doors closed. Every opening dumps the cold you have left.
- Check the power. Make sure the plug is seated and the breaker has not tripped, and that the fridge has not been switched to a demo or vacation mode by accident.
- Check the vents inside. If frozen food or a bag is pressed against the vent between freezer and fridge, move it.
- Listen. A clicking every few minutes points to the start relay. Silence points to the fan or control. A constant run with no cold points to the sealed system.
- Move milk, meat and medication to a cooler with ice, and call us.
What it costs
Pricing depends on the appliance, the brand, the fault and the part, so we do not publish a price list. Tell us what it is doing and we will tell you what to expect before anyone comes out. Call or email for a quote.
Where we work
We serve Richmond Hill, Markham, Aurora, Newmarket, Stouffville and Thornhill, and North York and King City. Call or email for the earliest available appointment. More on fridge repair across York Region.
Questions we get asked
How much does fridge repair cost?
It depends on the brand, the fault and the part. Call (905) 000-0000 or email hello@yorkregionappliancepros.ca with the symptom and we will tell you what to expect.
What are the most common fridge problems you fix?
Fridge not cooling; Freezer not freezing or icing up; Water leaking on the floor; Ice maker not making ice; Loud buzzing or clicking.
Which brands?
Samsung, LG, Whirlpool, GE, Frigidaire, KitchenAid, Bosch, Maytag, Kenmore, Sub-Zero and most others.
Where do you offer fridge repair?
Richmond Hill, Markham, Aurora, Newmarket, Stouffville, Thornhill, North York and King City.
How long will my food last?
Roughly four hours in the fridge with the door kept closed. A full freezer holds for a day or two, a half-full one about a day. Keep the doors shut, move milk, meat and medication to a cooler with ice, and call.
Should I unplug it and plug it back in?
Once is fine, and wait five minutes before plugging back in. If it starts cooling again, the problem is likely a control or sensor issue that will return, so still book a diagnostic. If a relay is clicking, do not keep cycling it; that finishes off the compressor.
Related
Need it fixed fast?
Call or email and we will give you the earliest available appointment. No-cooling fridges and active leaks get priority.
Call (905) 000-0000